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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

“This Masquerade” by George Benson is a jazz/R&B fusion piece with a smooth and laid-back feel. It features a slightly chromatic and sophisticated chord progression, complete with altered extensions and slash chords, resulting in a rich harmonic texture that is both soulful and intricate. The progression has some similarities to other jazz and R&B chord progressions used by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Donald Fagen (of Steely Dan), and Antonio Carlos Jobim.

“Time” by Pink Floyd is a progressive rock piece characterized by its reflective lyrics, syncopated rhythms, and distinctive use of chromaticism and modality. This chord progression takes place in the third verse of the song, where the harmonic structure is more complex and features borrowed chords, creating a sense of tension and resolution, reflecting the lyrics and conveying emotions of nostalgia and regret.

“Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles is a significant example of their high level of technical composition skills. This track, which is played in the key of A Major, incorporates variations in the conventional chord progressions by using borrowed chords and shifting harmonic and melodic structures, showcasing their profound understanding of music theory and ability to use those ideas creatively.

“Kiss” by Prince is primarily a rock song that features pop elements. The song utilizes power chords which are common in rock music, having a stripped-down chord structure that highlights the root and the fifth notes of the chord. The defined chord progression listed for Verse 3 is: [‘A5’, ‘D5’, ‘A5’]. This progression lacks the richness of Major or Minor chords but provides a solid, driving rhythm backbone to the song, prioritizing rhythmic energy over harmonic complexity.

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)

“`
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