Nine Inch Nails – Closer – Verse 1
Closer < All Analyses
Chord Progression
Cm7, Cm7, Cm7, Cm7
Chord Progression Analysis
C minor 7 (i7) repeats throughout Verse 1, Pre-Chorus 1, Verse 2, and Pre-Chorus 2, with no borrowed chords in these sections.
In the Chorus, the chords are:
F Major (IV) -> Cm7
Similar Chord Progressions
1. Radiohead – “Creep” (in the key of G major): C Major (IV) -> E minor (vi) -> G Major (I) -> C Major (IV) -> C minor (iv)
The use of the i7 in “Closer” is reminiscent of the iv chord utilized briefly in Radiohead’s “Creep.” The iv in this song also provides a dark, tense moment within an otherwise straightforward progression.
2. Depeche Mode – “Enjoy the Silence” (in the key of C minor): C minor (i) -> A♭ Major (VI) -> B♭ major (VII) -> E♭ major (III)
Although Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy the Silence” has a slightly more complex progression, it shares a similar dark and moody atmosphere with “Closer” by centering around a minor key.
In conclusion, “Closer” features a predominantly simplistic chord progression that is characterized by a somber and tense atmosphere. The heavy reliance on the Cm7 chord defines the song with its unresolved nature, creating a clear sense of the industrial rock style that Nine Inch Nails is known for.
Musical Analysis
The repetitive use of the Cm7 chord throughout the verses and pre-choruses generates a sense of brooding tension that defines the overall mood of the song. The i7 chord has a strong pull towards a resolution that never truly arrives, driving the listener to the next section of the song.
In the chorus, the brief move from the Cm7 chord to the F major chord provides a hint of brightness, acting as a deceptive resolution to the tension generated by the i7 chord. The return to the Cm7 chord in the second half of the chorus maintains the overall atmosphere of tension.
Overall Analysis
The chord progression in “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is primarily centered around the Cm7 chord throughout the verses and pre-choruses, with the chorus briefly moving to the F major chord before returning back to Cm7. The song is in the key of C minor, and the chords used are mostly diatonic to the key, creating a dark and somewhat haunting atmosphere. The progression is simplistic but effective, establishing a strong sense of forward motion and tension that is fitting for the industrial rock style of the song.
Style Analysis
The moody, dark feel of “Closer” is characteristic of Nine Inch Nails’ industrial rock style. The arrangement, production, and heavy use of electronic elements add to this dark atmosphere, making it a typical example of their sound.
What are the chords in: Nine Inch Nails – Closer – Verse 1?
Cm7, Cm7, Cm7, Cm7
