Music Theory Alchemy

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Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer” is a unique blend of industrial rock, electronica, and alternative styles that has propelled the song to prominence as one of the band’s most famous and frequently played tracks. The song is in the key of E major and features a recurring chord progression throughout its various sections.

“Give Me The Night” by George Benson is a jazz-fusion piece with a strong R&B and pop influence. The pre-chorus utilizes a smooth harmonic progression, involving the use of common jazz chords and inversions. The progression is primarily diatonic, with a few chromatic alterations, allowing for a sense of tension and resolution that contributes to the overall groove and smooth melody.

“I Am The Walrus” by The Beatles is a song that stands out because of its unique chord progressions and thematic material. The chord progression of the pre-chorus is particularly captivating and somehow unusual compared to common pop/rock tunes.

Nine Inch Nails – Closer – Pre-Chorus 2

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Chord Progression

Cm7, Cm7, Cm7, Cm7

Chord Progression Analysis

The pre-chorus 2 is a simple progression consisting of a repeated Cm7 chord. This repetition creates a hypnotic effect, increasing tension throughout the section. The consistent use of a minor 7th chord adds a sense of darkness and dissonance that complements the overall atmosphere of the song. Even though the harmonic movement is minimal, the effect is still powerful in creating an emotional response.

Similar Chord Progressions

Musical Analysis

“Closer” falls under the industrial rock genre, characterized by heavily distorted instruments, dark and moody atmosphere, and often explicit lyrics. The song uses minimalism in its chord progressions, allowing the focus to be more on the dark tonal quality, the rhythms, and the lyrics. This repetition and minimalism in “Closer” conveys a sense of brooding and introspection that is common within the genre.

Overall Analysis

The song “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is predominantly in the key of C minor. The song features a strong emphasis on repetition and minimalism, with the chord progressions mostly consisting of repeated chords within each section. The song has a moody and dark atmosphere, fitting the industrial rock genre.

Chord Progression Analysis (Pre-Chorus 2):
C minor 7 (i7) – C minor 7 (i7) – C minor 7 (i7) – C minor 7 (i7)

Borrowed Chords:
There are no borrowed chords in this specific chord progression.

Style Analysis

1. Portishead – Sour Times
Chord Progression: Gm7 (i7) – Gm7 (i7) – Gm7 (i7) – Gm7 (i7)

2. Radiohead – Creep
Chord Progression: G (I) – B (III) – C (IV) – Cm (iv)

3. The Doors – Riders on the Storm
Chord Progression: Em7 (i7) – Em7 (i7) – Em7 (i7) – Em7 (i7)

These songs by different artists share some similarities with “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails. They all exhibit a brooding and introspective atmosphere and use simple, often repeated chords within their progressions in different sections. While they may not have the exact same chord progressions as “Closer,” their use of repetition and minimalism in their chord progressions helps cultivate a similar mood and emotional tone.

Chords in the Pre-Chorus 2 section of Closer by Nine Inch Nails are:

Cm7, Cm7, Cm7, Cm7