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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 from Muse’s “Hate This And I’ll Love You” displays a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords from the parallel minor. The progression is in the key of A major and shows an unconventional use of chords that gives the song its unique sound. It also showcases certain characteristics of Muse’s music style that includes complex chord progressions and frequent changes between major and minor harmonies.

Chord Progression Analysis and Roman Numerals:

A ('I'), Gm ('bVII'), D/F# ('IV/V'), A ('I'),
Gm ('bVII'), D ('IV'), A ('I'), Gm ('bVII'),
D/F# ('IV/V'), A ('I'), Gm ('bVII'), D/F# ('IV/V')

The borrowed chord in this progression is Gm, taken from the parallel minor, A minor:
`Gm (‘bVII’)`

The chord progression of Radiohead’s “Everything In Its Right Place” is unique and complex, which contributes to the dreamy, atmospheric, and rich harmonic content prevalent in the song. Its ambiguous key center and shifting tonal centers create a sense of fluidity and unpredictability, commonly observed in Radiohead’s style. The chorus features a blend of diatonic and borrowed chords from parallel keys, which creates a colorful, almost impressionist quality to the progression.

The chorus of Taylor Swift’s song “ME!” employs a bright and catchy chord progression that’s emblematic of pop music’s joyful and exuberant character. This progression underpins the song’s themes of self-affirmation and positivity, making it an infectious and memorable part of the track.

“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, is characterized by a lush, cinematic melody that encapsulates John’s knack for crafting pop ballad choruses. Its base key is D Major, showcasing a mix of diatonic, dominant seventh, and borrowed chords. Its diverse chord progression is reflective of Elton John’s diverse influences, which include pop, rock, blues, and classical music.

Muse – Endlessly – Chorus

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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