Portishead – Sour Times – Verse 2
Sour Times < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘C#m’, ‘C’, ‘E/B’, ‘E/G#’, ‘C#m’, ‘C’, ‘E/B’, ‘E/G#’, ‘C#m’, ‘C’, ‘E/B’, ‘E/G#’]
Chord Progression Analysis
– C# minor (i)
– C major (bVI)
– E major over B (V/III)
– E major over G# (V/vi)
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C# minor – the tonic chord, or ‘home’ chord, in the key of C# minor.
C major – a borrowed chord from the parallel major key (C# major), also known as the ‘Picardy third’.
E major over B, E major over G# – inverted V chords that provide strong resolution back to the tonic, adding interest with different bass notes.
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Similar Chord Progressions
A chord progression somewhat similar to this can be found in Radiohead’s “Exit Music (For a Film)”, which also makes use of mode mixture and chromaticism:
– A minor (i)
– G major (bVII)
– E minor over B (v/III)
– C major over G (bIII/VI)
Such unconventional chord progressions can also be found in songs by bands such as Massive Attack and Björk, who are also pioneers of the trip-hop genre.
For example, Massive Attack’s “Teardrop” uses a progression that also features modal interchange and a chromatic descending line:
– F# minor (i)
– F major (bVI)
– D# minor over B (vii/iii)
– A# minor over G# (iv/VI)
These examples show the innovative and intricate blending of elements from jazz, funk, and electronica characteristic of the trip-hop genre.
Musical Analysis
C# minor is the tonic or home chord of this progression. The C major that follows is a borrowed chord from the parallel major key (C# major); this is an example of mode mixture or modal interchange, where chords from a parallel key are used to increase the harmonic interest of a piece.
The E over B and E over G# are inversions of the E major chord, which is the dominant (V) in the key of C# minor. The changing bass note—first B, then G#—creates smooth voice leading and adds harmonic interest.
Overall Analysis
“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.
Style Analysis
“Sour Times” is a prime example of trip-hop, a genre known for its fusion of hip hop, electronica, and jazz. This is reflected in its complex harmonic structure and use of non-diatonic chords. The progression creates a moody, introspective atmosphere often associated with the genre. The chord progression’s dark tone and chromatic elements help to establish the tense, somber mood that is characteristic of Portishead’s music.
What are the chords in: Portishead – Sour Times – Verse 2?
[‘C#m’, ‘C’, ‘E/B’, ‘E/G#’, ‘C#m’, ‘C’, ‘E/B’, ‘E/G#’, ‘C#m’, ‘C’, ‘E/B’, ‘E/G#’]
