Music Theory Alchemy

Search

Related Music Theory Alchemy

The song in question, “Endlessly” by Muse, is a reflective and emotional piece, featuring a fairly unique chord progression. The verse’s chord progression is not commonly heard in popular music, giving it a distinct sound that sets it apart from other songs. The use of suspended chords, the shift from Am to Bm, and the resolution to the E7 chord give the piece a floating, ethereal feel.

The chord progression in the chorus of Muse’s “Megalomania” features a blend of major and minor chords, as well as the use of the dominant 7th chord (B7) to create tension and resolution. This progression provides a harmonic foundation for the powerful and emotional vocals, giving it an intense and memorable feel.

The key of ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ is G Major, a common key for pop and country songs which provides a bright and uplifting sound. Throughout the song, only four different chords are used: G, D, Em and C. The progression is repeated consistently, with only the sudden introduction of an F major chord (borrowed from the parallel minor of G) towards the end of the song during a transition phase.

“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.

“Nothings Gonna Change My Love For You” by George Benson is a romantic ballad in the key of Db major. The piece features a soothing and harmonically rich chord progression that is characteristic of the pop/jazz fusion style popular in the late 70s and 80s. The chorus features a mix of diatonic, borrowed, and secondary-dominant chords, creating an expressive palette of colors and tensions. This progression shares similarities with other ballads and pop songs from the era.

Muse – Endlessly – Chorus

Add To Favorites Remove From Favorites

< All Analyses

Chord Progression

Dm, Am, Dm, F, C, E, Em7b5/Bb, A7, Dm, G, C

Chord Progression Analysis

D minor (i), A minor (v), D minor (i), F major (III), C major (VII), E major (II), E minor 7 flat 5 over Bb (ivø7/♭VI), A7 (V7), D minor (i), G major (IV), C major (VII)

“` Borrowed Chord: E major (II) “`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”
Chord progression in bridge: [C#m7(i), B7(♭VII7), G#m7(iv), G7(♭III7)]

2. The Beatles – “Michelle”
Chord progression in verse: [Fm(i), B♭m(v), E♭(♭VII), A♭(♭III), D♭(♭VI), A♭(♭III), E♭(♭VII), B♭m(v)]

3. Coldplay – “Viva La Vida”
Chord progression in verse: [C(I), D(IV), G(VI), E♭m/♭III, A(V), B♭m/♭III, G(VI), A2(V7)]

It is important to note that Muse’s chord progression in “Endlessly” is quite unique, and it’s difficult to find an exact match in other songs. However, the examples mentioned above share characteristics such as borrowed chords or unexpected harmonic twists that give them a similar eclectic feel.

Musical Analysis

Though the piece is primarily in D minor, the inclusion of an E major chord (which is borrowed as the major II from D harmonic/melodic minor) adds a nice momentary color to break up the typical minor progressions. The use of E minor7♭5/B♭ is an interesting substitution for a diminished or half-diminished chord, as it results in a smoother chromatic bassline approach to the A7, which then resolves back to D minor as the V7-i cadence.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the chorus of “Endlessly” by Muse is an interesting mix of chords from related keys and chromatic alterations. The overall key of the piece is D minor, but there are some unexpected twists and turns that keep the harmonic journey unique and engaging.

Style Analysis

Muse is known for its genre-blending style that often incorporates elements from classical and progressive music into their rock/pop sound. The combination of borrowed chords, chromatic alterations, and borrowed harmony in this progression is no doubt an example of their progressive tendencies, while still maintaining a relatively accessible sound.

Chords in the Chorus section of Endlessly by Muse are:

Dm, Am, Dm, F, C, E, Em7b5/Bb, A7, Dm, G, C