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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 in the verse of “Apocalypse Please” by Muse is mostly based on the F#m and C# chords, with a strong emphasis on the i and V7 relationship. The progression moves back and forth between these two chords without straying far from the Tonality of F# minor while maintaining a tension and release structure.

“Comfortably Numb” is a song by Pink Floyd from their 1979 album, The Wall. It is written in the key of D major and has a slow, dreamy tempo. The second verse of the song features a chord progression that is a blend of major and minor chords, giving the song a sense of melancholy mixed with a calming atmosphere. It also deviates from the typical pop/rock chord progressions, signifying Pink Floyd’s distinct sound and innovative use of harmony.

“A Star Is Born – Shallow” by Misc Soundtrack uses common chords found in pop music and combines them in a fresh way. The progression makes use of diatonic chords and even includes a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key. It showcases a feasible balance of tension and resolution, often transitioning through a variety of chord inversions to add color and depth to the harmonies. The song moves around the circle of fifths, which allows for smooth transitions between keys.

“Goodbye Blue Sky” is a song by Pink Floyd from their 1979 album “The Wall.” It is a progressive rock piece with acoustic guitar and vocal harmony that creates a haunting and atmospheric sound. The chord progression in Verse 2 demonstrates the use of non-diatonic chords, pedal tones, and borrowed chords, giving it a sense of tension and release. This unique combination of chords contributes to the overall distinctive mood of the song.

Muse – Endlessly – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

Asus4 (IVsus4) – Am (i) – Asus4 (IVsus4) – Am (i) – Bm (ii) – E7 (V7) – Asus4 (IVsus4) – Am (i) – Asus4 (IVsus4) – Am (i) – Bm (ii) – E7 (V7)

“`Borrowed Chord: Bm (ii) from the parallel major key“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Exit Music (For a Film)”
Cmaj7 (I) – Bm (ii) – Em (iii) – G (V) – Fmaj7 (IV) – Am (vi)
2. Coldplay – “Trouble”
Am (i) – Asus4 (IVsus4) – Am (i) – G (III) – F (VI) – G (III)

Both of these examples feature a mix of major and minor chords, along with the use of borrowed and suspended chords to create a more emotionally complex sound. Moreover, the cyclical nature of the chord progressions and the use of tension and release create a sense of anticipation, drawing listeners in and evoking an emotional response.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression starts with alternating between Asus4 and Am, creating tension and release within the music. This back and forth movement gives the chords an unsettled feeling, which contributes to the overall melancholic character of the piece. The Bm chord, which is borrowed from the parallel major key, adds an element of surprise and contributes to the harmonic richness of the progression. The E7 chord acts as a dominant, leading the listener back to the tonic, Am. This cyclical nature of the progression makes it quite catchy and memorable.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

Muse is known for their progressive rock style, often blending elements of classical music, electronic music, and heavy rock. The use of suspended chords, borrowed chords, and the minor key contributes to the atmospheric and intense sound often associated with the band’s music. This progression in “Endlessly” showcases their ability to craft harmonically rich and emotive music.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Endlessly by Muse are:

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