Music Theory Alchemy

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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.

Verse 3 of Radiohead’s Motion Picture Soundtrack features a melancholic and non-functional chord progression that showcases the band’s use of interesting chord voicings as well as the mixture of major and minor modalities. The progression revolves around the G major, and shifts between borrowed chords and non-conventional chord extensions such as the sus2 chord. This approach is typical of alternative rock bands like Radiohead, which often stray away from traditional norms in favor of innovative and evocative harmonies.

“Rocky Raccoon” by The Beatles incorporates chords commonly associated with the genre of folk or country music. It is primarily built on a repetitive chord progression which consists of Am7, D7sus4, D7, G7, C, and C/B. There’s also a use of plenty of sevenths and suspensions to create a slightly jazzy feel. It’s also worth noting The Beatles’ penchant for chords that provide a mix of major and minor tonalities.

“Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones, off their 1971 album Sticky Fingers, is in the key of C major, and primarily uses the chords C, F, G and Bb. This song showcases the band’s blues rock influences, built on a repetitive, riff-driven chord progression. The use of I, IV, V, and a borrowed bVII (Bb), which is common in the blues, creates an appealing and familiar sound, helping the song resonate with listeners.

“Lost Cause” by Beck from the album “Sea Change” showcases a melancholic and heartfelt mood with a slow tempo, exuding a sense of introspection and vulnerability. The song can be described as a folk-rock ballad with subtle touches of country and indie rock.

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