Music Theory Alchemy

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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.

“Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead is a haunting and introspective ballad that features an evocative chord progression. The progression appears to have been influenced by alternative rock and combines elements of both major and minor tonalities, as well as non-diatonic and diatonic chords. This blend of harmonic flavors creates an unforgettable sound that is melancholic, yet beautiful.

The outro of ‘Hey Jude’ by The Beatles is a prime example of a repeated chord progression, specifically a repeated loop of D-C-G-D. This progression is repeated throughout the last significant section of the song, often referred to as the “na na na” section, essentially becoming a kind of mantra or chant that brings the song to a sustained and palpable resolution.

“When Doves Cry” by Prince features an unorthodox chord progression compared to many pop or rock songs from the era. The chord progression in the Outro as well as throughout the song remains constant, which underscores the plaintive mood of the song and lyrics. The progression: Em – F – G in the Outro contains borrowed chords from the parallel minor. This introduces a sense of ambiguity to the overall tonality.

The song “Let It Happen” by Tame Impala, which is in the key of A Major, uses a simple yet effective chord progression during its outro. The common pattern of I-vi-IIIIV (Major-minor-Suspended 4) recurs throughout. The G#sus4 chord provides a moment of tension before resolving back to the tonic and restarting the pattern. The progression concludes with an Emaj7 chord, which is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor.

Radiohead – Everything In Its Right Place – Outro

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Chord Progression

F, C, Db, Eb

Chord Progression Analysis

F major (I) – C major (V) – D♭ major (♭VI) – E♭ major (♭VII)

`D♭ major and E♭ major are borrowed chords from the parallel minor (F minor).`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Creep” by Radiohead: (‘I) – (‘V) – (‘♭VI) – (‘♭III)

2. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics: (‘I) – (‘♭VI) – (‘♭VII) – (‘V)

3. “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve: (‘I) – (‘I) – (‘♭VI) – (‘♭VI)

While these similar chord progressions have different chord arrangements, they all make use of borrowed chords and modal mixture to achieve an emotional, distinctive sound.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression, which makes use of borrowed chords from the parallel minor, is quite unusual and adds a distinct flavor to the song. F major, the tonic chord, provides a sense of stability, while the subsequent chords add increasing levels of tension before looping back to the starting point.

Using borrowed chords, such as the D♭ major and E♭ major from the parallel minor, provides a sense of modal mixture to the progression. This creates an intriguing balance between the expected diatonic chords and unexpected modally borrowed chords, effectively maintaining a sense of tension that works well in the context of Radiohead’s ambient, experimental sound.

Overall Analysis

“Everything In Its Right Place” by Radiohead is an experimental and ambient piece released in 2000 as part of their album “Kid A.” The piece defies traditional pop and rock song forms, delving more into the territory of electronic and experimental music. The outro chord progression is simple but intriguing, serving a hypnotic and unresolved quality that keeps the listener engaged.

Style Analysis

“Everything In Its Right Place” is a clear example of Radiohead’s inclination towards experimenting with unconventional chord progressions, structures, and textures. The band, known for pushing the boundaries of rock and alternative music, embraces the use of electronic elements, synthesizers, and audio manipulation in this piece. The harmonic choices and overall atmosphere of the song contribute to its haunting, otherworldly quality.

Chords in the Outro section of Everything In Its Right Place by Radiohead are:

F, C, Db, Eb