Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the intro of “Loner” by Kali Uchis is a mixture of simple diatonic harmony and some more complex non-diatonic chords, which creates a jazzy and ethereal atmosphere. It is a 4-chord progression that resolves on F#m, making it a loop. The style of this progression is reminiscent of the Neo-Soul genre, and it can be found in some other songs across various musical styles.

The chord progression in verse 2 of “Telepatia” by Kali Uchis is a jazz-influenced progression in the key of E minor. It features several extended chords, such as the Em9 and Gmaj7 used throughout, and a dominant chord, B7, which provides tension and resolution in the progression. The G/A chord, which is essentially an A11 chord without the 3rd, also gives the progression a sense of blending major and minor tonalities.

**

“Landslide” by The Smashing Pumpkins, originally by Fleetwood Mac, is written in the key of G major. The song features simple, but effective, chord progressions that are common in the folk and rock genres. The progression utilizes primary chords in the key (G, D, and C), along with some modal mixture via the borrowing of the minor iv chord (C) and minor vi chord (Am) from the parallel minor key (G minor). The secondary dominant D/F# creates tension and movement towards the Em chord. There is also the use of a G6 chord which adds color to the piece.

**

“Penny Lane,” written by the Beatles, utilizes key changes and borrowed chords to create an interesting and complex tonal palette. The song is best understood to primarily be in the key of A Major; however, it frequently borrows chords from the parallel minor key, uses unexpected dominant chords, and briefly modulates to other key areas for color and variety. This is characteristic of several Beatles songs, and it’s one of the ways they added complexity to their music while still remaining accessible.

“Cant Buy Me Love” by The Beatles, is a song in the key of C Major, but it has an interesting harmonic structure, especially in the chorus. The song features a number of borrowed and secondary dominant chords to create tension that resolves into the tonic chord. The chorus’s progression can be seen as a series of descending minor thirds, with an unexpected shift to a ii-V-I progression which is quite popular in jazz music.

Kali Uchis – Loner – Chorus

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

Amaj7, Abaug, Abm, F#m, Amaj7, Ab, Abm, F#m, Amaj7, Ab, Abm, F#m

Chord Progression Analysis

A Major 7 (I), A Flat Augmented (bVI+), A Flat Minor (bVI-), F Sharp Minor (vi), A Major 7 (I), A Flat (bVI), A Flat Minor (bVI-), F Sharp Minor (vi), A Major 7 (I), A Flat (bVI), A Flat Minor (bVI-), F Sharp Minor (vi)

Borrowed Chords:
“`
A Flat Augmented (bVI+)
A Flat Minor (bVI-)
A Flat (bVI)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Put It All on Me” by Ed Sheeran (ft. Ella Mai): [‘Gmaj7’, ‘Bm7’, ‘Em7’, ‘Amaj7’]
2. “Sara Smile” by Hall & Oates: [‘Dmaj7’, ‘Gmaj7’, ‘F#m’, ‘Gmaj7’, ‘Em7’]

While the exact progression in “Loner” is unique, these examples show arrangements with extended chords and the use of the I – vi progression, which are stylistically similar.

Musical Analysis

The progression begins with the tonic, A Major 7, establishing the tonality of the piece. The A Flat Augmented chord creates an interesting juxtaposition, borrowing the bVI+ from the parallel minor scale (A minor). Following this, the Abm chord is the bVI- in relation to the tonic, creating a brief moment of harmonic tension before resolving to the F Sharp Minor (vi) chord.

The Amaj7, Ab, Abm, and F#m repetition adds a sense of familiarity to the progression, while still maintaining its unique quality. The borrowed chords from parallel minor scales bring an added emotional depth and character to the progression.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in Kali Uchis’ “Loner” features a mix of major, minor, and augmented chords, which contributes to the song’s unique sound and emotional depth. The progression has an unconventional and intriguing quality, while still maintaining a sense of harmonic coherence.

Style Analysis

The chord progression in Kali Uchis’ “Loner” reflects elements of R&B, soul, and jazz. The use of extended chords (such as Amaj7) and borrowed chords from parallel minor scales contribute to the song’s lush, expressive quality commonly found in these genres.

Chords in the Chorus section of Loner by Kali Uchis are:

Amaj7, Abaug, Abm, F#m, Amaj7, Ab, Abm, F#m, Amaj7, Ab, Abm, F#m