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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 given chord progression belongs to the verse 2 of the song “Apocalypse Please” by Muse. This progression reflects the band’s signature style that combines elements of rock, classical, and electronic music. The chords follow a pattern that combines both diatonic and chromatic movement, creating a dramatic and intense feel. A unique feature in this progression is the use of slash chords, which adds further harmonic interest.

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.

The chord progression in verse 2 of Stephen Sanchez’s “Until I Found You” is tonal and grounded in the key of G major throughout. The progression follows a strong, clearly structured pattern with repeated use of the G, Bm, C chords and a concluding D chord used to transition to the following sections. Stephen Sanchez makes significant use of the I-iii-IV chord progression in G major (G-Bm-C), which gives the song its flowing, harmonically stable character.

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Kali Uchis’s “After The Storm” is a mix of diatonic and chromatic chords that create an interesting neo-soul groove. The harmony is primarily based on G# minor, featuring the G#m7 and A#m7 as primary chords, and the D#aug chord adds tension and release within the progression. Additionally, the use of the D#aug chord acts as a chromatic mediant between G#m7 and A#m7.

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