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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chorus from Jeff Buckley’s rendition of “Hallelujah” in the key of C major beautifully demonstrates a diverse range of chords and harmonic techniques. The chord progression incorporates diatonic chords, borrowed chords, and some unexpected harmonic twists, all of which work together to create a sense of emotional depth and tension throughout the chorus.

The outro of Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah” features a chord progression in the key of C Major. It includes common chords from the key, as well as some borrowed chords from the parallel minor key (C minor), which adds a level of tension and emotion to the progression. The outro has a cyclical nature, with the chords leading smoothly back into the beginning and building a sense of conclusion.

“Your Song” by Elton John is an iconic pop ballad featuring a piano-driven accompaniment. Harmonically, the song displays rich and varied chord progressions within key of D major, though with a significant usage of borrowed chords and alterations that contribute to a unique and expressive harmonic language. There is a classical and cinematic air about this song establishing it as a flagship Elton John classic.

“Love of My Life” by Queen exhibits a very romantic and classical style, resonant of popular ballads primarily from the classical and romantic periods. The song beautifully plays with complex harmonies, frequent key changes and borrowings from parallel keys (modal mixture), which together yield a dramatic and emotional expression. Many of the chords used, including diminished chords, fully diminished seventh, major-minor seventh chords, and usage of secondary dominants are reminiscent of 19th-century Romantic music.

“House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals is a traditional folk song arranged by the British rock band in 1964. The song is known for its distinct and haunting minor sound, which has become one of the most famous examples of a minor key in popular music. The chord progression features a mix of diatonic and non-diatonic chords that add variety and interest to the music.

Jeff Buckley – Hallelujah – Verse 4

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Chord Progression

C, Am, C, Am, F, G, C, G, C, F, G, Am, F, G, E7, Am

Chord Progression Analysis

C (I), Am (vi), C (I), Am (vi), F (IV), G (V), C (I), G (V), C (I), F (IV), G (V), Am (vi), F (IV), G (V), E7 (V7/vi), Am (vi)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Let It Be” by The Beatles:
C (I), G (V), Am (vi), F (IV), C (I), G (V), F (IV), C (I)

2. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley:
C (I), Em (iii), Am (vi), F (IV), G (V), Am (vi), F (IV), G (V), Em (iii), Am (vi), F (IV), G (V), C (I)

3. “Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day:
C (I), G (V), Am (vi), F (IV), C (I), G (V), F (IV), Gsus4 (V)

These similar chord progressions also feature the use of major and minor chords, perfect cadences, and occasional modulations to the relative minor key. These antecedents showcase how this particular chord progression style has shaped different genres, such as rock, pop, and singer-songwriter music.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression starts with a common I-vi alternation in the first four chords (C-Am-C-Am) characteristic of pop ballads. The following chords F- G- C (IV-V-I) form an authentic cadence, and the repetition of the V chord (G) highlights the dominant-tonic relationship, emphasizing the key of C major. The progression then shifts back to the IV-V-I progression (F-G-C), a perfect cadence that provides a strong sense of resolution.

However, the chord progression then introduces an interesting twist with the E7 chord (V7/vi). This is a secondary dominant chord that temporarily modulates to the relative minor key (Am). The E7 creates tension and expectation, propelling the progression forward and transitioning smoothly to the final Am chord (vi), which ultimately brings the listener back to the home key of C major.

Overall Analysis

The song “Hallelujah” written by Leonard Cohen and popularly covered by Jeff Buckley is a solemn ballad consisting of poetic lyrics set to a haunting melody. This particular chord progression in Verse 4 highlights the song’s delicate balance between tension and resolution. The tonality revolves around C major, with deviations into other tonal areas, which adds complexity and emotional impact.

Style Analysis

The chord progression used in Hallelujah displays a mix of traditional and modern characteristics. The use of diatonic triadic chords, perfect cadences, and secondary dominants is reminiscent of classical and early popular music styles. Meanwhile, the blend of major and minor chords in the same progression is characteristic of modern popular music, often used to express emotional complexity and provide a sense of depth to a composition.

Chords in the Verse 4 section of Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley are:

C, Am, C, Am, F, G, C, G, C, F, G, Am, F, G, E7, Am