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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chorus of “Give Me The Night” by George Benson features a smooth chord progression that explores both diatonic and borrowed chords, creating a sophisticated sound that is characteristic of the jazz and R&B styles prevalent in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The progression is comprised of chords that stem from the Fm7 key but also includes a borrowed Dbmaj7 chord.

The chord progression in the pre-chorus of George Benson’s “Give Me The Night” can be described as a smooth, jazzy, and mellow progression influenced by R&B and jazz-funk styles. It features a combination of diatonic chords and extensions, which create a sense of sophistication and complexity.

The chord progression in Muse’s Hysteria (verse 2) is a fairly unique progression that revolves around a minor tonality with some hints of E7 acting as a secondary dominant. It seems to have an ambiguous key center, fluctuating between E minor and A minor. The progression is repeated, providing a sense of tension and familiarity throughout the verse.

“The Bullet With Butterfly Wings” by The Smashing Pumpkins essentially revolves around the use of power chords, or 5th chords, to project a raw, grungy intensity. The chord progression (B5, Em, G5), extracted from the second verse of the song, is prominent throughout. The use of power chords results in a composition that doesn’t transpose to a traditional major or minor key, but fits within a modal framework.

“Exit Music (For a Film)” by Radiohead features a unique and somewhat complex chord progression, particularly in the second verse. The song can be viewed as being in A minor, with various borrowed chords and non-diatonic chords. The chord progression reflects Radiohead’s experimental and innovative approach to harmony and songwriting.

George Benson – Give Me The Night – Verse 2

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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)

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Borrowed Chord: Cm7 (bII)
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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