Music Theory Alchemy

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The song, “Somebody to Love” by Queen, utilizes the classic pop/rock harmonic structure while incorporating aspects of blues and gospel music. The harmonic progression is structured around common chords found in the key of G major. However, the way these chords are ordered and arranged is unconventional and adds depth to the song. It reflects the band’s interest in pushing the boundaries of the traditional harmonic structure common in pop music of that time. Queen is known for their innovative use of harmony, which they certainly showcase in this song.

“Love of My Life” is a stunning ballad written by Freddie Mercury of Queen. The song is written in the key of A major and is primarily played on piano. It features a sophisticated and somewhat unconventional chord progression that serves as the foundation for Mercury’s versatile vocal performance. It’s arguably one of Queen’s more classical-influenced pieces and makes use of borrowed chord techniques frequently, which are commonly associated with the band’s flirtation with different musical styles, including rock, classical, and opera.

“Island in the Sun” by Weezer is in the key of G major and features a simple yet catchy chord progression in its outro. The progression is characterized by its bright, uplifting sound and follows a common pop/rock formula. It also has a nostalgic, summery feel, making it a perfect fit for the song’s title and theme.

The chord progression in the outro of Beck’s “Say Goodbye” is an interesting combination of diatonic and chromatic elements. The use of the borrowed chord A# major in the mostly diatonic setting adds an unexpected twist to the progression, creating a unique and expressive harmonic landscape.

“Rocket Man” by Elton John is primarily in the key of Bb minor (the verses and chorus), but its outro transposes to the key of C Major, which gives a sensation of resolution. The chord progression in the Outro is a simple two-chord progression (I – V), which is extremely common in all styles of music and impacts the listener with its familiarity and stability.

Queen – Somebody To Love – Outro

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Chord Progression

[‘G’, ‘G’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘D7’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’]

Chord Progression Analysis

In the key of G major, the progression is as follows:

`G Major (I)`
`G Major (I)`
`G Major (I)`
`D Major/F# (V6)`
`E minor (vi)`
`C Major (IV)`
`D7 (V7)`
`G Major (I)`
`D Major/F# (V6)`
`E minor (vi)`
`C Major (IV)`
`D Major (V)`
`G Major (I)`
`D Major/F# (V6)`

Similar Chord Progressions

The chord progression in “Let It Be” by The Beatles is a popular one that shares similarities with “Somebody To Love.” The progression in the verse of “Let It Be” follows:

`C Major (I)`
`G Major (V)`
`A minor (vi)`
`F Major (IV)`

It’s the I-V-vi-IV progression, which is often used in pop music over the decades. Though this progression is simpler, the use of vi-IV in “Let It Be” shares some similarity with “Somebody to Love” in its use of vi and IV chords to add tension and melancholy.

Musical Analysis

The D/F# chord is a first inversion of the D major, adding tension while still maintaining the tonal center of the progression. The E minor chord is the relative minor in G major, adding a touch of melancholy. The D7 chord here prepares the ear for the resolution back to the tonic G major.

Overall Analysis

“Someone to Love” by Queen exhibits a blend of rock and gospel music, showcasing their musical brilliance and theatrical elements. The chord progression forms a classic example of a departure from the typical I-IV-V root progression seen in much of popular western music, demonstrating Queen’s ingenious writing style.

Style Analysis

Queen often uses modulation, chromaticism, and borrowed chords to heighten the theatricality and emotional intensity of their music. This song in particular portrays a sense of yearning and pleading through its gospel-influenced progression, making use of a regularly shifting tonal center and keeping the attention of the listener.

Chords in the Outro section of Somebody To Love by Queen are:

[‘G’, ‘G’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘D7’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’]