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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.

The chord progression in the verse of Radiohead’s “Nude” sets a contemplative and emotive atmosphere. It features a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, which creates unexpected harmonic shifts that evoke feelings of melancholy. This distinctive harmonic language can be associated with the band’s signature moody sound and has been influential in the indie and alternative rock genres.

The given chord progression is from Beck’s song “Sexx Laws” and runs as follows: B, G#, B, G#, B, G#, A, F#. This progression features chords mainly from the B Major key, but includes borrowed chords from the parallel minor key as well. The harmonic movement showcases Beck’s interesting approach to songwriting and shows some influence from the soul and funk genres.

Verse 2 of Grizzly Bear’s “Yet Again” presents a straightforward harmonic progression that is common in pop and indie rock music. This series of chords is mainly built around the key of A minor, and uses diatonic chords (those that naturally occur within the key) of this key. The recurring sequence (Am, G, C, F, F, Em, C, Dm) indicates a strong sense of familiarity and predictability, characteristic of many pop/rock anthologies.

The given chord progression for Tyler, The Creator’s “Gone Gone” verse 2 is primarily in the key of Bb major with a mixture of chords from other modes. The progression displays a combination of diatonic and borrowed chords, exhibiting the stylistic blending commonly found in modern music such as jazz, R&B, and hip-hop.

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