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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

“Idioteque” by Radiohead is a song with an alternative rock/electronic style, featuring an unusual chord progression that effectively creates a sense of tension and instability while still maintaining a familiar and consonant tonality. This can be attributed to the band’s creative use of borrowed chords and harmonic movement.

“When Doves Cry” by Prince shows the artist’s flair for the unusual. While the song is primarily in A minor, Prince takes liberties with creating unexpected shifts in harmony, which gives the song its unique character. The song revolves around five chords: Am, G, Em, F, and G, repeated throughout the verse. This circular progression offers a sense of continuity, yet Prince’s interpretation and arrangement create a sense of unpredictability.

The song “Ceilings” by Lizzy McAlpine utilizes fairly simple, yet effective, chord changes that are quite common in popular music. This progression primarily takes place in the key of G major, but borrows chords from the parallel minor scale and adds extensions to the chords to add depth and color.

The verse 2 chord progression of Radiohead’s “Everything In Its Right Place” demonstrates a combination of diatonic and non-diatonic chords with tonal ambiguity, frequent use of borrowed chords from parallel modes, and modulation. The progression has a cyclic, hypnotic quality with occasional surprises due to large leaps in pitch and unexpected, non-diatonic chords.

Radiohead – All I Need – Verse 2

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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

Chord Progression Analysis

C (I) – Em (iii) – G (V) – C (I) – Em (iii) – G (V) – C (I) – C (I) – Em (iii) – G (V) – C (I) – Em (iii) – G (V) – C (I) – C (I) – Em (iii) – G (V) – C (I) – Em (iii) – G (V) – C (I)

There are no borrowed chords in this progression.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Coldplay – “Yellow”: C (I) – G (V) – F (IV) – G (V) – F (IV) – Am (vi) – G (V)
2. Oasis – “Wonderwall”: C (I) – Em7 (ii7) – G (V) – D (IV) -7 Em7 (ii7) -7 Dsus4/f# (IVsus47) – A (II)
3. U2 – “With or Without You”: D (I) – A (V) – Bm (vi) – G (IV)

These progressions also feature simple and straightforward chord sequences, often focused on the I, IV, and V chords with occasional use of vi or iii chords. This provides a similar sense of stability and allows for strong emotional connection with the audience.

Musical Analysis

The progression’s simplicity and the repetition of the chords give the song a hypnotic quality. The use of the I (C), iii (Em), and V (G) chords contributes to a sense of stability and familiarity, making it an ideal backdrop for the tender and emotional vocal melody. The choice of chords also adds a level of transparency to the harmonies, preventing any sense of clutter or harmonic busyness.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

In the broader context of Radiohead’s work, this progression showcases their willingness to embrace simplicity and let the other elements of their music shine. It’s an example of their minimalist tendencies, providing room for Thom Yorke’s vocals and the song’s atmospheric and textural elements to take center stage. The consistency of the progression and the emotional impact it generates are characteristics of Radiohead’s unique style and sound.

Chords in the Verse 2 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