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Related Music Theory Alchemy

Verse 2 of Grizzly Bear’s “Yet Again” presents a straightforward harmonic progression that is common in pop and indie rock music. This series of chords is mainly built around the key of A minor, and uses diatonic chords (those that naturally occur within the key) of this key. The recurring sequence (Am, G, C, F, F, Em, C, Dm) indicates a strong sense of familiarity and predictability, characteristic of many pop/rock anthologies.

The chord progression from Muse’s “Hate This And I’ll Love You” displays a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords from the parallel minor. The progression is in the key of A major and shows an unconventional use of chords that gives the song its unique sound. It also showcases certain characteristics of Muse’s music style that includes complex chord progressions and frequent changes between major and minor harmonies.

Chord Progression Analysis and Roman Numerals:

A ('I'), Gm ('bVII'), D/F# ('IV/V'), A ('I'),
Gm ('bVII'), D ('IV'), A ('I'), Gm ('bVII'),
D/F# ('IV/V'), A ('I'), Gm ('bVII'), D/F# ('IV/V')

The borrowed chord in this progression is Gm, taken from the parallel minor, A minor:
`Gm (‘bVII’)`

The progression starts on the suspended II chord of the key, which anticipates resolution either to the tonic (E major) or the supertonic (F# minor). However, it instead moves to the dominant minor (C# minor), suggesting a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (E minor). The D major chord which concludes the progression is a borrowed II from E minor as well.

“Anti-Hero,” a standout track from Taylor Swift, exemplifies her mature songwriting style that merges introspective lyrics with intricate harmonies. This song’s verse utilizes a chord progression that creates a rich emotional landscape, perfectly complementing the themes of self-reflection and personal imperfection. The progression, while rooted in the traditional pop structure, employs extended chords to enhance its lyrical narrative, adding layers of complexity that resonate with listeners.

Grizzly Bear – Two Weeks – Verse

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Chord Progression

[‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘C’]

Chord Progression Analysis

Let’s break this down in terms of the roman numeral analysis using the key of F Major:

“`
F Major (I)
A minor (vi)
C Major (V)
F Major (I)
A minor (vi)
C Major (V)
F Major (I)
A minor (vi)
C Major (V)
F Major (I)
A minor (vi)
C Major (V)
“`

No borrowed chords are being used in the verse.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Journey – “Don’t Stop Believing” (I-V-vi-IV)
2. The Beatles – “Let It Be” (I-V-vi-IV)
3. Madonna – “Like A Prayer” (I-V-vi-IV)
4. Maroon 5 – “She Will Be Loved” (I-V-vi-IV)

For these songs, the chord progressions are as follows:

“`
Journey – “Don’t Stop Believing”: G Major (I) – D Major (V) – E minor (vi) – C Major (IV)

The Beatles – “Let It Be”: C Major (I) – G Major (V) – A minor (vi) – F Major (IV)

Madonna – “Like A Prayer”: C Major (I) – G Major (V) – A minor (vi) – F Major (IV)

Maroon 5 – “She Will Be Loved”: B Major (I) – F# Major (V) – G# minor (vi) – E Major (IV)
“`

Note that the progression here is a bit different, going I-V-vi-IV instead of I-vi-V in “Two Weeks”, but it pulls from the same harmonic idea.

Musical Analysis

The I-vi-V progression is common in pop and rock music due to the tension and resolution it creates. This progression imparts a sense of continual forward motion, which supports the lyrical content quite well. This movement from the vi chord (Am), representing a relative minor, to the V chord (C), creates tension, and returning back to the I chord (F) brings closure to each phrase.

Overall Analysis

“Two Weeks” by Grizzly Bear exhibits a common pop chord progression and harmonic rhythm. The chords are primarily in root position, which contributes to the song’s straightforward and accessible sound. Stylistically, the track shows the band’s indie-rock influences and features a prominent piano part that drives the harmony.

Style Analysis

“Two Weeks” exemplifies Grizzly Bear’s unique indie rock sound, which often involves lush harmonies and intriguing harmonic progressions. The use of the I-vi-V progression helps to contribute a strong sense of tonality to the song, lending it an infectious energy that complements the airy and effortlessly graceful melodic line.

Chords in the Verse section of Two Weeks by Grizzly Bear are:

[‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘C’]