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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls is a song in the key of D Major, and uses a very common pop/rock chord progression. The sheer repetition of the progression throughout the verse establishes a solid harmonic background upon which the melody can freely roam. Chords include the primary triads (I, IV, V) which are D, G, A, minor variations of the secondary triads (ii, iii, vi), which are Em, F#m, Bm.

“`plaintext
D Major (I)
E Minor (ii)
G Major (IV)
B Minor (vi)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
D Major (I)
E Minor (ii)
G Major (IV)
B Minor (vi)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
“`

The chord progression in the chorus of Muse’s “Apocalypse Please” consists of a mix of diatonic chords and borrowed chords from the parallel major and minor keys. The progression features strong harmonic movement with a pivot modulation. Muse is known for their dramatic, often symphonic rock sound, and this progression is no exception in showing off their signature style. The progression also shares some similarities with other artists’ works in both structure and harmonic content.

“Eight Days A Week” by The Beatles is in the key of D major. The song features a handful of basic major and minor chords with a sprinkling of interesting harmonic developments such as the E7 transition chord and the use of the B minor chord which provide a rich palette of colors for the progression.

This is a beautiful chorus from “Rocket Man,” a song by Elton John. The overall vibe of the song is nostalgic and melancholy, largely due to the combination of key changes, chord progression, and Elton John’s vocal melody. The song appears to be in the key of G major.

Goo Goo Dolls – Iris – Chorus

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Chord Progression

[‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’]

Chord Progression Analysis

The given chord progression for the chorus is: Bm, A, G. Here’s the analysis with full chord names and Roman numerals:

– B minor (vi)
– A Major (V)
– G Major (IV)

The vi-IV-V progression is quite common in pop and rock music.

Note: Since this song is written in D Major, all of these chords are naturally present in the key and there are no borrowed chords in this progression.

“`
B minor (vi)
A Major (V)
G Major (IV)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

The vi-IV-V progression used in the chorus of “Iris” is quite common, and we can find it in several other songs as well. Here are a few examples:

1. “Someone Like You” by Adele: C#m, B, A (then moves to E/G#, A, E) – IV, V, III
2. “Let It Go” from the movie Frozen: Fm, Eb, Db – vi, V, IV
3. “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga: F#m, E, D, F#m, E, D – vi, V, IV

Musical Analysis

“Iris” follows a verse-chorus structure, with the given chord progression repeated multiple times throughout the song. The combination of the minor vi chord to the major IV and V chords creates a contrast that brings emotional depth and also a catchy movement to the progression.

Overall Analysis

“Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls is well-known for its unique tuning and chords which adds a certain tenderness and emotional depth to the song. The song is in D Major and utilizes a repeated chord progression that is relatively simple but effective.

Style Analysis

Goo Goo Dolls style in “Iris” is characterized by rock, with strong influences from pop and alternative rock. The repeated chord progression provides a steady, almost relentless momentum that carries through the entire song, making it intensely emotive and memorable.

Chords in the Chorus section of Iris by Goo Goo Dolls are:

[‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’]