Radiohead – All I Need – Verse 1
All I Need < All Analyses
Chord Progression
C, Em, G, C, Em, G, C, C, Em, G, C, Em, G, C, C, Em, G, C, Em, G, C, Em
Chord Progression Analysis
The full chord names and roman numerals, assuming the key of C major, are as follows:
C Major (I) – E Minor (iii) – G Major (V)
No borrowed chords are present in this progression.
Similar Chord Progressions
1. “Creep” by Radiohead: C Major (I), E Minor (iii), F Major (IV), G Major (V)
2. “Exit Music (For a Film)” by Radiohead: C Minor (i), E♭ Major (III), G Major (V), F Minor (iv)
3. “No Surprises” by Radiohead: F Major (IV), G Major (V), C Major (I), E Minor (iii), A Minor (vi)
4. “Imagine” by John Lennon: C Major (I), E Minor (iii), F Major (IV), G Major (V)
5. “The Scientist” by Coldplay: C Major (I), D Minor (ii), E Minor (iii), F Major (IV), G Major (V)
These examples share similarity with “All I Need” either in the use of the I-iii-V progression or in their combination of major and minor chords to create a distinctive mood. In some cases, the artists have altered the order of the chords or incorporated additional chords to create their own unique take on this type of progression.
Musical Analysis
In the context of the key of C major, this chord progression features the tonic, mediant, and dominant chords. The progression starts with the tonic chord, C Major, which establishes the tonal center. The E Minor chord, as the mediant chord, adds tension, and the G Major chord helps to resolve the tension by moving the progression towards the tonic.
The progression has a soft, melancholic quality due in part to the presence of the E Minor chord. The choice to avoid the traditional IV and V chords (F Major and G Major) and instead use the iii chord, which is less common in popular music, helps create a distinctive sound.
The repeated use of the tonic chord (C major) provides a sense of stability, but the persistence of the E Minor chord keeps the progression from feeling too resolved or comfortable—a musical reflection of the song’s emotional complexity.
Overall Analysis
The verse of “All I Need” by Radiohead features a simple chord progression consisting of three main chords: C, Em, and G. It alternates between these three chords for most of the progression, with some occasional repetition of the C chord. This progression provides a consistent harmonic foundation for the vocal melody and sets a mostly stable and melancholic mood.
Style Analysis
Radiohead’s “All I Need” features a moody, introspective sound that is characteristic of the band’s work during their period of influence from alternative rock and electronic music. This verse progression can be seen in the context of Radiohead’s extensive use of non-traditional chord progressions and their tendency to utilize unusual harmonic relationships to establish moods and evoke various emotional states.
What are the chords in: Radiohead – All I Need – Verse 1?
C, Em, G, C, Em, G, C, C, Em, G, C, Em, G, C, C, Em, G, C, Em, G, C, Em
