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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

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.

“Exit Music (For a Film)” by Radiohead is a song characterized by a strong sense of melancholy and dark ambiance. The harmonic movement creates tension through the use of chromaticism, borrowed chords, and non-diatonic notes. In the verse progression, there is a mixture of minor and major chords, along with added tones that enhance the complexity and mood of the music.

“Come Together” by The Beatles, like many other Beatles songs, is known for its unique melody and innovative chord progressions. The song is written in the key of D minor and employs frequent use of bluesy pentatonic scale patterns. The meter is 4/4 (common time). The song is characterized by the use of common chords, with the exception of the Bm and Bm/A chords which are noteworthy.

“Just The Two of Us” by Grover Washington Jr. is an easy-listening song, falling under R&B and jazz genres. It’s a classic example of the use of major 7th, dominant 7th, and minor 7th chords to create a rich, smooth harmonic texture. The chord progression is quite repetitive and follows a mixture of diatonic and chromatic movement.

Radiohead – Everything In Its Right Place – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

Db, C, Eb, Db, C, Eb, Db, C, Eb, Db, C, Eb, F, C, Db, Eb

Chord Progression Analysis

Dbmaj7 (b♭II), Cmaj7#11 (‘I#11), Ebmaj7 (♭III), Dbmaj7 (b♭II), Cmaj7#11 (I#11), Ebmaj7 (♭III), Dbmaj7 (b♭II), Cmaj7#11 (I#11), Ebmaj7 (♭III), Dbmaj7 (b♭II), Cmaj7#11 (I#11), Ebmaj7 (♭III), Fmaj7 (IV), Cmaj7 (‘I’), Dbmaj7 (b♭II), Ebmaj7 (♭III)

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Borrowed chords: Dbmaj7 (b♭II), Ebmaj7 (♭III)
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. Stevie Wonder – “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life”
Chord Progression: Cmaj7 (I), E7#9 (III#9), A7 (VI), Dmin7 (ii), G7 (V)

2. The Beatles – “Something”
Chord Progression: Cmaj7 (I), C7 (I7), FMaj7 (IV), Bbmaj7 (bII), Am7 (vi), D7 (V7/V)

3. Imogen Heap – “Hide and Seek”
Chord Progression: Ebmadd9 (i), Dbmaj9 (bVII), Bbsus2 (V2), Gbmaj7 (bVI)

While these examples may not have the exact same chords or progressions as “Everything In Its Right Place,” they each exhibit a sense of harmonic exploration and experimentation similar to Radiohead’s work, combining modal interchange and borrowed chords to create unique and expressive progressions.

Musical Analysis

The verse alternates between a b♭II – I#11 progression, which is a common technique in modal interchange, and a ♭III chord that adds a sense of ambiguity with its borrowed nature. The progression is mainly utilizing the Lydian mode, but also borrows chords from other modes, like the Phrygian (b♭II) and the Mixolydian (♭III).

Towards the end of the sequence, it switches from the b♭II – I#11 progression to a plagal cadence (IV – I; Fmaj7 – Cmaj7), which provides a sense of resolution before transitioning back to the other progression (b♭II – ♭III).

Overall Analysis

“Everything In Its Right Place” by Radiohead is a harmonically adventurous piece with an unconventional structure that features a mixture of modal and borrowed chords. The piece has an impressionistic quality influenced by classical lineage, while also regularly employing electronic and synthesized sounds.

Style Analysis

Radiohead is known for incorporating unusual and complex harmonic structures into their songs, and “Everything In Its Right Place” is a perfect example of their signature experimental style. The piece combines an atmospheric ambiance with a harmonic density that is rooted in the electronic sounds, forming a dense wall of sound. This progressive lyricism is combined with electronic synthesizers to create a modern and ethereal texture.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Everything In Its Right Place by Radiohead are:

Db, C, Eb, Db, C, Eb, Db, C, Eb, Db, C, Eb, F, C, Db, Eb