Radiohead – Knives Out – Chorus
Knives Out < All Analyses
Chord Progression
Am, A7, Dm, D7, Gm, Dm, F, Em6, Em7
Chord Progression Analysis
“`
Am (i)
A7 (V7/iv)
Dm (iv)
D7 (V7/V)
Gm (v)
Dm (iv)
F (VI)
Em6 (v6)
Em7 (v7)
“`
Borrowed Chords:
“`A7 (V7/iv), D7 (V7/V)“`
Similar Chord Progressions
1. The Beatles – “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)”:
“`
Am (i)
Fmaj7 (VI)
Dm6 (iv6)
E7 (V7)
Am (i)
Asus4 (i)
Am (i)
“`
2. Led Zeppelin – “Stairway to Heaven”:
“`
Am (i)
G#aug (VII+)
G (VII)
D (IVmaj)
Fmaj7 (VI)
Dm (iv)
Fmaj7 (VI)
Am (i)
Em (v)
D (IVmaj)
C (III)
D (IVmaj)
Fmaj7 (VI)
Am (i)
“`
3. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”:
“`
Am (i)
Ddim (iv°)
G#dim7 (V°7/IV)
C (III)
Dm (iv)
E7 (V7)
Am (i)
“`
Notice that the similar chord progressions also feature unconventional combinations of diatonic and borrowed chords, chromaticism, and secondary dominants, which are hallmarks of alternative rock and musically adventurous bands such as Radiohead, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin.
Musical Analysis
The progression starts with a rather conventional Am chord that establishes the tonal center of the song. The A7, a borrowed chord from the parallel major, then follows and acts as a secondary dominant, pulling towards the Dm chord, which is the subdominant (iv) of the key. The D7, another borrowed chord and secondary dominant, creates tension that leads to the Gm, a minor v chord often found in alternative rock and jazz.
The reiteration of the Dm chord provides a darker contrast against the Gm and emphasizes the subdominant quality. The F (VI) chord adds a bit of brightness, and finally, the progression concludes with the intriguing combination of the Em6 (v6) and Em7 (v7) chords, which add chromatic movements and unresolved tension.
Overall Analysis
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.
Style Analysis
“Knives Out” is a great example of Radiohead’s signature style of blending alternative rock with more complex harmonic ideas influenced by jazz and classical music. The mixture of diatonic and borrowed chords, along with the use of secondary dominants, creates a unique atmosphere that can be both haunting and captivating. The incorporation of the major subdominant (IV) and minor dominant (v) chords, which are not typical in a standard pop or rock context, adds a sense of depth and sophistication to the progression.
What are the chords in: Radiohead – Knives Out – Chorus?
Am, A7, Dm, D7, Gm, Dm, F, Em6, Em7
