Search

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.

“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.

The song “With A Little Help From My Friends” by The Beatles is written in the key of E major. The third verse is mostly consistent with the key, with the only chords used are E, F#m, and B.

The chord progression in Verse 3 of Daniel Caesar’s “Get You” consists of a mix of diatonic chords and borrowed chords from the parallel minor. The overall tonality is in the B minor key. The smooth, soulful sound of the progression is achieved through the use of minor chords, mixed with major seventh chords, and the cycle of fifths progression in some measures.

**

“Sour Times” by Portishead is a song with a complex and intriguing chord progression. It blends minor key tonality with modulations and chromaticism to give it a mysterious and brooding atmosphere. The song is primarily in the key of C# minor and features some borrowed chords and inversions that color the overall progression.

**

George Benson – Give Me The Night – Verse 3

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

Db/Eb, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7

Chord Progression Analysis

Db/Eb (bII), Fm7 (iv7), Bbm7 (i7), Cm7 (ii7), Dbmaj7 (bII∆7),
Fm7 (iv7), Bbm7 (i7), Cm7 (ii7), Dbmaj7 (bII∆7), Dbmaj7 (bII∆7),
Fm7 (iv7), Bbm7 (i7), Cm7 (ii7), Dbmaj7 (bII∆7), Fm7 (iv7),
Bbm7 (i7), Cm7 (ii7), Dbmaj7 (bII∆7)

“`
Borrowed Chord:
Db/Eb (bII)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Stevie Wonder – “As”
Chord progression: Emaj7 (I∆7), C#m7 (vi7), F#m7 (ii7), B7 (V7), Emaj7 (I∆7), C#m7 (vi7), F#m7 (ii7), B7 (V7)
2. Al Jarreau – “Mornin’”
Chord progression: Amaj9 (I∆9), F#m9 (vi9), Dmaj7 (IV∆7), E7sus4 (V7sus4), A13 (I13), F#m7 (vi7), Dmaj7 (IV∆7), G#m7b5 (iiø7)
3. Michael Jackson – “Human Nature”
Chord progression: Dmaj7 (I∆7), Bm7 (vi7), Em9 (ii9), F#m7 (iii7), Em9 (ii9), A13 (V13), Dmaj7 (I∆7), Bm7 (vi7), Gmaj13 (IV13), A9 (V9)

Musical Analysis

In the given chord progression, the harmony is predominantly centered around the Bbm7 (i7) chord, which suggests the tonality is Bb Dorian. The use of Db/Eb (bII) chord is a borrowed chord that is commonly used in this type of music to add tension and interest to the progression. It is borrowed from Phrygian mode, substituting a diatonic IImaj7 chord while keeping the Bb Dorian tonal center.

The extended chords such as Fm7 (iv7) and Cm7 (ii7) further enhance the jazz-influenced sound and contribute to the smoothness of the chord progression. The Dbmaj7 (bII∆7) chord provides a contrasting major quality and serves as a chromatic passing chord leading back to Fm7 (iv7).

Overall Analysis

“Give Me The Night” by George Benson features a smooth jazz and funk-influenced style. The chord progression in Verse 3 demonstrates a strong use of extended and altered chords, which create a richer texture and interesting harmonic movement. This particular chord progression is reminiscent of other popular songs from the same period and genre, displaying the influence of jazz harmony on contemporary R&B and pop music.

Style Analysis

In terms of style, “Give Me The Night” showcases George Benson’s combination of R&B, funk, and jazz elements. The chord progression itself is heavily jazz-influenced, featuring extended chords and chromaticism to create a sophisticated sound. The groove of the song is rhythmically driven by the funk-inspired bassline and drum pattern. Additionally, the melodic phrasing and vocal style of George Benson further solidify the song’s overall R&B and smooth jazz aesthetic.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Give Me The Night by George Benson are:

Db/Eb, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7, Fm7, Bbm7, Cm7, Dbmaj7