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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is a repetitive, hypnotic song that relies on a dark tonality and electronic elements to create its unique sound. This is achieved with the use of only two chords: Cm7 and F. Notably, a distinctive feature of this song is the lack of chordal diversity which aids in creating a minimal, industrial vibe.

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“Right Where It Belongs” by Nine Inch Nails is a song characterized by its melodic and harmonic structure. It has a unique yet familiar sound, blending pop and alternative rock elements with its rich chord progression and powerful melody.

“All You Need Is Love” is in the key of G major. The song primarily uses the chords within the key signature and has a relatively simple harmonic structure. However, the song does utilize a few distinct chord choices that contribute to its unique sonic character. The song applies modal interchange with an inclusion of A minor from the G Mixolydian mode and the D7 and D6 which evoke a hint of the D Mixolydian mode.

“Weekend Wars” by MGMT features a distinctive and slightly unconventional chord progression. The verse is in D minor and consists of 22 chords, providing a unique and somewhat complex harmonic landscape. The majority of the chords used are diatonic, but there are also borrowed chords and other non-diatonic chords which contribute to the song’s unique character.

Chord Progression:
Dm (i), C (VII), G (IV), C (VII), G (IV), F (III), Dm (i), C (VII), F (III), Am (v), F (III), Dm (i), C (VII), G (IV), C (VII), G (IV), F (III), Dm (i), C (VII), F (III), Am (v), F (III)

Dm – D minor
C – C major
G – G major (borrowed chord)
F – F major
Am – A minor

“Nothings Gonna Change My Love For You” is a romantic ballad featuring a smooth and melodic chord progression characteristic of the pop and jazz fusion genres. The Verse’s chord progression contains some elements of a standard jazz progression while also making use of several borrowed chords. The chords contribute to the warm and sentimental atmosphere that captures the essence of the song’s theme.

Nine Inch Nails – Closer – Verse

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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#, B, C#, G

Chord Progression Analysis

Verse – Bmin (i), C# (ii), Bmin (i), C# (ii), Bmin (i), C# (ii), Bmin (i), C# (ii), G (bVI), Bmin (i), C# (ii), Bmin (i), C# (ii), Bmin (i), C# (ii), Bmin (i), C# (ii), G (bVI), Bmin (i), C# (ii), Bmin (i), C# (ii), Bmin (i), C# (ii), Bmin (i), C# (ii), G (bVI), Bmin (i), C# (ii), Bmin (i), C# (ii), Bmin (i), C# (ii), Bmin (i), C# (ii), G (bVI)

There are no borrowed chords in this progression.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Creep”
Chord Progression: G (IV), B (vi), C (VII), Cm (vii)
While not an exact match, “Creep” has some similarities to “Closer” in its use of chromaticism and the intermittent shift between major and minor chords. The chord progression in “Creep” pivots around the tonal center (G), while incorporating elements of color through the use of the Cm chord.

2. The Cure – “Fascination Street”
Chord Progression: G#min (i), F# (VII), E (VI), F# (VII)
“Fascination Street” shares the dark atmosphere and brooding quality associated with “Closer,” using a simple, repetitive chord progression to create an eerie, haunting effect. The use of the descending progression from G#min to F# and E contributes to this unsettling feel.

Musical Analysis

The verse of “Closer” is characterized by a consistent alternation between the tonic (i) and supertonic (ii) chords, with an occasional use of the bVI chord to add tension and color. This creates a hypnotic effect, and the repeated pattern contributes to the driving, mechanical nature of the song. The entire song is built upon this relatively simple chordal foundation, which helps to emphasize the dark, brooding atmosphere and the melancholic melodies.

Overall Analysis

The song “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is a dark and provocative piece built upon a relentless, driving chord progression and sinuous melodies. The downbeat feel and chromaticism contribute to the brooding, unsettling mood of the song, which is a hallmark of the industrial rock genre. The piece is in the key of B minor.

Style Analysis

“Closer” falls under the industrial rock genre, characterized by a heavy use of electronic elements, distorted sounds, and dark lyrical content. This song is emblematic of the late-1980s to mid-1990s period of Nine Inch Nails’ career, when they were heavily influenced by industrial and electronic music styles. The repetitive nature of the chord progression, combined with the aggressive and provocative lyrics, contribute to the raw, confrontational sound that is typical of the industrial rock genre.

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

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#, B, C#, G