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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the chorus of Kali Uchis’ “After The Storm” features a repeating progression of Am7, Bm7, and Eaug that occurs three times, with slight variations in harmony and tonality. It is a unique and interesting progression that creates tension through the use of both minor 7th and augmented chords. The overall style evokes a dreamy, jazzy atmosphere with elements of R&B and soul.

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.

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.

“Rocky Raccoon” by The Beatles incorporates chords commonly associated with the genre of folk or country music. It is primarily built on a repetitive chord progression which consists of Am7, D7sus4, D7, G7, C, and C/B. There’s also a use of plenty of sevenths and suspensions to create a slightly jazzy feel. It’s also worth noting The Beatles’ penchant for chords that provide a mix of major and minor tonalities.

“Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak is in the key of B minor. The chord progression for the section provided, which is the verse, is unique due to its simplicity, making it easily accessible and memorable. Even though it is incredibly simple, consisting of just three chords, the progression manages to evoke a strong sense of melancholy and longing, which resonates powerfully with the song’s lyrical themes.

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