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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The given chord progression is from the song “Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails. The overall structure of the song consists of verses, choruses, and a bridge, each with distinct chord progressions that contribute to the song’s moody, melancholic atmosphere. The song is mostly in the key of E minor, with some borrowed chords from the parallel major key.

“Something I Can Never Have” by Nine Inch Nails is a song with a dark and moody atmosphere. The chord progression in both the verse and chorus of the song features certain borrowed chords and chromatic tones that give the piece this distinctive quality. The song seems to be in the key of C Major, but certain chords from the parallel minor key (C Minor) are used to create a sense of tension and emotional turmoil.

The “Glory Box” by Portishead chorus progression is based in D minor and moves between this primary D minor chord and three other chords: Dm/C, Bm7b5, and Bbmaj7. The Dm/C chord is the same as the D minor, but with a different note in the bass (C). The Bm7b5 is a half-diminished chord. The Bbmaj7 is major seventh chord.

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‘Set Fire to the Rain’ is written in the key of D minor. The main course of progression uses the chords of Dm, B-flat Major, F Major and C Major. This is a 6-4-1-5 progression, which is very popular and is used in a lot of pop music.

What makes this progression interesting is that Adele uses the 2nd inversion of the A minor chord, Am/B, and G/A, which gives it a unique timbre. `Am/B` is the 2nd inversion of the `Am` chord and `G/A` is the 2nd inversion of the `G` chord.

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Muse’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is a rock interpretation of the classic 1967 pop song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli, which has been covered by various artists in different styles. The chord progression of the chorus is characterized by a series of diatonic chords, predominant in Western pop music. This progression follows a typical 1950’s “doowop” pattern present in countless pop and rock songs, utilizing the familiar circle of fourths movement (Dm-G-C) and establishing a straightforward harmonic rhythm.

Chord Progression Analysis with Roman Numerals (borrowed chords in code block):

D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A minor (vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A major (V/vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major (I) – A minor (vi) – D minor (iv) – G major (VII) – C major 7 (Imaj7) – C7 (I7) – C6 (I6) – C major (I) – Ab major (*bVI) – C major (I)

`* Ab major (bVI) is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (C minor).`

Nine Inch Nails – Every Day Is Exactly The Same – Chorus

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Chord Progression

E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E

Chord Progression Analysis

E | A | C | G
Em (i) | A (IV) | Cmaj (♭VI) | G (III)
Borrowed chords: A (IV) and G (III) from E major.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Creep”
Chord Progression:
G | B | C | Cm
Gmaj (I) | Bmaj (III) | Cmaj (IV) | Cmin (iv)

2. The Beatles – “In My Life”
Chord Progression:
A | E | F#m | D | G | A
A (I) | E (V) | F#m (vi) | D (IV) | G (♭VII) | A (I)

These examples show a similar use of borrowed chords in their progressions, which contribute to an engaging sound that stands out as a signature element of the artist’s style.

Musical Analysis

The main progression in the chorus is built with two borrowed chords (A and G) from the parallel major key (E Major). The progression starts with the tonic chord (Em) that defines the E minor tonality. It then progresses to the A major chord, which is borrowed from E major, adding interest and brightness to the sound.

Next, the progression moves to C major, which acts as a submediant chord in the E minor key. This chord is not borrowed and belongs to the original key. The progression then moves to the G major chord, which is also borrowed from E major, before returning to the tonic chord (Em). This combination of common and borrowed chords creates a unique and engaging chord progression.

Overall Analysis

The song “Every Day is Exactly the Same” by Nine Inch Nails is in E minor key. The chord progression found in the chorus consists mainly of common chords found in the E minor key, along with a couple of borrowed chords from E major. The use of borrowed chords adds unique color and tension to the music.

Style Analysis

The band Nine Inch Nails is known for its dark, moody, and atmospheric sound, which combines elements of industrial, rock, and electronic music. The use of borrowed chords in this chord progression contributes to this signature style, having a darker feel by taking elements from both E minor and E major keys.

Chords in the Chorus section of Every Day Is Exactly The Same by Nine Inch Nails are:

E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E, A, C, G, E