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“Yet Again” by Grizzly Bear uses a repetitive verse structure that has a fairly common, major-oriented progression, but develops interest by alternating the exact sequence of chords that it employs. This gives the song a haunting but familiar atmosphere. The mixture of minor and major chords, along with the presence of a borrowed chord, creates tension and release within each verse.

“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.

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.

Taylor Swift’s “Black Dog” features a chorus that uses a sophisticated and intricate chord progression to drive the emotional depth and thematic elements of the song. This progression combines inversions and extensions to create a layered and textured musical atmosphere, reflecting the complexity of the song’s lyrics and enhancing its reflective nature.

“It’s A Fire” by Portishead is a song characterized by its frequent modulations and use of borrowed chords, making it a considerable complexity in terms of harmony. It features transition from key centers and borrowed chords from other keys, which creates tension and resolution creating the signature moody and intense atmosphere Portishead is known for.

Grizzly Bear – Yet Again – CHORUS

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Chord Progression

[‘Em’, ‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘Em’, ‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘Em’, ‘Em’, ‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘Em’, ‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Bb’, ‘G’, ‘Bb’, ‘G’, ‘Bb’, ‘Dm’]

Chord Progression Analysis

* E minor (iv)
* F major (VI) – borrowed from A minor
* A minor (i)
* E minor (iv)
* F major (VI) – borrowed from A minor
* A minor (i)
* E minor (iv)
* E minor (iv)
* F major (VI) – borrowed from A minor
* A minor (i)
* E minor (iv)
* F major (VI) – borrowed from A minor
* A minor (i)
* G major (VII)
* B flat Major (bII) – Neapolitan chord
* G major (VII)
* B flat Major (bII) – Neapolitan chord
* G major (VII)
* B flat Major (bII) – Neapolitan chord
* D minor (iv) – borrowed from F major

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Paranoid Android” by Radiohead features a chromatic shift similar to the G-Bb modulation in Grizzly Bear’s song. The progression goes: Cm – Eb – Ab – G. Their frequent use of borrowed chords and unexpected modulations is a hallmark of their style.

2. Another song that similarly employs the Neapolitan chord is “Because” by The Beatles. The song modulates from C#m to D, which gives it its distinct sound. The progression is: C#m – D – Amaj7.

3. “Life In Technicolor ii” by Coldplay also uses a chorus that modulates in a similar way to “Yet Again.” The progression is: Em – D – C – Bm – D, giving it a similar feel and sense of resolution.

(Note: The song’s actual chord progression names may vary due to different interpretations and transcriptions by different musicians).

Musical Analysis

The chorus of “Yet Again” has a high use of borrowed chords from the parallel major (F major) which adds a unique, unexpected element, providing the shiftiness that characterizes this song. The song also positions the Neapolitan chord (bII, Bb major in the key of A minor), which is an unusual but effective chord, creating tension before resolution.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

Grizzly Bear notably employs modal mixture and chromaticism in “Yet Again”, borrowing chords from parallel keys to inject a sense of unpredictability. The band’s style is eclectic, often flirting with elements of psychedelic folk, indie rock and chamber pop.

Chords in the Chorus section of Yet Again by Grizzly Bear are:

[‘Em’, ‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘Em’, ‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘Em’, ‘Em’, ‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘Em’, ‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Bb’, ‘G’, ‘Bb’, ‘G’, ‘Bb’, ‘Dm’]