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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The song “Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails has a dark and moody atmosphere, characterized by the repetitive chord progression that sets the gloomy tone. This prolific use of chords throughout snippets of the song creates a musical portrait of monotony and disillusion which is reflective of the song’s title and lyrics. Looking at the chords provided from the second verse, this mood is accomplished through the consistent use of minor tonalities and alternation between two power chords – E and C.

The chorus of “Right Where It Belongs” by Nine Inch Nails is built upon a repeating four-chord progression of Gm-Bb-F-C. This song is in the key of Bb major (with two flats in the key signature, Bb and Eb). All the chords used in this song are derived from the Bb major scale, which makes this a diatonic chord progression. There is no borrowed or chromatic harmony in this song.

“Just The Two Of Us” by Grover Washington Jr. is a soulful song with a distinct R&B and smooth jazz style. The song is in the key of E minor during the verses, but frequently borrows chords from the parallel major, E major, delivering a rich harmony that is both pleasing and surprising to the ear.

“Let It Happen” by Tame Impala is characterized by its psychedelic and experimental nuances. It features an overall bright and uplifting tone despite its use of some more complex chords. The song ska common in pop music. The chord progression in question has a strong melodic sensibility demonstrating Kevin Parker’s ability to incorporate complex musical ideas into a pop format.

“Come Together”, released by The Beatles in 1969 on their Abbey Road album, is a rock song known for its catchy bass-line, cryptic lyrics and iconic chorus. It’s written in D minor key, a common key in rock music. Across the progression, there is not only an interesting mix of different chords but also a novel use of borrowed chords that play a significant role in making the song mysterious, intriguing, and unique.

Nine Inch Nails – Every Day Is Exactly The Same – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F, E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F, E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F, E

Chord Progression Analysis

The verse sections utilize a common alternation between tonic (i) and submediant (VI) chords, creating a sense of tension and resolution, which is typical for the music of Nine Inch Nails. The G major and F major chords in the verse sections introduce variety and give a unique character to the song. The chorus and bridge sections maintain the tension of the verses while expanding the harmonic palette with chords like A major (IV) and G major (III).

Similar Chord Progressions

Musical Analysis

“Every Day Is Exactly The Same” reflects the signature Nine Inch Nails sound, which is characterized by a blending of rock, electronic, and industrial music elements. The repeated use of i-VI chord alternation contributes to an overall sense of melancholy and resignation, and the distinctive use of the borrowed F major chord contributes to the song’s dark, moody atmosphere.

Overall Analysis

“Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails is primarily composed in the key of E minor. The song consists of four sections: Verse 1, Chorus, Verse 2, and Bridge. The chord progressions in the song are relatively simple, with a distinct alternation between E and C chords in the verses, while the chorus and bridge sections feature a broader range of chords such as A, C, and G.

Chord Progression Analysis (Verse 2):
E minor (i), C major (VI), E minor (i), C major (VI), E minor (i), C major (VI), G major (III), F major (♭VII; borrowed chord from E Phrygian), E minor (i)

*G major (III) and F major (♭VII) are both non-diatonic chords in E minor, with the F major chord being borrowed from the E Phrygian mode.

Style Analysis

1) Radiohead – “Karma Police”
Verse: A minor (i), A minor7/G (i7/♭VII), E minor (iv), D major (♭III)

2) Linkin Park – “Numb”
Verse: E minor (i), C major (VI), G major (III), D major (VII)

3) The Smashing Pumpkins – “1979”
Verse: E flat major (I), G minor (iii), C minor (vi), B flat major (V)

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Every Day Is Exactly The Same by Nine Inch Nails are:

E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F, E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F, E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F, E