Radiohead – Knives Out – Verse
Knives Out < All Analyses
Chord Progression
Cm, Bb, Ab, Gm, Dm, F, Em6, Em7, Cm, Bb, Ab, Gm, Dm, F, Em6, Em7
Chord Progression Analysis
“`
Cm (i)
Bb (VI)
Ab (V/III)
Gm (v)
Dm (ii)
F (IV)
Em6 (iv6)
Em7 (ivø7)
Cm (i)
Bb (VI)
Ab (V/III)
Gm (v)
Dm (ii)
F (IV)
Em6 (iv6)
Em7 (ivø7)
“`
`Borrowed chords:
“`Gm (v), Dm (ii), F (IV), Em6 (iv6), Em7 (ivø7)“`
Similar Chord Progressions
1. “Paranoid Android” by Radiohead:
“`
Gm (iv)
F#ø7 (viiø)
Bm (i)
E (IV)
G (VI)
A (VII)
“`
2. “Creep” by Radiohead:
“`
G (I)
B (III)
C (IV)
Cm (iv)
“`
3. “Blackbird” by The Beatles:
“`
G (I)
Em (vi)
C (IV)
Cm (iv)
G (I)
“`
4. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles:
“`
Am (i)
C#m (iii♯)
Am (i)
C (III)
G (VII)
Am (i)
F#m (vi♯)
G (VII)
“`
These examples feature similar uses of borrowed chords from parallel major or minor keys and a mix of major and minor tonalities, creating a harmonically rich and intriguing sound.
Musical Analysis
This chord progression in “Knives Out” comprises a series of chords borrowed from the key of C major, creating a blend of bright and dark moods. The mixture of chords from parallel minor and major keys contributes to the dissonant quality of the song, which is characteristic of Radiohead’s style.
The progression begins with the tonic chord, Cm, and proceeds to the VI chord, Bb. The Ab chord acts as a secondary dominant, leading briefly to the Gm chord, which is borrowed from the parallel major along with the Dm and F chords. These chords add a touch of brightness to the otherwise somber progression.
The Em6 and Em7 chords introduce a bit of chromaticism and tension, which builds up further interest in the progression. The repetition of the progression helps establish the overall mood and atmosphere of the piece.
Overall Analysis
“Knives Out” by Radiohead features a chord progression that combines elements of rock and jazz with a touch of chromaticism. The harmony is based in the key of C minor, but it also borrows chords from the parallel major key, creating an interesting mix of major and minor tonalities. The overall feel of the piece is melancholic and introspective, with various chord relationships contributing to this mood.
Style Analysis
“Knives Out” demonstrates Radiohead’s penchant for combining rock and jazz elements within their music. The harmonic structure of the song, with its blend of major and minor chords, contributes to its eeriness and complexity. This chord progression is influenced by various genres, particularly progressive rock and jazz, wherein borrowing chords from parallel keys and using chromaticism are common. The level of harmonic sophistication reflects Radiohead’s innovative and experimental approach to songwriting.
What are the chords in: Radiohead – Knives Out – Verse?
Cm, Bb, Ab, Gm, Dm, F, Em6, Em7, Cm, Bb, Ab, Gm, Dm, F, Em6, Em7
