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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

“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 Beatles’ “Rocky Raccoon” incorporates a repeating sequence of predominantly seventh chords, displaying a mix of minor, dominant, and sustained chords within the and C Major/A minor keys. This diversity contributes to the song’s unique harmony, and given its context in a folk rock style, the progression exudes a rustic, storytelling personality.

“Love Of My Life” by Queen, especially Verse 3, showcases a mix of simple and complex harmony, with many secondary dominants, borrowed chords, and diminished chords contributing to varying and shifting tonal centres. This makes for an emotional and contextually appropriate progression that fits well with the song’s lyrical content.

Prince’s “Purple Rain” is a classic power ballad, rooted deeply in pop and rock genres. The chord progressions, with particular emphasis on the one given in Verse 3, underlines Prince’s lyricism and craft, showcasing his unique ability to blend seemingly simple chord progressions to evoke emotional and profound moods. The key of the song is G major.

George Benson – Give Me The Night – Verse 3

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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)

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Borrowed Chord:
Db/Eb (bII)
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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