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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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“Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails has an interesting chord progression, particularly in the bridge, which adopts a distinct pattern of E, A, C, G repeatedly. This song is classified under Industrial Rock and utilizes repetition impressively to create a sense of monotony and frustration, akin to the lyrical theme.

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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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The verse of “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John is generally in the key of C major (with some temporary modulations) and features a varied and interesting chord progression that is indicative of Elton John’s complex, piano-driven musical style.

“Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead is a haunting and introspective ballad that features an evocative chord progression. The progression appears to have been influenced by alternative rock and combines elements of both major and minor tonalities, as well as non-diatonic and diatonic chords. This blend of harmonic flavors creates an unforgettable sound that is melancholic, yet beautiful.

The given chord progression is from Beck’s song “Sexx Laws” and runs as follows: B, G#, B, G#, B, G#, A, F#. This progression features chords mainly from the B Major key, but includes borrowed chords from the parallel minor key as well. The harmonic movement showcases Beck’s interesting approach to songwriting and shows some influence from the soul and funk genres.

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 chord progression in Verse 2 is: E, C, E, C, E, C, G, F (repeated three times, followed by E). Considering that this is based in the key of E minor, the roman numeral analysis, with full chord names would be:

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E minor (‘i’), C major (‘VI’), E minor (‘i’), C major (‘VI’), E minor (‘i’), C major (‘VI’), G major (‘III’), F major (‘bII’)
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The F major chord is a borrowed chord, often called a ‘Neapolitan chord’. It’s not in the key of E minor but is frequently used in music for its distinctive sound, and to create tension that resolves back to the tonal center. In this case, the F major adds an unexpected twist to the otherwise monotonous progression, before resolving back to E minor.

Similar Chord Progressions

Well-known songs that utilize a similar chord progression, albeit in different keys, include Radiohead’s “Creep” and the Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind”. Both songs feature a four-chord progression that includes major chords I, III, VI (flat), and iv.

Radiohead’s “Creep” (G, B, C, Cm) – with roman numerals it is:

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G major (‘I’), B major (‘III’), C major (‘IV’), C minor (‘$iv’)
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Pixies’s “Where Is My Mind” (E, Abm, A, B):

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E major (‘I’), Ab minor (‘biii’), A major (‘IV’), B major (‘V’)
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While there aren’t exact matches, they share a similar sense of dissonance through the unusual jumps and additional minor chord present within a major key that is quite akin to the E minor to C major transition seen in “Every Day Is Exactly The Same”.

Musical Analysis

In the context of harmonic analysis, the verse primarily alternates between E minor and C major. This constant alternation creates a sense of unease, in accordance with the song’s theme. The inclusion of G major provides some relief to this tension. The F major chord acts as a tool of surprise, adding to the distressing nature of the song.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

It’s important to note that Nine Inch Nails is known for utilizing dissonance and suspense in their music to create unique and distinctive sounds. This is reflected in the song’s structure and chord progression. Overall, the song’s mood and style are a hallmark of the industrial rock genre, with the repetitive chord sequence underscoring the angst and frustration evident in the lyrics.

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’]