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“Sour Times” by Portishead is largely written in the key of C# minor, with elements of modal interchange and chromaticism that contribute to its haunting, dark sound. The song exhibits a remarkable amount of harmonic complexity and non-diatonic harmony, which is a defining characteristic of the trip-hop genre. The piece makes use of intricate inversions and chromatic voice leading, along with a frequent use of sevenths and diminished chords for added tension.

“Roads” by Portishead is set in the key of Am, also known as A minor. In the verse, there is an interesting use of the flat major 7 (Fmaj7) chord. This chord is not typically found within the natural minor key but is considered a borrowed chord from the A major key. Thus, this use of said borrowed chord and its resolution to the E7 dominants gives the song a unique feel, contributing to its mesmerizing and emotive ambience. Portishead tends to blend the use of A minor and A Dorian modality in their music, especially apparent in this composition.

The chorus of “Perfect Situation” by Weezer features a fairly straightforward chord progression using diatonic chords from the G major scale. The progression is composed primarily of the tonic (I), dominant (V), and submediant (vi) chords, with a focus on their harmonic interplay. This creates a catchy and memorable chorus, which is characteristic of Weezer’s style and is often found in pop and rock music.

“Beast of Burden” by The Rolling Stones uses a common rock arrangement with a focus on the V, I, and vi chords. The distinguishing factor for this particular progression is its consistent use of inverted chords to create more linear, and stepwise, bass lines.

The chord progression in the chorus of Tyler, The Creator’s “See You Again” exhibits a combination of diatonic and chromatic movements, with the use of borrowed chords and altered dominants that create tension and release. The song is in the key of F# major.

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’]