Radiohead – Motion Picture Soundtrack – Hook
Motion Picture Soundtrack < All Analyses
Chord Progression
Em, C, G, G/F#, B7, Em/D, C#/E, Cmaj7
Chord Progression Analysis
`E minor (i) – C major (VI) – G major (III) – G major/F# (III6/4) – B7 (V7) – E minor/D (i6) – C#/E (VI #5/3) – C major 7 (VI maj7)`
Borrowed chords: `C#/E (VI #5/3)`
Similar Chord Progressions
Musical Analysis
The chord progression begins with a simple Em – C – G, setting the stage for a diatonic feel in the key of E minor. The G/F# is a 6/4 inversion of the G major chord, giving a descending bass line and a smooth transition to the B7, the dominant chord leading to E minor. The Em/D is the first inversion of the tonic chord, creating a brief moment of stability.
The surprise comes with the next chord, C#/E, which is a borrowed VI chord with a #5 (tritone substitution). This chord brings rich chromaticism to the progression, which is then resolved nicely into Cmaj7, functioning as the VI major 7 chord that provides a sense of resolution before restarting the progression.
Style Notes:
The style of the chord progression is influenced by genres like art rock, electronic themes, and experimental music, as evident in the album “Kid A”. It uses non-diatonic chords and chromaticism to create a sense of tension and release, while adding interest and unpredictability. This aligns with Radiohead’s innovative approach to songwriting and musical exploration.
Overall Analysis
“Motion Picture Soundtrack” is an alternative rock song by Radiohead from their album “Kid A” released in 2000. The chord progression in the hook features a mixture of harmonic choices from both diatonic and non-diatonic sources, with borrowed chords and chromatic notes. The style displays a unique blend of rock, electronic, and experimental music elements, which is characteristic of the art/pop-rock genre of the time.
Style Analysis
1. “Space Oddity” by David Bowie
`C major (I) – E minor/4 (VIm4) – F major (IV) – F minor (IVm) – C major (I) – C major/7 (Iadd7)`
2. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin
`A minor (i) – G major (VII) – A minor (i) – A minor/C (i6) – D major/F# (IV6/5) – F major (VI) – A minor (i) – G major (VII) – A minor (i)`
3. “Creep” by Radiohead
`G major (I) – B major (III) – C major (IV) – C minor (IVm)`
What are the chords in: Radiohead – Motion Picture Soundtrack – Hook?
Em, C, G, G/F#, B7, Em/D, C#/E, Cmaj7
