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“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.

The song “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is written in C minor key, and the overall structure of the song consists of a verse, pre-chorus, and a chorus. The progression is simple yet effective in creating a dark and moody atmosphere, consistent with the industrial rock genre that characterizes Nine Inch Nails’ music.

Pre-Chorus 1 –

“Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones is performed in the key of G major. However, the initial chord progression beginning on B minor gives it a modal feel, specifically borrowing chords from G Lydian mode (IV of D Major). It’s an interesting mixture of folky rock with a touch of the blues, and the chord progression is largely based around the typical I-IV-V progression found in many rock songs, but with many deviations and additions.

Key: G Major

The chord progression in the verse 2 of Beck’s “Morning” is an example of a common progression in popular music, involving the I, IV, iii, and ii chords. The harmony is mostly diatonic, staying within the key of E major. The progression features regular 4-chord phrases and a smooth, consonant flow between chords.

“All My Loving” by The Beatles is a mid-tempo pop song written in the key of E minor for the verse and D Major for the bridge and outro, featuring a distinct, upbeat walking bassline. The grey, almost mournful verses, along with the brighter, major-toned bridges and chorus, create a juxtaposition of feelings within the piece. The bridge also highlights The Beatles’ use of secondary dominants and chromaticism. Concluding in the tonic key of D Major, the song has an interesting interplay between Em and D Major throughout, which could be perceived as a Em: i, VI, III, II and D: vi, V7, I, vi, IV, ii, I progression.

Nine Inch Nails – Closer – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

[‘Cm7’, ‘Cm7’, ‘Cm7’, ‘Cm7’]

Chord Progression Analysis

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The chord progression for Verse 2 is:
– Cm7 (‘i7)
– Cm7 (‘i7)
– Cm7 (‘i7)
– Cm7 (‘i7)

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No borrowed chords are present in this progression.
“`

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Similar Chord Progressions

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One song with a somewhat similar chord progression is “Rock + Roll” by EDEN. This song also uses a constant, singular chord through the verse, creating a similar atmospheric quality, though it operates in a major key. The verse chord progression is:
– D (‘I)
– D (‘I)
– D (‘I)
– D (‘I)

Another equivalent progression occurs in The Beatles’ song “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)”, which also settles on a single repeated chord (Am) in the primary verse section. This is another example of how a monotonous chord progression can generate a hypnotic, immersive soundscape. The verse chord progression here is:
– Am (‘i)
– Am (‘i)
– Am (‘i)
– Am (‘i)

Musical Analysis

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The Cm7 (‘i7) chord is the tonic of the C minor key. It serves as the home base and provides a sense of resolution to the musical tension. The repetitive usage of the same chord gives the track a hypnotic, drone-like quality, creating an introspective and somber atmosphere. This monotonous progression underlines the lyrics and vocal melody, contributing to the emotional intensity of the song.

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Overall Analysis

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“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails utilizes a relatively simple chord structure, which allows the song to establish a pervasive atmosphere and direct the listener’s focus on the lyrics and melodies. This piece is in the key of C minor, and the chord progression is cyclical in nature, with Verse 2 consisting of the repetition of Cm7 chord throughout.

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Style Analysis

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Nine Inch Nails, known for their industrial rock style, often employ simplistic chord progressions to emphasize their complex rhythmic instrumentation and introspective, often dark, lyrics. The repetition of the Cm7 chord in “Closer” is representative of this approach, as it helps to maintain the gloomy and introspective atmosphere throughout the song.

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Chords in the Verse 2 section of Closer by Nine Inch Nails are:

[‘Cm7’, ‘Cm7’, ‘Cm7’, ‘Cm7’]