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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the verse 2 of Megalomania by Muse is predominantly in the key of E minor, with several chromatic and borrowed chords that give the progression a unique character. This progression consists of 16 chords and features an interesting mix of diatonic chords, secondary dominants, and borrowed chords that contribute to the dramatic and dark atmosphere of the piece.

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.

Vance Joy’s “Riptide” is a remarkably simple yet highly effective song written in the key of C Major. The song follows a repetitive I-vi-IV chord progression, which is only varied in the bridge where a minor seventh chord introduces tension before leading back to the song’s major tonality.

“Idioteque” by Radiohead is an experimental and atmospheric electronic song, released on the album “Kid A” in 2000. The chord progression of the chorus is fairly simple, yet features some distinctive chords which create a sense of tension and release. It incorporates modal mixture and chromatic mediants, which are typical elements found in Radiohead’s music.

The chorus of “Perfect Situation” by Weezer features a fairly straightforward chord progression using diatonic chords from the G major scale. The progression is composed primarily of the tonic (I), dominant (V), and submediant (vi) chords, with a focus on their harmonic interplay. This creates a catchy and memorable chorus, which is characteristic of Weezer’s style and is often found in pop and rock music.

Muse – Megalomania – Chorus

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Chord Progression

C, D, G, B7, C, B7, Am, B7

Chord Progression Analysis

C Major (I) – D Major (V/V) – G Major (IV) – B7 (V7/vi) – C Major (I) – B7 (V7/vi) – A minor (vi) – B7 (V7/vi)

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C Major is the borrowed chord from the parallel minor.
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – Paranoid Android
Chord Progression: Gm9 (i) – Ebmaj7 (VI) – D7 (V7/IV) – G (bIII) – Gm (i) – A7 (V7/III) – D (bVII) – A7 (V7/III)
(Note that these chords are in G minor, not C major)

2. Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody
Chord Progression: Bb (I) – G7 (V7/IV) – Cm7 (iv7) – F7 (V7) – Bb (I) – Bb7 (V7/IV) – Eb (IV) – Bb/Db (IV+) – Cm (ii)

These examples are only partial progressions from the respective songs, and not entire choruses. However, they do share similarities with the progression found in Muse’s “Megalomania,” particularly in their use of tension-building dominant chords and unconventional harmonic choices.

Musical Analysis

The chorus begins with the I chord, C Major, establishing tonality. Then it moves to the secondary dominant chord D Major, which functions as V/V (dominant of the dominant). This creates a sense of movement as it drives towards the G Major, the IV chord. Following the IV chord, the tension builds further with the V7/vi (B7) chord, giving an expectation that it will resolve to the A minor chord. However, a deceptive resolution to the C Major chord follows.

After returning to the C Major chord, the progression repeats the tension-building V7/vi (B7) chord, and this time resolves it to the A minor chord (vi). Finally, to round off the progression and lead it back to the beginning or to the next part of the song, the V7/vi (B7) chord is used again.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the chorus of Muse’s “Megalomania” features a blend of major and minor chords, as well as the use of the dominant 7th chord (B7) to create tension and resolution. This progression provides a harmonic foundation for the powerful and emotional vocals, giving it an intense and memorable feel.

Style Analysis

Megalomania exhibits traits of progressive rock and alternative rock, with its use of complex, unconventional chord progressions and a blend of major and minor tonality. The use of a dominant 7th chord to create tension and the incorporation of borrowed chords contribute to the distinctive and emotionally evocative sound of Muse’s music.

Chords in the Chorus section of Megalomania by Muse are:

C, D, G, B7, C, B7, Am, B7