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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Radiohead’s “All I Need” is a relatively simple and straightforward progression featuring chords from the key of C major. The progression revolves around the I, iii, and V chords (C, Em, and G), providing a tonal base that’s consistent and easy to follow. Radiohead’s use of repetition and minimalism in this progression contributes to an emotional atmosphere and allows listeners to focus on the lyrics and other musical elements.

The chord progression in the chorus of Radiohead’s “Knives Out” is an interesting and unconventional one, making use of some borrowed chords and a mix of major and minor tonalities. The overall style of the song can be described as alternative rock with some influences of jazz harmony and chromaticism, creating a unique and moody atmosphere. The progression is mostly diatonic, but it also incorporates some borrowed chords from parallel modes to add color and tension.

The song “Something” by The Beatles has a key center in C major. However, it modulates from time to time using a variety of techniques including secondary dominance and borrowed chords. It is a fine example of George Harrison’s complex songwriting and his adroitness at seamlessly weaving together uncommon chord progressions. Harrison employs an array of chords to inject a rich, nuanced musical quality to the song.

“Think I’m In Love” by Beck is a pop-infused indie rock piece that features an easy-going, catchy melody and a simple yet effective chord progression. The use of repetitive chords throughout the Outro creates a sense of stability and familiarity. The Outro builds upon the tonal center of F Major established earlier in the song and prolongs the tonic, adding to the song’s overall sense of closure and resolution.

The key of the song is D major which makes it easier to analyze the chord progression according to the diatonic scale in the key of D Major.

Radiohead – All I Need – Outro

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Chord Progression

C, Em, G, C

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
C Major (I) – E minor (iii) – G Major (V) – C Major (I)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

Musical Analysis

This chord progression begins with the tonic, C Major, also known as the I chord. This chord establishes the key and provides a stable, grounding sound.

Following the C Major, the progression moves to E minor, or the iii chord. This is a relative minor chord which shares the same key signature as C Major. It creates a sense of melancholy and longing, introducing tension into the progression.

Next, the progression moves to the G Major (V) chord, which is the dominant chord in the key of C Major. This serves to heighten the tension that was introduced by the iii chord, and creates a strong desire for resolution.

Finally, the progression returns to the C Major (I) chord, providing the sought-after resolution and bringing the progression full-circle.

Style Notes:
Radiohead is known for their unconventional and often emotional chord progressions. This particular progression showcases their distinctive style, featuring a blend of consonant chords (C Major and G Major) and dissonant chords (E minor). It is a relatively simple progression that effectively conveys the deep emotion found in many Radiohead songs.

Overall Analysis

The given chord progression is in the key of C Major and follows a simple, yet effective structure. It features a blend of consonance and dissonance, which creates a sense of resolution and tension simultaneously. This progression is characteristic of Radiohead’s unique sound and their ability to create emotive landscapes through their music.

Style Analysis

1. Coldplay – “Yellow”
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A Major (I) – E Major (V) – F# minor (vi) – D Major (IV)
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2. The Beatles – “Let It Be”
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C Major (I) – G Major (V) – A minor (vi) – F Major (IV)
“`

These chord progressions demonstrate similar qualities to the Radiohead progression in terms of consonant and dissonant chords, effectively blending tension and resolution to evoke emotion within the listener.

Chords in the Outro section of All I Need by Radiohead are:

C, Em, G, C