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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 Verse 3 chord progression in Muse’s cover of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is a fairly simple progression that features harmonic devices such as seventh chords, borrowed chords, and a half-diminished chord. This progression incorporates some jazz and pop influences into a stylistically cohesive and engaging harmonic landscape.

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Radiohead’s “Nude” showcases a unique blend of minor and major chords within the key of E major, highlighting the band’s signature non-traditional approach to harmony. It features borrowed chords, as well as chromatic and diatonic motion between some chords.

“Right Where It Belongs” by Nine Inch Nails features a melancholic and somewhat unconventional chord progression that moves between different tonal centers. The base key can be identified as F major from the frequency of F major chords in the progression.

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Beck’s “Say Goodbye” showcases a unique blend of chords that are not commonly heard together in popular music. The mix of major, minor, and borrowed chords creates an interesting and engaging sound. Its distinctive quality can be found in the use of the A# major chord, which is not diatonic to the key of G major.

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