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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.

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 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.

“Bennie And The Jets” by Elton John, released in 1973, features a distinctive chord progression that exemplifies Elton’s advanced harmonic sensibility and taste for grand piano-based balladry. The song is mainly in the key of G Major.

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“Landslide” by The Smashing Pumpkins, originally by Fleetwood Mac, is written in the key of G major. The song features simple, but effective, chord progressions that are common in the folk and rock genres. The progression utilizes primary chords in the key (G, D, and C), along with some modal mixture via the borrowing of the minor iv chord (C) and minor vi chord (Am) from the parallel minor key (G minor). The secondary dominant D/F# creates tension and movement towards the Em chord. There is also the use of a G6 chord which adds color to the piece.

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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