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“Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane uses a handful of straightforward major and minor chords which contribute to a pop, atmospheric, and emotive sound indicative of the band’s alternative rock aesthetic. The chord progression of the pre-chorus is fairly common and creates a cyclical and slightly unsettled feel that fits well with the song’s lyrical themes of uncertainty and longing for return.

“Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane is a pop/rock song written in the key of A Major, although the chord progression given seems to be transposed to the key of C Major. It is characterized by its use of repeated motifs and sequenced chord progressions to create a sense of familiarity and typical of the pop genre.

The outro of “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin features a simple alternating chord progression between G major and A major, which creates tension by avoiding a resolution to the tonic or dominant chords. This makes the progression sound unstable, yet well defined as it repeats. The recurring ascending motion creates a sense of lift throughout the outro, while the lack of a true resolution maintains a feeling of unease. This progression is notable for its simplicity, as well as how it invokes a modal sound that is characteristic of the mixolydian mode often used in rock music.

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.

“Think I’m In Love” by Beck is a pop-infused indie rock piece that features an easy-going, catchy melody and a simple yet effective chord progression. The use of repetitive chords throughout the Outro creates a sense of stability and familiarity. The Outro builds upon the tonal center of F Major established earlier in the song and prolongs the tonic, adding to the song’s overall sense of closure and resolution.

Keane – Somewhere Only We Know – Outro

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Chord Progression

[‘Dm’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Dm’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘Dm’, ‘Em’, ‘Dm’, ‘Em’, ‘Dm’, ‘C’]

Chord Progression Analysis

`Dm – C – G – Dm – Em – C – Dm – Em – Dm – Em – Dm – C`

`D minor (ii) – C Major (I) – G Major (V) – D minor (ii) – E minor (iii) – C Major (I) – D minor (ii) – E minor (iii) – D minor (ii) – E minor (iii) – D minor (ii) – C Major (I)`

As far as borrowed chords are concerned, there are none in this progression; all chords belong to the key of C Major.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Beatles – “Let It Be”:
`C Major (I) – G Major (V) – A minor (vi) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I) – G Major (V) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I)`
2. Elton John – “Your Song”:
`E flat Major (I) – B flat Major (V) – A flat Major (IV) – E flat Major (I) – F minor (ii) – G minor (iii) – A flat Major (IV) – E flat Major (I)`
3. Oasis – “Wonderwall”:
`C Major (I) – E minor (vi) – G Major (V) – D Major (II) – C Major (I) – E minor (vi) – G Major (V) – D Major (II)`

These songs share a similar style of focusing the melody and structure around simple chord progressions, giving room for the lyrics and melody to breathe and take the spotlight. They also have slightly unconventional sequences, giving each song its own unique character.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression is cyclic in nature and provides an interesting harmonic bedrock. The repetitive alternation between ii-I/V chords lends an emotional tinge to the song. The song also uses the iii chord (Em), adding a different color to the otherwise familiar pattern and giving the song a bit of tension that is released when the chord progression moves back to the I chord (C Major).

Overall Analysis

“Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane is a softly and tenderly written song that rests primarily on the key of C Major. However, it uses a fair amount of borrowed chords from the parallel minor key, giving it a warm, melancholic tone, which is typical of many pop ballads.

Style Analysis

The band Keane is known for their piano-driven pop/rock sound, and “Somewhere Only We Know” is a clear exemplification of that. In its chord progression, the song employs a brand of simplicity, repetitive cycling, and a sprinkle of unconventional chord usage (iii = Em) that make up their distinctive style of modern rock/pop music.

Chords in the Outro section of Somewhere Only We Know by Keane are:

[‘Dm’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Dm’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘Dm’, ‘Em’, ‘Dm’, ‘Em’, ‘Dm’, ‘C’]