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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

“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.

The outro of “Heart Is A Drum” by Beck features a non-diatonic chord progression that includes a mixture of major, minor, and suspended chords. This chord progression results in a sense of longing and unresolved tension that is appropriate for an outro section. Additionally, the progression includes a borrowed chord, the Eb6sus2, which is borrowed from the parallel minor key and contributes to the unique, emotional quality of the song.

“The Less I Know The Better” by Tame Impala is in the key of E Major. The track has a unique blending of psych pop and synthrock, combining a funky bass line with Tame Impala’s signature synth timbre. Its harmonic structure is moderately complex and features some compelling chord progressions, with a few borrowed chords.

The song “Something” by The Beatles has a key center in C major. However, it modulates from time to time using a variety of techniques including secondary dominance and borrowed chords. It is a fine example of George Harrison’s complex songwriting and his adroitness at seamlessly weaving together uncommon chord progressions. Harrison employs an array of chords to inject a rich, nuanced musical quality to the song.

Goo Goo Dolls – Iris – Outro

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

The outro chord progression goes as follows:
– B minor chord (vi)
– A major chord (V)
– G major chord (IV)
– B minor chord (vi)
– A major chord (V)
– G major chord (IV)
– B minor chord (vi)
– A major chord (V)
– B minor chord (vi)

`[B minor chord (vi), A major chord (V), G major chord (IV), B minor chord (vi), A major chord (V), G major chord (IV), B minor chord (vi), A major chord (V), B minor chord (vi)]`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida”: [‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A’] uses a very similar chord progression but instead focuses on the chord progression Bm-G-D-A.
2. Avicii’s “Wake Me Up”: [‘Bm’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘A’] uses the same progression as “Viva La Vida”
3. Rihanna’s “Diamonds”: [‘Bm’, ‘A’, ‘G’] This is an example which uses an almost identical chord progression.

Overall:
The Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris” outro uses a very popular and effective chord progression seen in many other pop songs. Its ability to mix both a sense of closure and tension with the use of the fifth (V) makes it an excellent choice for the conclusion of a song.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression is descending and is repeated three times, beginning each time on Bm and ending on G except for the last time where it ends on Bm instead of G. This creates a cyclical structure that is typical of popular music. The use of the relative minor (Bm) creates a hint of melancholy in its tonal color, which gives certain depth and complexity to the sound.

Overall Analysis

The key of the song is D major which makes it easier to analyze the chord progression according to the diatonic scale in the key of D Major.

Style Analysis

Progression from vi (Bm), V (A), to IV (G) is a very common progression used in pop music. It allows for a sense of resolve and closure, while also introducing some tension with the use of the fifth (V). The repeated use of this progression creates a sense of familiarity and catchiness, which is essential in pop music styles.

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

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