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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

“Creep” by Radiohead is a song that features a well-known four-chord progression throughout the verses. This progression is G – B – C – Cm, which is often considered one of the factors that contribute to the song’s memorable and emotional quality. The chord progression helps create a melancholic and haunting atmosphere in the song. This song is notably influenced by alternative rock and grunge styles from the early 90s.

“Glory Box” by Portishead from the album Dummy (1994) presents a haunting and somewhat melancholy ambience commonly found in their trademark trip-hop style. This song, in particular, draws from a palette of jazz-influenced harmony. The chords used, their extensions, and inversions, conjure complexity beyond basic triadic harmony. The chord progression listed appears to be in the key of D minor and employs common jazz techniques like ii-V-I progressions and usage of the half-diminished chord.

“And I Love Her” by The Beatles is predominantly set within the key of F# minor. Apart from the chorus that momentarily modulates to the key of D minor, the verses embrace a darker, melancholic atmosphere portrayed by the minor keys. The tonal structure and chord progressions in the song are reflective of the band’s exploration of intricate harmonies, going beyond the simple three-chord structures of many contemporary pop songs of the time.

“Creep” by Radiohead is a song in the key of G major that features a four-chord progression in its verse 2, which is distinctive for its use of a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (G minor). Although the song’s simple harmonic structure is quite common in pop music, its use of a borrowed chord adds an element of surprise and emotional depth, establishing Radiohead’s unique sound.

Radiohead – Exit Music For A Film – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

Am, E, C/G, Dadd9/F#, Am, E, Asus4, A

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
A minor (i),
E major (V),
C major / G (VI/G),
Dadd9 / F# (IVadd9/F#),
A minor (i),
E major (V),
Asus4 (i sus4),
A major (I)
“`

Borrowed chords:
“`
C major / G (VI/G) and Dadd9 / F# (IVadd9/F#)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Pink Floyd – “Breathe” Chord progression:
“`
Em9 (ii9),
A7sus4 (IV7 sus4),
A7 (IV7),
Dmaj7 (VII maj7),
Fmaj7#11 (III maj7 #11)
“`

2. Coldplay – “Clocks” Chord progression:
“`
Ebmaj7 (III maj7),
Bbm/Bb (iii),
Fm/Bb (vi11),
Gm/C (vii7/C)
“`

These chord progressions are examples of other artists incorporating non-diatonic and creative harmonic structures in their compositions, similar to Radiohead’s “Exit Music (For a Film).”

Musical Analysis

The chord progression includes tension-creating elements, such as the non-diatonic Dadd9/F# (over the F# bass note), which can be seen as a borrowed chord from the parallel major (A major) and the VI chord in first inversion (C/G). Another point of interest is the E major chord which appears twice and works as a dominant chord to lead back to A minor and A major at different points. The progression also features a brief moment of suspension with Asus4, resolving to A major. These elements give the chord progression a sense of disorientation, moodiness, and emotional depth.

Overall Analysis

“Exit Music (For a Film)” by Radiohead features a unique and somewhat complex chord progression, particularly in the second verse. The song can be viewed as being in A minor, with various borrowed chords and non-diatonic chords. The chord progression reflects Radiohead’s experimental and innovative approach to harmony and songwriting.

Style Analysis

Radiohead is known for their innovative and unconventional approach to songwriting and harmony. “Exit Music (For a Film)” exemplifies this style by incorporating non-diatonic and borrowed chords, creating an unsettling and emotional atmosphere. This type of chord progression is characteristic of alternative and art rock styles, where traditional musical boundaries are often pushed.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Exit Music For A Film by Radiohead are:

Am, E, C/G, Dadd9/F#, Am, E, Asus4, A