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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Feeling Good” by Muse is a cover of the song originally written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse for the 1964 musical “The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd”. Muse’s version is characterized by its distinct blend of jazz, rock, and pop influences, with strong orchestration and stylistically unique elements that give the song a modern edge while still paying homage to its classic roots.

The chord progression in the chorus of Muse’s “Apocalypse Please” consists of a mix of diatonic chords and borrowed chords from the parallel major and minor keys. The progression features strong harmonic movement with a pivot modulation. Muse is known for their dramatic, often symphonic rock sound, and this progression is no exception in showing off their signature style. The progression also shares some similarities with other artists’ works in both structure and harmonic content.

The chord progression in the verse of Radiohead’s “Nude” sets a contemplative and emotive atmosphere. It features a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, which creates unexpected harmonic shifts that evoke feelings of melancholy. This distinctive harmonic language can be associated with the band’s signature moody sound and has been influential in the indie and alternative rock genres.

The verse of “All I Need” by Radiohead features a simple chord progression consisting of three main chords: C, Em, and G. It alternates between these three chords for most of the progression, with some occasional repetition of the C chord. This progression provides a consistent harmonic foundation for the vocal melody and sets a mostly stable and melancholic mood.

“Can’t Buy Me Love” is a song in C Major. The Beatles were renowned for their use of a variety of chord progressions, and this song certainly lives up to that reputation. Although the progression in the verse primarily consists of the chords ‘C7’, ‘F7’, and ‘C’, it’s the way they are harmonically linked that makes it really interesting.

Muse – Feeling Good – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

Gm, Gm/F, Eb, D, Gm, Gm/F, Eb, D, Gm, Gm/F, C/E, Cm/Eb

Chord Progression Analysis

G minor (i) – G minor/F (i/6) – E-flat Major (VI) – D Major (V) – G minor (i) – G minor/F (i/6) – E-flat Major (VI) – D Major (V) – G minor (i) – G minor/F (i/6) – C Major/E (IV/6) – C minor/E-flat (iv/6)

Borrowed Chord: `C Major (IV)`

Similar Chord Progressions

Musical Analysis

The verse starts with a G minor chord, followed by G minor/F – an inversion that adds a sense of forward motion. The E-flat major provides a smooth transition to the D Major, which is the dominant chord in the G minor key. This dominant chord creates tension before resolving back to the G minor. The pattern repeats once more with the exception of the last two chords.

The transition from G minor/F to C Major/E introduces a borrowed chord – C Major (IV), which implies a temporary shift to the parallel major key. The progression then smoothly transitions to C minor/E-flat (iv/6), reinforcing the minor tonality of the key. Finally, the verse ends on the dominant (V) to iv/6 progression, which establishes the tonality and creates a sense of anticipation that leads into the next section of the song.

Style Notes:
This chord progression showcases Muse’s unique stylistic blend, combining elements of soul, jazz, and rock music. The use of inversions, borrowed chords, and chromatic movement adds depth and interest to the progression, while the cyclical nature and smooth transitions create a sense of unity throughout the verse. The combination of these stylistic elements contributes to the overall impact of the song and its memorable quality.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in Muse’s “Feeling Good” is in the key of G minor and showcases an interesting and creative use of borrowed chords and inversions. The progression follows a cyclical pattern that creates tension and release throughout the verse. The style is reminiscent of soul and jazz influences with a hint of rock elements, which is a common characteristic in Muse’s music.

Style Analysis

1. Radiohead – “Exit Music (For a Film)”
Chord progression: Am (i) – Am/G (i/6) – F (VI) – E (V) – Am (i) – Am/G (i/6) – F (VI) – E (V) – Am (i) – Am/G (i/6) – D/F# (IV/6) – Dm/F (iv/6)

2. Amy Winehouse – “Back to Black”
Chord progression: Dm (i) – Dm/C (i/6) – Bb (VI) – A7 (V7) – Dm (i) – Dm/C (i/6) – Bb (VI) – A7 (V7) – Dm (i) – Dm/C (i/6) – G/B (IV/6) – Gm/Bb (iv/6)

In these examples, similar elements such as the use of inversions, borrowed chords, and smooth transitions between chords can be observed. These progressions also showcase a blend of different styles and genres that contribute to their distinct sound and impact.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Feeling Good by Muse are:

Gm, Gm/F, Eb, D, Gm, Gm/F, Eb, D, Gm, Gm/F, C/E, Cm/Eb