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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Hurt”, written by Nine Inch Nails, exudes melancholy and despair through a slow progression that weaves intricate melodies between the chords. The tonality is primarily in B minor, but introduces D, E, A, and G chords throughout, indicating some mode mixture or borrowed chord use.

The song “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is in the key of B major, evident from the chords in the verse, pre-chorus, and bridge sections. The chord progression in the chorus introduces a borrowed chord from parallel minor, displaying elements of modal mixture. The style of the song features heavy electronic elements, industrial rock aesthetic, and a dark and seductive atmosphere.

“I Sat By The Ocean” by Queens of The Stone Age is written in E Major key.

“Cant Buy Me Love” by The Beatles, is a song in the key of C Major, but it has an interesting harmonic structure, especially in the chorus. The song features a number of borrowed and secondary dominant chords to create tension that resolves into the tonic chord. The chorus’s progression can be seen as a series of descending minor thirds, with an unexpected shift to a ii-V-I progression which is quite popular in jazz music.

“Kiss” is a funk, synthpop song written, produced and performed by Prince. The song’s structure runs around a simple, repeated two-bar eight-note pattern, but what’s odd is the song’s key. Dotting between E and D, it’s hard to pin down definitively, but the song seems to be written in the ambiguous key of E Mixolydian/D major.

Nine Inch Nails – Hurt – Chorus

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Chord Progression

Bm, G, D, A, Bm, G, D, A, Bm, G, D, A, Bm, G, A, B

Chord Progression Analysis

B minor (i) – G major (VI) – D major (III) – A major (VII)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Creep” by Radiohead
Chord progression: G major (I) – B major (III) – C major (IV) – C minor (iv)

2. “Mad World” by Tears for Fears
Chord progression: F minor (i) – A♭ major (III) – B♭ major (IV) – D♭ major (VI)

Note that these songs utilize different keys and may not have the exact same progression as “Hurt,” but they follow a similar pattern and emotional feel due to the use of borrowed chords and related techniques. The shared aesthetic among these songs lies in their emotional depth and introspective lyricism.

Musical Analysis

The foundation of the chord progression is built around the tonic (Bm – i), submediant (G – VI), and mediant (D – III). The A major chord (VII) comes from the parallel major key (B major), which is considered a borrowed chord. This borrowed chord introduces an unexpected major quality into the progression, which adds to the emotional impact of the chorus.

Overall Analysis

“Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails features a melancholic and introspective chord progression. The song is predominantly in the key of B minor. The verse and outro sections revolve around the Bm, D, and E chords, while the chorus uses a progression of Bm, G, D, A. The use of borrowed chords enriches the harmonic landscape, adding depth to the composition.

Style Analysis

“Hurt” showcases the signature style of Nine Inch Nails, characterized by introspective lyricism, dark ambiance, and emotional vulnerability. The chord progression complements this aesthetic, evoking a sense of longing, melancholy, and regret. The song also incorporates experimental and electronic elements, along with a simple yet impactful melody.

Chords in the Chorus section of Hurt by Nine Inch Nails are:

Bm, G, D, A, Bm, G, D, A, Bm, G, D, A, Bm, G, A, B