Music Theory Alchemy

Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

Muse’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is a rock interpretation of the classic 1967 pop song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli, which has been covered by various artists in different styles. The chord progression of the chorus is characterized by a series of diatonic chords, predominant in Western pop music. This progression follows a typical 1950’s “doowop” pattern present in countless pop and rock songs, utilizing the familiar circle of fourths movement (Dm-G-C) and establishing a straightforward harmonic rhythm.

Chord Progression Analysis with Roman Numerals (borrowed chords in code block):

D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A minor (vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A major (V/vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A minor (vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major 7 (Imaj7) – C7 (I7) – C6 (I6) – C major (I) – Ab major (*bVI) – C major (I)

`* Ab major (bVI) is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (C minor).`

The verse 2 chord progression in “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Muse follows a typical jazz/pop style with the use of extended and altered chords such as Major 7th and minor 7th ♭5 chords. It also features a variation in line with the different sections of the piece.

“Wild Horses” is a song by the rock band Rolling Stones from their 1971 album “Sticky Fingers”. It is a great example of the band’s adeptness not only at writing catchy rock songs but also at creating complex and interesting chord progressions. The song is in the key of G major. The verse progression is interesting with the use of the B minor chord (Bm), which is the iii chord in the key of G major – a chord that isn’t commonly used in popular music.

“Wicked Game” has a distinct melancholic tone facilitated by the minor chord progression. The repeating pattern enhances the hypnotic sense of longing Isaak is known for. Isaak’s use of reverb and echo effects on the electric guitar contributes to the “dreamy” and somewhat eerie atmosphere of the song.

“As Tears Go By” by The Rolling Stones is a classic rock ballad featuring a simple, yet effective chord progression and harmonic language. The song is in the key of G major, and the chord progression features a mix of diatonic chords from the G major scale, with the non-diatonic A major chord included as a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (G minor) key.

Muse – Cant Take My Eyes Off You – Verse 3

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

C, Cmaj7, C7, F, Fm, C, Dm, Dm7b5, C

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
C (I) – Cmaj7 (IM7) – C7 (I7) – F (IV) – Fm (iv) – C (I) – Dm (ii) – Dm7b5 (iiø7) – C (I)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Creep” by Radiohead – follows a similar pattern with a borrowed chord and half-diminished chord:
“`
G (I) – B (III) – C (IV) – Cm (iv) – G (I) – B (III) – Cmaj7 (IVΔ7) – D7 (V7)
“`
2. “My Chérie Amour” by Stevie Wonder – another example of seventh chords and a borrowed chord:
“`
F (I) – F+M7 (IΔ7+) – Bbmaj7 (IVΔ7) – Gm7 (ii7) – Fmaj7 (IΔ7) – Dm7b5 (viø7) – Gm7 (ii7) – C7 (V7) – F (I)
“`
3. “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel – incorporates major and minor seventh chords with a parallel minor chord:
“`
Cmaj7 (IM7) – Dm7 (ii7) – Dm/C (ii/C) – Gm7/C (vii7/III) – Cmaj7 (IM7) – Fmaj7 (IVΔ7) – Fm6 (iv6) – Gm7 (ii7) – C7 (V7)
“`

Musical Analysis

The progression begins with the tonic chord, C major, which quickly evolves into a dominant seventh by the use of major seventh (Cmaj7) and dominant seventh (C7) chords. This creates a sense of anticipation and tension that is resolved when the progression moves to the subdominant chord, F major.

The resolution is short-lived, however, as the regular F major chord turns into F minor (a borrowed chord from the parallel minor), introducing a dark and unexpected turn to the progression. The Fm serves as a pivot chord, modulating back into the original key. The tonic chord returns (C major), followed by the ii chord (Dm) and a half-diminished seventh version of ii (Dm7b5). This half-diminished chord adds an extra layer of tension before resolving once more to the tonic, C major, ending the verse with stability.

Overall Analysis

The Verse 3 chord progression in Muse’s cover of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is a fairly simple progression that features harmonic devices such as seventh chords, borrowed chords, and a half-diminished chord. This progression incorporates some jazz and pop influences into a stylistically cohesive and engaging harmonic landscape.

Style Analysis

Muse’s adaptation of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” blends pop, rock, and jazz influences in both melody and harmony. The presence of extended harmonies such as seventh chords, borrowed chords, and half-diminished chords all contribute to a sense of sophistication that is characteristic of jazz music. Simultaneously, the prominent rhythm guitar and melodic hooks give the song a pop-rock edge, making for a versatile and appealing style overall.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Cant Take My Eyes Off You by Muse are:

C, Cmaj7, C7, F, Fm, C, Dm, Dm7b5, C