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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The song “Ceilings” by Lizzy McAlpine utilizes fairly simple, yet effective, chord changes that are quite common in popular music. This progression primarily takes place in the key of G major, but borrows chords from the parallel minor scale and adds extensions to the chords to add depth and color.

“Ceilings” by Lizzy McAlpine, draws its magic from a mix of interesting chord progressions and different rhythms. The use of added notes in several chords (Cadd9, Emadd9) introduces additional color into the mix, creating a rich and thoughtful atmosphere. The tonality of the song is in G Major, despite the liberal use of the Cadd9 in the progression. We’ll use this tonality for the Roman numerals.

The song “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails mainly consists of a six-chord progression (Bm, G, D, A, Bm, G), repeating four times in the chorus. The sixth repetition alters the ending (Bm, G, A, B), and the key of the song is B Minor.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Nude” by Radiohead features a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, with some added tensions for additional color. It reflects the band’s signature style of blending unexpected harmonic elements to create a unique and evocative sound. In particular, the mix of major and minor chords with added tensions lends a sense of both familiarity and unconventionality to the progression.

The chord progression in the chorus of Radiohead’s “Knives Out” is an interesting and unconventional one, making use of some borrowed chords and a mix of major and minor tonalities. The overall style of the song can be described as alternative rock with some influences of jazz harmony and chromaticism, creating a unique and moody atmosphere. The progression is mostly diatonic, but it also incorporates some borrowed chords from parallel modes to add color and tension.

Lizzy McAlpine – Ceilings – Chorus

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Chord Progression

[‘Cadd9’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Emadd9’, ‘D’]

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
Cadd9 (IVadd9)
G (I)
D (V)
Cadd9 (IVadd9)
G (I)
D (V)
Cadd9 (IVadd9)
G (I)
D (V)
Cadd9 (IVadd9)
G (I)
D (V)
Emadd9 (viadd9)
D (V)
“`
Note: In the given progression, all the chords are diatonic to the scale of G major except for the B7. The B7 is a secondary dominant which is borrowed from the key of E minor (which is the relative minor of G major).

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away” by The Beatles:
“`
G (I)
D (V)
Fadd9 (♭VIIadd9)
G (I)
D (V)
Fadd9 (♭VIIadd9)
G (I)
“`
2. “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” by The Script:
“`
G (I)
D (V)
Csus2 (IVsus2)
G (I)
D (V)
Csus2 (IVsus2)
Em7 (vi7)
D (V)
“`

These songs share a noteworthy resemblance with “Ceilings”, utilizing a significant use of added and suspended 2nd chords, which create a similar atmospheric vibe and style as that of Lizzy McAlpine.

Musical Analysis

There’s a consistent pattern of movement between the IVadd9-I-V chords (Cadd9, G, D). This back and forth is a common trait in folk-pop genre to reflect a storytelling narrative. The Emadd9 adds a bit of tension, creates some anticipation and smoothly takes us back to the start of the progression. The usage of added9 chords brings a more complex and intriguing texture to the song, enriching the standard major/minor chords.

Overall Analysis

The song “Ceilings” by Lizzy McAlpine is in the key of G Major, employing a mixture of major, minor, and additive chords to create a progression that lends itself to a pop/folk atmosphere. The song is largely composed of diatonic chords in the key of G Major, with an occasional use of a B7, which can be seen as a secondary dominant to Em.

Style Analysis

Lizzy McAlpine’s style in “Ceilings” could comfortably fit into the folk-pop sphere, utilizing relatively simple chord progressions and structures infused with additive chords for intricate melodic and harmonic depth. Her progression navigates perfectly well for her target emotion: a mellowed, introspective mood, that is common in her discography.

Chords in the Chorus section of Ceilings by Lizzy McAlpine are:

[‘Cadd9’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘Emadd9’, ‘D’]