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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The verse of “Megalomania” by Muse is characterized by distinctive harmonic progressions, dynamic contrasts, and notable melodic lines that are typical of the band’s alternative rock style. Throughout this verse, Muse uses common harmonic devices such as secondary dominants, diatonic and chromatic mediants, borrowed chords from parallel keys, and deceptive cadences to create a sense of tension and forward momentum.

The chord progression in the riff from Muse’s “New Born” is intriguing and creative, employing chromaticism and non-diatonic chords to create a unique and dramatic sound. The progression consists of four chords: C, A#dim7, Bsus4, and B. This progression doesn’t adhere to a single key, making it difficult to analyze in terms of functional harmony. However, it showcases Muse’s experimental tendencies, a quintessential aspect of their music style.

The chorus of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” is a perfect example of their signature sound, combining both rock and progressive elements. The harmonic structure is simple yet effective, providing a sense of resolution and stability throughout the progression. This, combined with the smooth melodic lines, gives listeners a feeling of being “comfortably numb.”

“Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” is a pop song by Elton John from the album “Caribou,” released in 1974. The song is set in the key of C Major, with some interesting chord changes and borrowed chords that are rich and reflective of Elton John’s unique harmonic style. The chorus especially impresses with unexpected chord shifts, demonstrating a sophisticated songwriting technique.

The modality of the song “Yet Again” by Grizzly Bear is primarily in A minor, which makes it a piece in the minor modality. This song uses several traditional progression elements, but intermixes them with unexpected changes, especially the shift from E minor to F major, and the chromatic shift from G major to B flat major.

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