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“Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails utilizes a unique four-chord cycle in its chorus – ‘E’, ‘A’, ‘C’, ‘G’. The song is in the key of E minor, and therefore, the functional analysis would interpret this progression as i-IV-bVI-III. The bVI and III are borrowed chords from the parallel major scale. This chord progression creates a moody atmosphere that aligns with the overall melancholic and introspective theme of the song.

“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.

“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 belongs to the verse 2 of the song “Apocalypse Please” by Muse. This progression reflects the band’s signature style that combines elements of rock, classical, and electronic music. The chords follow a pattern that combines both diatonic and chromatic movement, creating a dramatic and intense feel. A unique feature in this progression is the use of slash chords, which adds further harmonic interest.

“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin is characterized by its distinctive blues-rock style and its highly memorable, driving riff. The bulk of the song revolves around the E5 (E power) chord, with occasional transitions to the D5 chord at the beginning of each phrase, giving the song a simple yet highly effective chord progression. The song is in the key of E Mixolydian.

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:

“`
E minor (‘i’), C major (‘VI’), E minor (‘i’), C major (‘VI’), E minor (‘i’), C major (‘VI’), G major (‘III’), F major (‘bII’)
“`
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:

“`
G major (‘I’), B major (‘III’), C major (‘IV’), C minor (‘$iv’)
“`

Pixies’s “Where Is My Mind” (E, Abm, A, B):

“`
E major (‘I’), Ab minor (‘biii’), A major (‘IV’), B major (‘V’)
“`

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’]