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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Give Me The Night” by George Benson is a jazz-fusion piece with a strong R&B and pop influence. The pre-chorus utilizes a smooth harmonic progression, involving the use of common jazz chords and inversions. The progression is primarily diatonic, with a few chromatic alterations, allowing for a sense of tension and resolution that contributes to the overall groove and smooth melody.

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 constantly oscillates around C#m, which is the presumed root key. Harmonically, the 8-bar verse progression involves the frequent use of borrowed chords, as well as secondary dominants, which are frequently used in the Beatles’ compositions, to provide a colorful and subtle tension.

“House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals is a well-known folk song that has been adapted into a blues ballad with a haunting quality. The verse chord progression features a combination of minor and major chords that contribute to its emotional intensity, while also creating a sense of tension and resolution.

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The given chord progression is from the verse 3 of the song “The Good Life” by Weezer. The song is in the key of G major and features a mix of diatonic chords from the G major scale and a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (G minor).

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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