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Related Music Theory Alchemy

Muse’s “New Born” is a rock composition with progressive and alternative elements. The harmonic structure is simple, making use of common chords and progressions. In the given chord progression from Verse 3, there is a sense of tension and release between the major and minor chords, creating a sense of dynamics and urgency. The chord progression itself is repetitive, with subtle variations added to keep interest.

The outro of Muse’s “Apocalypse Please” features a mix of power chords and triadic chords, with predominant iim7 and IV triads along with some embellishing chords. The piece has a rock-based style, with the emphasis on power chords, a driving rhythm, and intense dynamics. The chord progression borrows elements from different genres, such as pop and classical, with some interesting chromatic movement.

The chord progression in the verse 2 of “House of The Rising Sun” by The Animals is an iconic progression in popular music. The song is in the key of A minor, and is built using diatonic and borrowed chords with some chromaticism. The progression features a strong sense of movement and resolution, with the mix of major and minor chords creating an emotional and dramatic atmosphere.

“Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones is performed in the key of G major. However, the initial chord progression beginning on B minor gives it a modal feel, specifically borrowing chords from G Lydian mode (IV of D Major). It’s an interesting mixture of folky rock with a touch of the blues, and the chord progression is largely based around the typical I-IV-V progression found in many rock songs, but with many deviations and additions.

Key: G Major

“Rocket Man” by Elton John, released in 1972, is a melodic and harmonically sophisticated example of his pop/rock style. The piece is in the key of G, and the chord progression of Verse 2 introduces some harmonies that exploit john’s expertise in using extended and altered chords, which lend colorfulness and a feel of departure and return. The use of slash chords like G/B and D/F# creates a descending bass line that is very characteristic of pop and rock music, creating a sense of melodic movement within the chords themselves. Verse 2 is navigated skillfully between simplistic and complex harmonies.

Muse – New Born – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G, B, Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G, B, Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G, B, Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G

Chord Progression Analysis

E minor (i) – B major (‘V/vi’) – E minor (i) – B major (‘V/vi’) – E minor (i) – C major (VI) – G major (III) – B major (‘V/vi’)
E minor (i) – B major (‘V/vi’) – E minor (i) – B major (‘V/vi’) – E minor (i) – C major (VI) – G major (III) – B major (‘V/vi’)
E minor (i) – B major (‘V/vi’) – E minor (i) – B major (‘V/vi’) – E minor (i) – C major (VI) – G major (III) – B major (‘V/vi’)
E minor (i) – B major (‘V/vi’) – E minor (i) – B major (‘V/vi’) – E minor (i) – C major (VI) – G major (III)

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B major (‘V/vi’)
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”
E minor (i) – A major (‘IV/iv’) – E minor (i) – B major (‘V/vi’)
2. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
A minor (i) – A major (‘III/III’) – A minor (i) – G major (VII)
3. Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
F minor (i) – B major (‘V/v’) – A♭ major (VI) – D♭ major (♭II)

These examples showcase chord progressions that incorporate borrowed chords or unusual harmonic relationships, much like the progression found in Muse’s “New Born.”

Musical Analysis

The sequence begins with the i (E minor) chord and alternates between E minor and B major (‘V/vi’) four times, creating a tension between these two chords. The B major chord is borrowed from the parallel major scale, E major. It leads nicely back to the tonic (Em) as a secondary dominant. The pattern then shifts to the VI (C major) and III (G major) chords, providing a brief sense of resolution before moving back to the borrowed B major chord, introducing tension once again. This 8-chord sequence repeats four times in the verse.

Overall Analysis

The verse 2 chord progression from Muse’s “New Born” reflects their signature harmonic daring and interesting relationships, which provides this piece with a fresh and captivating sound. The progression features a blend of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, as well as key shifts and chromaticism. It utilizes major-minor modal interchange and emphasizes the Em – B relationship throughout.

Style Analysis

Muse is known for their eclectic mix of genres, including rock, classical, electronica, and even film scores. In “New Born,” their use of borrowed chords, along with the alternation between E minor and B major throughout most of the verse, reflects their penchant for unconventional, dramatic, and intense sounds. The progression not only conveys tension but also showcases the band’s creativity in exploring unusual harmonic relationships.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of New Born by Muse are:

Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G, B, Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G, B, Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G, B, Em, B, Em, B, Em, C, G