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The chord progression in the outro of “After The Storm” by Kali Uchis is a relatively simple and concise one, having just three chords: G#m7, A#m7, and D#aug. Considering that the key of this song is G# minor, the progression makes use of diatonic and non-diatonic chords. Moreover, incorporating an augmented chord lends a feeling of tension and anticipation that makes the outro stand out.

The chord progression in the intro of “After the Storm” by Kali Uchis showcases a mix of diatonic and chromatic movements, borrowing elements from jazz and R&B. The use of 7th chords and an augmented chord suggests a harmonically rich and colorful tonality, creating an intriguing atmosphere that captures the listener’s attention.

“Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones is performed in the key of G major. However, the initial chord progression beginning on B minor gives it a modal feel, specifically borrowing chords from G Lydian mode (IV of D Major). It’s an interesting mixture of folky rock with a touch of the blues, and the chord progression is largely based around the typical I-IV-V progression found in many rock songs, but with many deviations and additions.

Key: G Major

“Landslide” by The Smashing Pumpkins is a cover of a popular folk-rock song by Fleetwood Mac. In this song, The Smashing Pumpkins show their alternative rock style, while also paying homage to the folk-rock genre and especially to the founder of Folk-Rock “Fleetwood Mac”. The chords used throughout the song are predominantly composed in the key of G major, with the occasional use of a common borrowed chord (Am) from the G minor key.

The verse 2 chord progression of Radiohead’s “Everything In Its Right Place” demonstrates a combination of diatonic and non-diatonic chords with tonal ambiguity, frequent use of borrowed chords from parallel modes, and modulation. The progression has a cyclic, hypnotic quality with occasional surprises due to large leaps in pitch and unexpected, non-diatonic chords.

Kali Uchis – After The Storm – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

G#m7, A#m7, D#aug, G#m7, A#m7, D#aug, G#m7, A#m7, D#aug, G#m, A#m7, D#aug

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
– G#m7 (i7)
– A#m7 (ii7)
– D#aug (V+)
– G#m7 (i7)
– A#m7 (ii7)
– D#aug (V+)
– G#m7 (i7)
– A#m7 (ii7)
– D#aug (V+)
– G#m (i)
– A#m7 (ii7)
– D#aug (V+)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. D’Angelo – “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”, Chord Progression:
“`
– Am7 (i7)
– Bm7 (ii7)
– Eaug (V+)
– Am7 (i7)
– Bm7 (ii7)
– Eaug (V+)
“`
2. Erykah Badu – “On & On”, Chord Progression:
“`
– Bbm9 (i9)
– Db9 (IV9)
– Bbm9 (i9)
– C7#9 (bIII7#9)
“`
3. Jill Scott – “Golden”, Chord Progression:
“`
– Fmaj7 (I7)
– Gm7 (ii7)
– G#maj7(#5) (VImaj7+5)
– Gm7 (ii7)
“`

Musical Analysis

The progression follows a consistent pattern throughout. With multiple repetitions of i7-ii7-V+, the progression resolves back to the i chord again, resulting in a sense of stability. The use of the i7-ii7 chords (G#m7 and A#m7) adds more color and tension to the harmony than using simple triads would, and the D#aug chord creates an unexpected shift, adding interest to the overall progression. In the second half of the verse, the G#m chord is used instead of G#m7, which reduces the harmonic tension slightly.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Kali Uchis’s “After The Storm” is a mix of diatonic and chromatic chords that create an interesting neo-soul groove. The harmony is primarily based on G# minor, featuring the G#m7 and A#m7 as primary chords, and the D#aug chord adds tension and release within the progression. Additionally, the use of the D#aug chord acts as a chromatic mediant between G#m7 and A#m7.

Style Analysis

Kali Uchis’s “After The Storm” can be classified as a blend of R&B and neo-soul. The chord progression, along with her soothing vocals and the use of lush keyboards, creates a laid-back atmosphere as commonly heard in these styles of music. The choice of utilizing more complex chords like 7ths and augmented chords is a signature characteristic of R&B and neo-soul, which emphasizes a more sophisticated harmonic landscape in their songs.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of After The Storm by Kali Uchis are:

G#m7, A#m7, D#aug, G#m7, A#m7, D#aug, G#m7, A#m7, D#aug, G#m, A#m7, D#aug