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“Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis, a popular rock ballad, is characterized by its melancholic chord progressions. Its key is major, specifically C Major, but it involves a frequent use of borrowed chords for a touch of bitterness, matching the poignant lyrics.

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“Don’t Look Back In Anger” uses simple yet effective chord progressions common in pop/rock music. It incorporates both major and minor chords, showing some classic pop sensibilities. The song is situated in the key of C Major. Embedded within this progression are instances of borrowed chords – the E7 for instance, is a secondary dominant, often used to inject a bit of tension and to give strong resolution leading into the next chord.

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“In My Head” is a good example of the band’s signature style, combining elements of rock, punk, and alternative music. The usage of primary chords is fairly standard for rock music, but the inclusion of unexpected chords like G5 and D# adds a complex flavor to the progression making it notably unique amongst other songs within the genre.

The song “Space Oddity” by David Bowie features a complex and varied chord progression that incorporates elements of both traditional and experimental popular music. The song is in the key of C Major, and its progression is characterized by the use of modal interchange, or the borrowing of chords from parallel scales. This is indicative of Bowie’s varied musical influences, combining elements of folk, rock, and pop while also incorporating experimental techniques associated with progressive rock.

“Bennie And The Jets” by Elton John, released in 1973, features a distinctive chord progression that exemplifies Elton’s advanced harmonic sensibility and taste for grand piano-based balladry. The song is mainly in the key of G Major.

Oasis – Dont Look Back In Anger – Chorus

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Chord Progression

[‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘E7’, ‘F’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘E7’, ‘F’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘E7’, ‘F’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘F’, ‘Fm6’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘E7’, ‘F’, ‘Fm6’, ‘C’]

Chord Progression Analysis

The analysis of the chord progressions is as follows:

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C (I), G (V), Am (vi), E7 (V/vi – Secondary Dominant), F (IV), G (V), C (I), Am (vi), G (V),
C (I), G (V), Am (vi), E7 (V/vi – Secondary Dominant), F (IV), G (V), C (I), Am (vi), G (V),
C (I), G (V), Am (vi), E7 (V/vi – Secondary Dominant), F (IV), G (V), C (I), Am (vi), G (V),
C (I), G (V), Am (vi), F (IV), Fm6 (iv – Borrowed Chord), C (I), G (V), Am (vi), E7 (V/vi – Secondary Dominant),
F (IV), Fm6 (iv – Borrowed Chord), C (I)
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Similar Chord Progressions

Similar progressions can be noticed in tracks from artists across eras and genres. The usage of borrowed chords and secondary dominants is a common musical device.

1. “Let it Be” by The Beatles:
The song has a similar chord progression, including the use of iv in the bridge.
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C (I), G (V), Am (vi), F (IV), C (I), G (V), F (IV), C (I), C7 (V7/IV),
F (IV), A7 (V7/ii – Secondary Dominant), Dm (ii), G (V)
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2. “Hey Jude” by The Beatles:
Here secondary dominants are also a key feature.
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F (I), C (V), C7 (V7/IV), F (I), Bb (IV), F (I), C7 (V7/IV), F (I)
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Musical Analysis

The verses set up a sequence of VI-V which is quite common in the pop/rock genre. However, the use of the E7 chord as a secondary dominant is refreshing, building up tension towards the Am chord.

The Fm6 chord towards the end is a borrowed chord which gives a nice uplifting quality and adds a surprise element to the chord progression.

Overall Analysis

“Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis is written in the key of C major. Although it largely conforms to the traditional progressions expected within this key, the song does feature some interesting variations in the form of borrowed chords coming from the parallel minor key (C minor) – a common technique used in pop and rock music.

Style Analysis

Oasis, a quintessential Britpop band from the 90s, showcases their classic combination of simple yet effective chord progressions. The style often includes elements of traditional British rock, combined with the usage of borrowed chords – a trait highlighted in this song.

Chords in the Chorus section of Dont Look Back In Anger by Oasis are:

[‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘E7’, ‘F’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘E7’, ‘F’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘E7’, ‘F’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘F’, ‘Fm6’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘E7’, ‘F’, ‘Fm6’, ‘C’]