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The modality of the song “Yet Again” by Grizzly Bear is primarily in A minor, which makes it a piece in the minor modality. This song uses several traditional progression elements, but intermixes them with unexpected changes, especially the shift from E minor to F major, and the chromatic shift from G major to B flat major.

The song “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails is in the key of B minor. The verse has a simple yet effective chord progression that revolves mainly around the i, III, and IV chords with a slight deviation towards the end. The chorus is characterized by a i-VII-III-VI progression with a slight extension. The outro mostly repeats the verse progression but is shorter.

“Guilty as Sin?” by Taylor Swift uses a chord progression in the verse that reflects a more nuanced and reflective approach, suitable for a song with a contemplative or emotive theme. The interplay between minor and major seventh chords creates a lush, complex sound that elevates the song’s introspective and somewhat moody lyrical content.

“Yesterday” by The Beatles showcases the innovative use of chord progressions that the group is known for. This song, unlike their other songs, includes borrowed chords and numerous secondary dominant chords. It also uses their favored approach of mixing chords from parallel major and minor scales, hence creating a ‘blended’ modal effect.

Moreover, it uses a mixolydian ♭7 in the main chord sequence, which is quite a popular trick among songwriters for shifting the tonic of a song.

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’]