Muse – Apocalypse Please – Outro
Apocalypse Please < All Analyses
Chord Progression
C#5, F#m/C#, C#5, F#m, D5, B5, C#5, F#5
Chord Progression Analysis
C#5 (‘I5’), F#m/C# (‘ii2’), C#5 (‘I5’), F#m (‘ii’), D5 (‘bIV5’), B5 (‘bvi5’), C#5 (‘I5’), F#5 (‘IV5’)
Similar Chord Progressions
1. Radiohead – Karma Police:
Am (‘I’), G (‘bVII’), D (‘IV’), G (‘bVII’), C (‘bIII’), Bm (‘ii’), E (‘V’)
2. The Beatles – Let It Be:
C (‘I’), G (‘V’), Am (‘vi’), F (‘IV’), C (‘I’), G (‘V’), F (‘IV’), C (‘IV’)
3. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Under The Bridge:
Dmaj7 (‘IVmaj7’), F#m7 (‘vi7’), Gmaj7 (‘bVII7’), Am7 (‘i7’)
Note that these chord progressions are not exactly the same but do share similar elements with the progression in Muse’s “Apocalypse Please,” such as the use of power chords, diatonic chords with occasional chromatic movement, and rock/pop influences.
Musical Analysis
The chord progression starts with C#5, a power chord rooted in the home key of C# minor, which then moves to F#m/C#, the iim7 of the key, with the same C# root note. This creates a sense of tension and movement, despite the shared root note. The progression then continues with C#5 and F#m again, maintaining this tension and resolution dynamic.
The next chord, D5, contains a chromatic note (D natural) as it is the flattened 4th scale degree, acting as a bIV5 chord. This creates more tension and a sense of dissonance in the music. Following D5, we have B5, a power chord version of the vi7 chord in C# minor (instead of Bm as it would be borrowed from the parallel major). The chord progression concludes with the familiar C#5 and F#5, making the connection with the previous repetitions and resolving to the IV5 chord to finish.
Overall Analysis
The outro of Muse’s “Apocalypse Please” features a mix of power chords and triadic chords, with predominant iim7 and IV triads along with some embellishing chords. The piece has a rock-based style, with the emphasis on power chords, a driving rhythm, and intense dynamics. The chord progression borrows elements from different genres, such as pop and classical, with some interesting chromatic movement.
Style Analysis
The inclusion of power chords (5 chords) and the driving rhythm make this progression distinctly rock-based. Muse is known for blending rock elements with other genres like classical and pop, and this is evident in the chord progression. The use of mostly diatonic chords with some chromatic movement is a common occurrence in Muse’s music, creating moments of tension and resolution.
What are the chords in: Muse – Apocalypse Please – Outro?
C#5, F#m/C#, C#5, F#m, D5, B5, C#5, F#5
