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Related Music Theory Alchemy

This iconic Britpop song predominantly features the use of traditional tonal harmony found in pop songs throughout the late 20th century, and the verse specifically recalls the harmonic patterns utilized in the 1950s and 60s. The defining feature of this song (as is the case with many Oasis tunes) is the use of returning, resounding repetitions of simple chord sequences.

“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.

The song “Dead Flowers” by The Rolling Stones is a classic rock tune that is characterized by its simple yet effective chord progressions. The key of this song is D Major. This song utilizes mostly major chords (D, A, and G), and it has a strong emphasis on the I-IV-V chord progression, a staple in many rock, blues, and pop music.

“Tiny Dancer” is an iconic song by Elton John from his 1971 album Madman Across the Water. Written in the key of C Major, it genre-wise fits the mold of pop music from the early 1970s. Structurally, the song displays unique nuances, especially in its pre-chorus, which shifts the tonal center and incorporates some borrowed chords from parallel minor scales.

The pre-chorus of Weezer’s “If You’re Wondering If I Want You To (I Want You To)” features a simple yet effective chord progression primarily centered around the D major chord. The piece overall follows a pop-rock, alternative musical style consistent with the typical sound of Weezer.

Oasis – Dont Look Back In Anger – Pre-Chorus

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

“`F (IV), Fm6 (iv), C (I),
F (IV), Fm6 (iv), C (I),
F (IV), Fm6 (iv), C (I),
G (V), E7/G# (V/vi), Am (vi),
G (V), F (IV), G (V)“`

The Fm6 is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor, i.e., C minor, adding complexity to this progression.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Creep” by Radiohead: G (I), B (III), C (IV), Cm (iv)
2. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles: Am (i), Am/G (i), Am/F# (i), Am/F (i), Am (i), Am/G (i), D9 (IV), G (♭VII)

Both of these songs use a similar IV-iv-I change. The latter song also uses a borrowed chord from the parallel minor.

Musical Analysis

The pre-chorus plays with a particular melancholic feel by borrowing the Fm6 (iv) from the parallel minor. This change from IV to iv, followed by the I chord, creates a sorrowful, longing effect, which has a strong impact on listeners. The change from G (V), E7/G# (V/vi) to Am (vi) is a standard cadence, but it’s slightly modified by the inclusion of a secondary dominant for Am (E7).

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

The mixture of major and minor chords and the use of borrowed chords are typical for Oasis’ style and for Britpop/rock in general, lending a melancholic or nostalgic atmosphere to the song. The IV-iv-I move is a common “pop” progression variant seen in many other songs.

Chords in the Pre-chorus section of Dont Look Back In Anger by Oasis are:

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