Muse – New Born – Chorus 2
New Born < All Analyses
Chord Progression
Em, Am, D, G, C, A#dim7, Bsus4, B, Em, Am, D, G, C, A#dim7, Bsus4, B
Chord Progression Analysis
E minor (i), A minor (iv), D major (VII), G major (III), C major (VI), A# diminished 7 (♯viio7), B suspended 4 (IVsus4), B major (IV), E minor (i), A minor (iv), D major (VII), G major (III), C major (VI), A# diminished 7 (♯viio7), B suspended 4 (IVsus4), B major (IV)
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A#dim7 = Borrowed chord (from E harmonic minor)
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Similar Chord Progressions
1. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”:
A minor (i), D major (IV), G major (VII), F major (VI) / E minor (v), A major (I), G major (♭VII), F major (VI)
2. Coldplay – “The Scientist”:
D minor (i), B♭ major (VI), F major (III), C major (VII) / A minor (v), B♭ major (VI), G minor (iv), E♭ major (♭II)
These songs demonstrate similar use of diatonic and borrowed/modal interchange chords and share similarities in style and harmonic structure with the chord progression used in Muse’s “New Born.”
Musical Analysis
The progression begins with a typical i-iv movement in E minor, establishing the key, using A minor as a subdominant chord providing a sense of expansion. Following that, there is a D major chord, which provides a major VII chord for a mixolydian feeling. The progression then moves to a G major chord as the mediant, offering a sense of stability. The C major acts as a submediant which leads to the A# diminished 7 chord, which is borrowed from E harmonic minor, giving a strong pull towards the B chord as a dominant function.
The B suspended 4, B major, and E minor chords create a plagal cadence, giving a sense of resolution before repeating the progression again. This entire progression effectively sets up the harmonic landscape while providing melodic possibilities and rich transitions.
Overall Analysis
The chord progression in the chorus of Muse’s “New Born” is an interesting mix of diatonic, borrowed, and modal interchange chords, displaying a strong connection to rock music with its use of suspended chords and chromatic passing tones. The progression demonstrates the band’s compositional skill and creativity.
Style Analysis
Muse is known for incorporating various musical styles into their compositions and performances. In “New Born,” the chord progression demonstrates a blend of classical music theory with contemporary rock and alternative elements. The use of suspended chords and chromatic passing tones gives the piece a modern and edgy feel, while employing borrowed chords adds to the richness and depth of the harmony, reflecting Muse’s unique sound.
What are the chords in: Muse – New Born – Chorus 2?
Em, Am, D, G, C, A#dim7, Bsus4, B, Em, Am, D, G, C, A#dim7, Bsus4, B
