Nine Inch Nails – Closer – Instrumental
Closer < All Analyses
Chord Progression
C#
Chord Progression Analysis
Chord progression in the song’s structure:
Verse: B (I) – C# (II) – B (I) – C# (II) – G (VI♭, borrowed chord)
Pre-Chorus: B (I) – C# (II)
Chorus: C# (II) – F# (V) – B (I) – C (♭VI, borrowed chord)
Bridge: E (IV) – F# (V) – E (IV) – A (♭VII) – E (IV) – F# (V) – E (IV) – D# (III) – E (IV)
Instrumental: C# (II)
Similar Chord Progressions
1. Massive Attack – “Teardrop”: Am (I) – G (VII) – E (V) – D (IV)
2. Marilyn Manson – “Sweet Dreams”: Cm (I) – G (V) – B♭ (♭VII) – G (V)
3. Depeche Mode – “Enjoy the Silence”: B (I) – D (♭III) – A (♭VII) – E (IV)
These songs share a common feature of blending major and minor chords or incorporating borrowed chords, creating a sense of tension and mystery that is characteristic of the alternative and electronic rock genres.
Musical Analysis
The song starts with a simple two-chord repetition between the tonic (B) and the supertonic (C#), creating a sense of stability and anticipation. The borrowed chord G, a ♭VI from the parallel minor, brings a sudden and unexpected change which captures the listener’s attention.
In the chorus, the modal mixture is more evident with the introduction of the borrowed chord C (♭VI) from B minor. The progression moves from the supertonic, dominant, tonic, and finally to the borrowed chord, creating tension before resolving back to the tonic in the following verse.
The bridge takes the listener on a journey through various chords (IV, V, ♭VII, III), maintaining interest and contrasting the repetitive nature of other sections.
Overall Analysis
The song “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is in the key of B major, evident from the chords in the verse, pre-chorus, and bridge sections. The chord progression in the chorus introduces a borrowed chord from parallel minor, displaying elements of modal mixture. The style of the song features heavy electronic elements, industrial rock aesthetic, and a dark and seductive atmosphere.
Style Analysis
“Closer” utilizes heavy electronic elements and abrasive soundscapes, both defining traits of the industrial rock genre. The song’s dark and seductive atmosphere reflects the themes of desire and control in the lyrics.
What are the chords in: Nine Inch Nails – Closer – Instrumental?
C#
