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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in Muse’s “Endlessly” from Verse 2 is a mix of diatonic chords and a borrowed chord from the parallel major key. The progression has a melancholic feel, utilizing suspended chords to create tension and release. The use of both minor and major chords provides a balanced sound, giving the piece its unique character.

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).`

“Exit Music (For a Film)” by Radiohead is a song characterized by a strong sense of melancholy and dark ambiance. The harmonic movement creates tension through the use of chromaticism, borrowed chords, and non-diatonic notes. In the verse progression, there is a mixture of minor and major chords, along with added tones that enhance the complexity and mood of the music.

“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” is a song written by Elton John that features a complex chord progression that effectively complements the haunting and nostalgic quality of the song’s lyrics. The primary key of the song is D major, while parts of the progression borrow from both the parallel minor (D minor) and the relative minor (B minor). The use of these borrowed chords adds harmonic interest and enhances the song’s evocative, wistful mood.

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Generally, the chord progression follows the conventional guidelines of western music, utilizing strong resolution from B (V) to E (I). However, it also employs some harmony techniques very typical in pop/rock music, such as the use of slash chords and chord inversions (A/E, F#m7/E) to add harmonic interest. In addition, it incorporates chromatic mediant relationships (E to C#m) to create a sense of progression.

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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