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“Give Me The Night” is a jazz-funk composition with a rich harmonic texture and a catchy melody. It was produced by Quincy Jones and released in 1980. The verse chord progression of this piece features a series of diatonic seventh chords, with one borrowed chord from a parallel minor key, which are common to the jazz and R&B styles.

The bridge of George Benson’s “Give Me The Night” features a blend of jazz, R&B, and pop elements. The harmonic progression showcases a series of descending chords, interspersed with borrowed chords that provide an interesting twist to the overall tonality of the piece.

The song “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is based primarily around the C minor 7 chord, giving the song its dark and moody atmosphere. The song is in the key of C minor. This chord progression is repetitive and simple, allowing other aspects of the song, such as the lyrics and production, to take center stage.

“Zombie” by The Cranberries is in the key of E minor. Its structure is generally pop and rock, with the power of distorted guitars and a heavy drumbeat complemented by Dolores O’Riordan’s haunting vocals. It utilizes a four-chord progression, which is common in many pop and rock tracks and has been a popular choice amongst songwriters for its simplicity and versatility.

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Kali Uchis’s “After The Storm” is a mix of diatonic and chromatic chords that create an interesting neo-soul groove. The harmony is primarily based on G# minor, featuring the G#m7 and A#m7 as primary chords, and the D#aug chord adds tension and release within the progression. Additionally, the use of the D#aug chord acts as a chromatic mediant between G#m7 and A#m7.

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