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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

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).`

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The overall use of chords highlights Queen’s blending of rock with more complex harmonic structures, moving beyond simple major & minor chords and incorporating 7th and inversions. Despite its pop/rock surface, “Somebody to Love” includes interesting modulation and chord choices that could be seen as more typical of more ‘classical’ forms of music.

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“Everything In Its Right Place” by Radiohead is a harmonically adventurous piece with an unconventional structure that features a mixture of modal and borrowed chords. The piece has an impressionistic quality influenced by classical lineage, while also regularly employing electronic and synthesized sounds.

The song “I Will” by The Beatles is an example of their unique and sophisticated approach to pop songwriting, demonstrating their comprehensive mastery of harmony within the pop idiom. The majority of the harmonies used in the song are diatonic to the key of C major, however there are several instances of borrowed chords that add color and complexity to the song’s overall harmonic structure.

Muse – Endlessly – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

Asus4, Am, Asus4, Am, Bm, E7, Asus4, Am, Asus4, Am, Bm, E7

Chord Progression Analysis

`Asus4 (IVsus4) – Am (IVm) – Asus4 (IVsus4) – Am (IVm) – Bm (v) – E7 (I7) – Asus4 (IVsus4) – Am (IVm) – Asus4 (IVsus4) – Am (IVm) – Bm (v) – E7 (I7)`

_Borrowed Chords:_
`None`

Similar Chord Progressions

Though unique to Muse, the progression does bear some similarities to other works in terms of specific aspects of the progression itself.

1. Radiohead – “Exit Music (For a Film)”:
`Am (i) – E (V) – Bm (iv) – D (VI) – G (IX) – E (V) – Am (i)`

2. Coldplay – “Warning Sign”:
`Asus2 (IVsus2) – Amaj7 (IVmaj7) – E (I) – Asus2 (IVsus2) – Amaj7 (IVmaj7) – G#m (iii) – A (IV)`

These examples share some aspects of Muse’s chord progression, such as the use of suspended chords, shifting from minor to major chords, and interweaving tension and resolution. However, the overall progression in “Endlessly” still remains distinctive amongst similar artists.

Musical Analysis

The consistent alternation between the Asus4 and Am chords at the beginning of the progression creates a sense of tension and suspension through the raised 4th (which makes the Asus4), in contrast to the more stable Am chord. The subsequent movement from Am to Bm and later to E7 provides tension and resolution. The E7 resolves back to Am, which occurs at the beginning of the verse, effectively tying the progression together as a cyclical pattern.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

The chord progression’s dreamlike sound and suspended chords create a certain atmosphere that is characteristic of the style we see in Muse’s music, especially in their romantic, introspective songs. In general, Muse is known for their experimental approach to musical styles and chord progressions, and “Endlessly” is no exception.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Endlessly by Muse are:

Asus4, Am, Asus4, Am, Bm, E7, Asus4, Am, Asus4, Am, Bm, E7