Nine Inch Nails – Closer – Pre-Chorus
Closer < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘G’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘G’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘G’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘C#’]
Chord Progression Analysis
The primary chords in the Pre-Chorus are
– `B Major (‘III’)`
– `C# Minor (‘iv’)`
– `G Major (‘bVI’)`
This progression is repeated several times, forming the harmonic backdrop of the pre-chorus section of “Closer”.
Similar Chord Progressions
This basic III – IV chord progression is fairly common in rock music although its combination with the bVI is more atypical. Other songs with similar progressions include:
– “Creep” by Radiohead: `G Major (‘I’)` – `B Major (‘III’)` – `C Major (‘IV’)` – `C Minor (‘iv’)`
– “Imagine” by John Lennon: `C Major (‘I’)` – `E Major (‘III’)` – `F Major (‘IV’)` – `F Minor (‘iv’)`
Note: The Roman numeral analysis above assumes a Major ‘I’ chord for clarity. In reality, these songs may not revolve around a clear major ‘I’, particularly in the case of “Closer” which is more ambiguous.
Bear in mind that while the chord structures may be similar, the overall sonic landscapes in these pieces are notably different, underlining the diversity possible even with a straightforward chord progression. Each song exhibits a distinctively different musical style and mood: from unresolved sadness in “Creep”, to idealistic hope in “Imagine”, and dark provocation in “Closer”.
Musical Analysis
The predominant chord progression of “Closer” exhibits a cycle between B major and C# minor chords, with an elusive G major chord infrequently interjected. This is a pivot chord modulation, where a shared chord acts as a pivot between the original key and the key of modulation. The G major present is a borrowed chord from the parallel major key.
Overall Analysis
“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails, released in 1994, is a well-known song distinguished by its catchy synth lines, explosive percussion, and provocative lyricism. Hinged on a distinct, repeating synth bassline, the song employs a fundamental chord progression epitomizing the alternative rock and industrial genres. Its tonal centre revolves around the key of C# minor.
Style Analysis
“Closer” encapsulates Nine Inch Nails’ characteristic edgy and dark musical style by employing the methods of alternative rock and industrial genres. Its iconic synth bassline, ambiguous tonal center, and emotionally charged lyricism instil a provocative mood. The chord progression is simplistic, while the arrangement and instrumentation are deeply layered and intricate, creating a unique soundscape.
What are the chords in: Nine Inch Nails – Closer – Pre-Chorus?
[‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘G’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘G’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘G’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘C#’]
