Music Theory Alchemy

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The chord progression for Radiohead’s “All I Need” chorus features a simple and repetitive structure, with a strong emphasis on the tonic (C major) and its relative minor (E minor). The progression then ends with a brief move to the dominant (G major), before returning to the tonic. This accessible sequence reflects the song’s emotional vulnerability and simplicity, while also showcasing the band’s ability to create emotional depth in their music.

“Knives Out” by Radiohead features a chord progression that combines elements of rock and jazz with a touch of chromaticism. The harmony is based in the key of C minor, but it also borrows chords from the parallel major key, creating an interesting mix of major and minor tonalities. The overall feel of the piece is melancholic and introspective, with various chord relationships contributing to this mood.

Elton John’s melody for “Your Song” is an elegant example of varied harmonization and creative chord usage. The verse chord progression is in the key of D Major, but employs the use of borrowed chords and modulation for enhancing musical flavour and interest.

“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails works within a minimalist musical framework, where a few shiftless chords and tension-filled pentatonic melodies define the song. It inculcates a dark atmospheric mood through its instrumentation and harmony. The repetitive and consistent use of the Cm7 chord creates a haunting, pulsating groove that add to the atmospheric layer of the song.

“I Am The Walrus” is a distinctive composition by the Beatles from their 1967 album “Magical Mystery Tour”. Known for its surreal lyrics and creative chord progression, the song displays the Beatles’ mastery of composition and their innovative use of harmony. The song features elements from psychedelic rock, a genre that the Beatles helped popularize during the mid-1960s.

Radiohead – All I Need – Verse 1

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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.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of All I Need by Radiohead are:

C, Em, G, C, Em, G, C, C, Em, G, C, Em, G, C, C, Em, G, C, Em, G, C, Em