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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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 chord progression in the chorus of Radiohead’s “Knives Out” is an interesting and unconventional one, making use of some borrowed chords and a mix of major and minor tonalities. The overall style of the song can be described as alternative rock with some influences of jazz harmony and chromaticism, creating a unique and moody atmosphere. The progression is mostly diatonic, but it also incorporates some borrowed chords from parallel modes to add color and tension.

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The given chord progression is from the verse of Beck’s song “Morning.” The progression is in the key of E Major and follows a cyclical pattern throughout the verse.

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The Sound Of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel, released in 1964, is a solid example of folk rock genre transitioning into what we now know as classic rock. The chord progression is straightforward yet powerful, and it perfectly complements the beautifully written lyrics and evocative vocal harmonies. Furthermore, the song is written in A minor, a key that is often associated with sadness, which enhances the melancholic and introspective feelings conveyed by the lyrics.

The chord progression of “Because” by The Beatles demonstrates the band’s profound exploration of harmony. The song starts in the key of C# minor, revolves around this key, and includes various modulations and tonicizations to explore chords beyond the key. It heavily employs secondary dominants and borrowed chords, particularly the diminished 7th chords, which is not uncommon in Beatles’s songs. The chord progression has a dreamy and fluid flow due to these harmonic explorations.

Radiohead – Fake Plastic Trees – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

A, Asus4, Dmaj9/F#, Dmaj9/F#, E6, Dsus2, A, Dsus2, A, Asus4, Dmaj9/F#, Dmaj9/F#, E6, Dsus2, A, Dsus2

Chord Progression Analysis

A (I) – Asus4 (Isus4) – Dmaj9/F# (IVmaj9/♯3) – Dmaj9/F# (IVmaj9/♯3) – E6 (V6) – Dsus2 (IVsus2) – A (I) – Dsus2 (IVsus2) – A (I) – Asus4 (Isus4) – Dmaj9/F# (IVmaj9/♯3) – Dmaj9/F# (IVmaj9/♯3) – E6 (V6) – Dsus2 (IVsus2) – A (I) – Dsus2 (IVsus2)

Similar Chord Progressions

While it is difficult to find an exact match to the chord progression in “Fake Plastic Trees,” there are examples of similar harmonic ideas in other songs:

1. Coldplay – “Clocks”: Db (bII) – AbM7/Eb (V/II) – Ebm (iv) – Bbm9 (i) – Fm/Ab (vi/VI) – Eb (IV)

2. U2 – “With or Without You”: D (I) – Asus4 (IVsus4) – Bm (vi) – G (IV)

These songs share some similarities with “Fake Plastic Trees,” such as the use of suspended chords and extended chords, but they each have their own unique characteristics that set them apart.

Musical Analysis

The song’s chord progression begins with a simple tonic-dominant pattern (A to Dmaj/F#), but with the addition of suspended and extended chords to enhance the harmonic tension. The Asus4 and Dmaj9/F# chords, for instance, prolong the resolution and create an airy, atmospheric quality. The E6 briefly introduces the V chord, followed by a return to the IV chord with Dsus2. This pattern is repeated, providing a sense of stability and familiarity, while the unresolved tension adds to the song’s emotional intensity.

Overall Analysis

“Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead is a melancholic song with an emotional chord progression. The song is in the key of A Major and features a mixture of diatonic chords, suspended chords, and extended chords that create a sense of yearning and tension. The verse is characterized by a cyclical progression that begins and ends on the tonic (A), providing a sense of unresolved tension. This helps to support the song’s themes of artificiality and dissatisfaction.

Style Analysis

Radiohead is known for their unique blend of alternative rock and electronic music, often incorporating unusual chord progressions and juxtaposing diatonic and non-diatonic chords. Suspended chords, like the Asus4 and Dsus2 used in “Fake Plastic Trees,” are a common feature in their music, creating a sense of unresolved tension and longing. The use of extended chords such as Dmaj9/F# also showcases their interest in experimenting with the harmonic language, adding to the song’s distinct Radiohead sound.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead are:

A, Asus4, Dmaj9/F#, Dmaj9/F#, E6, Dsus2, A, Dsus2, A, Asus4, Dmaj9/F#, Dmaj9/F#, E6, Dsus2, A, Dsus2