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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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“Sour Times” by Portishead is a song with a complex and intriguing chord progression. It blends minor key tonality with modulations and chromaticism to give it a mysterious and brooding atmosphere. The song is primarily in the key of C# minor and features some borrowed chords and inversions that color the overall progression.

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“The Rip” by Portishead is a classic example of the Trip-hop genre. It features simple, yet effective harmonic progressions that offer a melancholic tone which is widely utilized in this genre. The distinctiveness of this particular chord progression lies on its subtle shifting between minor and major tonalities, as well as its use of borrowed chords.

Verse 1

The chord progression in the chorus of “Endlessly” by Muse is an interesting mix of chords from related keys and chromatic alterations. The overall key of the piece is D minor, but there are some unexpected twists and turns that keep the harmonic journey unique and engaging.

The chord progression in Kali Uchis’ “Loner” features a mix of major, minor, and augmented chords, which contributes to the song’s unique sound and emotional depth. The progression has an unconventional and intriguing quality, while still maintaining a sense of harmonic coherence.

The song “Yesterday” by The Beatles is in the key of F major and spans chord I to VI. It is characterized by a deeply expressive melody and distinctive harmony. The chord progression seems simple, yet it makes full use of secondary dominants, borrowed chords, and subtly shifting tonal centers for narrative, which is a trademark of The Beatles’s songwriting style.

Portishead – Sour Times – Chorus

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Chord Progression

[‘F#m7’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘D#7’, ‘F#m7’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘D#7’, ‘C#m’, ‘D#7’, ‘G#7’]

Chord Progression Analysis

The following is the chord progression analysis for the chorus:

“`
F# minor 7 (ii7),
E Major 7 (I7),
D# Dominant 7 (vii7),
F# minor 7 (ii7),
E Major 7 (I7),
D# Dominant 7 (vii7),
C# minor (vi),
D# Dominant 7 (vii7),
G# Dominant 7 (#V7)
“`

The G# Dominant 7 is a borrowed chord, it is typically absent from the key of E major and thus lends a more complex and unique character to the song’s arrangement.

Similar Chord Progressions

1) “Creep” by Radiohead also employs a similar progression with shifting from a minor 7th to a Major 7th and also features a borrowed Major 7th chord:
“`
G Major (I),
B Major (#III – borrowed chord),
C Major (IV),
C minor (iv – borrowed chord)
“`

2) The Beatles’ “Something” also uses a descending progression with seventh chords:
“`
C Major (I),
C Major 7 (I7),
C7 (I7),
F Major (IV)
“`

3) “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen follows a similar progression and includes a Major 7th chord:
“`
C Major (I),
A minor (vi),
C Major (I),
A minor (vi),
F Major (IV),
G Major (V),
C Major (I),
G Major (V)
“`

Musical Analysis

In “Sour Times”, the usage of F# minor 7 to E Major 7 provides a smooth descending progression that introduces an element of resolution to the chorus. The transition from D#7 to F#m7 reintroduces some tension which is then diffused again by returning to the E Major 7, creating a satisfying and distinctive cyclic pattern. The progression concludes with the C#m, D#7, to the borrowed G#7, providing a unique flavour and an unexpected turn to the song.

Overall Analysis

“Sour Times” by Portishead is characterized by dark, brooding sounds and melancholic melodies that gives the song its distinct feel, largely due to the specific chord progression that is used throughout the song. Written in the key of E major, the song makes use of a diverse selection of chords that offers a wider blend of harmonic options to navigate through different moods and tonal landscapes.

Style Analysis

Portishead is known for their unique sound that fuses elements of trip-hop, electronica, and jazz and “Sour Times” is no exception. The song’s unorthodox chord arrangement showcases Portishead’s signature style – a complex arrangement of moods and tones that evoke a sense of drama and melancholy. The usage of seventh chords contributes to its jazzy feel and trip hop’s signature gloomy ambience.

Chords in the Chorus section of Sour Times by Portishead are:

[‘F#m7’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘D#7’, ‘F#m7’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘D#7’, ‘C#m’, ‘D#7’, ‘G#7’]