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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.

“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.

The chord progression in the outro of “Earfquake” by Tyler, The Creator is relatively simple and repetitive, featuring a constant alternation between Bbmaj7 and Am7 chords. This back-and-forth between the two chords creates a sense of tension and release that contributes to the dreamy and emotional atmosphere characteristic of the song.

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 chord progression in the outro of “Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead utilizes some common and some less common harmonic devices. The piece employs diatonic chords with some added extensions, giving a sense of tension and release. Furthermore, the progression is in the key of A major, which contributes to the overall tonality and harmonic structure.

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’]