Portishead – Its A Fire – Chorus
Its A Fire < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘F#’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘F#’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘F#’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘F#’, ‘C#’]
Chord Progression Analysis
We can say the song is in the key of F# Major, but the presence of chromatically foreign chords suggest a modal interchange behavior, where chords are borrowed from the parallel minor key. Here is the analysis of the chorus:
Chord progression: F# Major (I), C# Major (V), B Major (IV), repeated three times.
By examining the rest of the chords listed in the song, it seems that the verses and bridge sections may incorporate elements of modal interchange, borrowing chords from various modes.
Here is the processed chord progression in Roman Numerals formatted as requested:
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Similar Chord Progressions
In terms of style, the chord progression is a characteristic of Portishead’s affinity for blending elements of electronica, trip-hop, and jazz. Their unique blend of these oh-so-different styles creates an eerie, yet beautiful soundscape. The repeated chord progression in the chorus allows for the vocalist’s melody to weave in and out of the harmony, giving a spectral and ethereal quality to the piece.
Musical Analysis
F# Major (I)
C# Major (V)
B Major (IV)
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Overall Analysis
“It’s A Fire” by Portishead is a song characterized by its frequent modulations and use of borrowed chords, making it a considerable complexity in terms of harmony. It features transition from key centers and borrowed chords from other keys, which creates tension and resolution creating the signature moody and intense atmosphere Portishead is known for.
Style Analysis
The chord progression F# – C# – B is peculiar and rich, with a traditional sense of movement. The I-V-IV progression provides a strong, familiar sound, with a bit of uniqueness due to the interesting ending on the IV chord.
Together, the chords provide a melancholic and soulful atmosphere. The C# Major chord is particularly striking, demonstrating a modulation or accidental borrowing that heightens the emotive quality of the song. The song makes use of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, creating a rich harmonic landscape.
What are the chords in: Portishead – Its A Fire – Chorus?
[‘F#’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘F#’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘F#’, ‘C#’, ‘B’, ‘F#’, ‘C#’]
