Music Theory Alchemy

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The chord progression in the chorus of “Give Me The Night” by George Benson demonstrates the use of extended and borrowed chords. The progression consists of a mix of diatonic chords and chords borrowed from the parallel minor, which is a characteristic of jazz and R&B music. The use of the Db/Eb also adds a layer of harmonic ambiguity that creates tension, enriching the overall sound of the piece.

“Give Me The Night” is a classic R&B and jazz-infused song by George Benson, released in 1980. The song was written by Rod Temperton and produced by Quincy Jones. It features a smooth, soulful groove, lush harmonies, and a sophisticated chord progression that is characteristic of the late 70s and early 80s R&B and jazz fusion style. The verse of the song makes use of diatonic chords with a few borrowed chords, giving the progression a rich and interesting harmonic content.

George Benson – Give Me The Night – Pre-Chorus 4

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Chord Progression

Dbmaj7, Bbm7, Db/F, Db/Eb

Chord Progression Analysis

Dbmaj7 (I maj7) – Bbm7 (vi m7) – Db/F (I 6/3) – Db/Eb (I 6/4)

Similar Chord Progressions

Musical Analysis

The first chord, Dbmaj7, firmly establishes the tonal center of the progression as Db major. Following that is Bbm7, which is the vi chord and a diatonic chord in the key of Db major as well. The progression then moves to Db/F, which is the I chord with an inversion, specifically in first inversion, with the third of the chord, F, in the bass. The final chord is Db/Eb, which is another inversion of the I chord (Db). In this case, it is in the second inversion with the fifth of the chord, Eb, in the bass.

Overall Analysis

The pre-chorus section of George Benson’s “Give Me The Night” is a smooth and interesting progression that exhibits characteristics of the jazz, funk, and R&B styles. It features a mix of seventh chords and inversions, and utilizes both diatonic and borrowed chords from the parallel minor key.

Style Analysis

The use of seventh chords and inversions in this progression is characteristic of jazz, R&B, and funk styles that George Benson is known for. The movement between diatonic chords creates a sense of stability, while the inversions of the I chord add interest and tension.

Similar Chord Progressions by Other Artists and Songs:
1. Stevie Wonder – “Isn’t She Lovely”
Fmaj7 (I maj7) – Dm7 (vi m7) – F/C (I 6/3) – F/Bb (I 6/4)

2. Earth, Wind & Fire – “After The Love Has Gone”
Bbmaj7 (I maj7) – Gm7 (vi m7) – Bb/Eb (I 6/4) – Bb/D (I 6/3)

3. Bill Withers – “Just The Two of Us”
Fm7 (ii m7) – Ebmaj7 (I maj7) – Fm7 (ii m7) – Gm7 (iii m7)

While these examples may not be an exact match, they exhibit similar components, such as the use of seventh chords, inversions, and movement between diatonic chords, that lend them a similar jazz, R&B, and funk style to the pre-chorus progression from “Give Me The Night.”

Chords in the Pre-Chorus 4 section of Give Me The Night by George Benson are:

Dbmaj7, Bbm7, Db/F, Db/Eb