Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

“Nothings Gonna Change My Love For You” by George Benson is a romantic ballad in the key of Db major. The piece features a soothing and harmonically rich chord progression that is characteristic of the pop/jazz fusion style popular in the late 70s and 80s. The chorus features a mix of diatonic, borrowed, and secondary-dominant chords, creating an expressive palette of colors and tensions. This progression shares similarities with other ballads and pop songs from the era.

“Someone to Love” by Queen is a rock song infused with gospel and blues influences. It’s written in the key of Ab major but the second verse you have provided seems to be in G major.

The song “Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails has a dark and moody atmosphere, characterized by the repetitive chord progression that sets the gloomy tone. This prolific use of chords throughout snippets of the song creates a musical portrait of monotony and disillusion which is reflective of the song’s title and lyrics. Looking at the chords provided from the second verse, this mood is accomplished through the consistent use of minor tonalities and alternation between two power chords – E and C.

“Say It Ain’t So” by Weezer is an alternative rock song with a sense of melancholy in the verse and a catchy, anthemic chorus. The verse chords, which you provided, create a strong sense of movement and harmonic interest by using borrowed chords and a combination of diatonic and chromatic chord progressions.

George Benson – Give Me The Night – Verse 2

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7

Chord Progression Analysis

Dbmaj7 (I), Fm7 (iv), Bbm7 (vi), Cm7 (bII), Dbmaj7 (I), Fm7 (iv), Bbm7 (vi), Cm7 (bII), Dbmaj7 (I), Dbmaj7 (I), Fm7 (iv), Bbm7 (vi), Cm7 (bII), Dbmaj7 (I), Fm7 (iv), Bbm7 (vi), Cm7 (bII), Dbmaj7 (I)

“`
Borrowed Chord: Cm7 (bII)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Stevie Wonder – “As”:
Chord progression: Emaj7 (I), G#m7 (iii), C#m7 (vi), F#m7 (ii), B7sus (V)

2. Al Jarreau – “Mornin’”:
Chord progression: Abmaj7 (I), Dbmaj7 (IV), Cm7 (vi), Fm7 (ii), Bbm7 (v), Eb7 (I)

3. Patrice Rushen – “Forget Me Nots”:
Chord progression: Amaj7 (I), Abm7 (bVII), F#m7 (vi), G#m7 (VII)

These songs share a similar late 70s and early 80s R&B and jazz fusion style, with sophisticated chord progressions, smooth grooves, and a mixture of diatonic and non-diatonic chords. The progressions make use of extended chords (sevenths) for a lush, harmonically rich sound.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression in verse 2 of “Give Me The Night” starts with a Dbmaj7 followed by Fm7, Bbm7, and Cm7 in a typical I – iv – vi pattern, often found in R&B and jazz songs. However, the Cm7, which is the bII chord, adds a unique borrowed chord element from the Phrygian mode and is responsible for the song’s distinct harmonic texture. This mixture of diatonic and non-diatonic chords provides a tonally rich and interesting progression, while still retaining a sense of familiarity and consonance.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

The style of “Give Me The Night” is heavily influenced by the R&B and jazz fusion movement of the late 70s and early 80s. The smooth, soulful groove, combined with the harmonic sophistication provided by the chord progression, is characteristic of the era’s popular music. The choice of lush, extended chords (sevenths) contributes to the song’s silky and jazz-infused sound. Furthermore, the Phrygian element introduced through the borrowed chord is indicative of the experimental and genre-blending musical approaches common in that period.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Give Me The Night by George Benson are:

Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7