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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The song, “Sour Times” by Portishead, is in the key of C# minor. The chord progression of the chorus that you’ve provided swings between three chords (F#m7, Emaj7, D#7) four times before ending on a C#m chord. It suggests a II – I – VII progression in the chorus, which is rare and distinctive in contemporary music genres. This choice of chord progression creates a mysterious, dark, and contemplative mood, characteristic of the trip-hop genre that Portishead propounds.

The song “Roads” by Portishead features a haunting yet melodic chord progression reminiscent of the minor key-oriented pop/rock of the 90’s. It combines chords from the key of A minor along with a borrowed chord from the parallel major key to create a moody, atmospheric soundscape typical of the trip-hop genre.

The chorus of “Right Where It Belongs” by Nine Inch Nails is built upon a repeating four-chord progression of Gm-Bb-F-C. This song is in the key of Bb major (with two flats in the key signature, Bb and Eb). All the chords used in this song are derived from the Bb major scale, which makes this a diatonic chord progression. There is no borrowed or chromatic harmony in this song.

The chord progression of the chorus in Beck’s “Girl Acoustic” is relatively simple and straightforward, yet effective in creating a memorable and catchy tune. The song is in the key of A major, and the progression maintains a predominantly diatonic harmony.

“Save Me” by Queen is a rock ballad that uses a complex mix of traditional popular song structures and common rock chord progressions. The song structure is largely verse-chorus, but then there’s a bridge serving as the solo section, and finally ends with repeating choruses. The chord progression for the chorus utilizes a variety of chord inversions, diatonic chords, and non-diatonic or borrowed chords, which are typical of Queen’s music 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’]