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Radiohead

Verse 3 of Radiohead’s Motion Picture Soundtrack features a melancholic and non-functional chord progression that showcases the band’s use of interesting chord voicings as well as the mixture of major and minor modalities. The progression revolves around the G major, and shifts between borrowed chords and non-conventional chord extensions such as the sus2 chord. This approach is typical of alternative rock bands like Radiohead, which often stray away from traditional norms in favor of innovative and evocative harmonies.

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Radiohead

The chord progression featured in Radiohead’s “Motion Picture Soundtrack” Verse 2 is a four-chord loop that moves from G major to C major (acting as a suspension) and B minor (with an added 9th), creating an interesting mix of tonalities and suspensions. The progression establishes G major as the tonal center but continually moves away from it, creating a sense of ambiguity.

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The Beatles

“Across The Universe” by The Beatles, written mostly by John Lennon, is known for its rich and complex harmonic structures that added new dimensions to pop music. The song is predominately in the key of D major, with occasional borrowings from the parallel minor (D minor) and the closely-related key of B minor. The verse 1 progression – D, Bm, F#m, Em7, A, A7, D, Bm, F#m, Em7, Gm – creates an affectingly melancholic mood through its mix of major, minor and borrowed chords, producing a unique ambience that evokes a sense of cosmic contemplation, matching with the philosophical lyrics of the song.

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Portishead

“Roads” by Portishead is set in the key of Am, also known as A minor. In the verse, there is an interesting use of the flat major 7 (Fmaj7) chord. This chord is not typically found within the natural minor key but is considered a borrowed chord from the A major key. Thus, this use of said borrowed chord and its resolution to the E7 dominants gives the song a unique feel, contributing to its mesmerizing and emotive ambience. Portishead tends to blend the use of A minor and A Dorian modality in their music, especially apparent in this composition.

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MGMT

The chord progression in the verse of “Congratulations” by MGMT is an interesting blend of conventional pop and classical harmonies with some use of borrowed chords. The progression features mostly diatonic chords in the key of G major, but there are moments of modal interchange and suspensions that add color and tension to the progression.

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Radiohead – Motion Picture Soundtrack – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

G, Csus2, Bmadd9, Csus2, G, Csus2, Bmadd9, Csus2

Chord Progression Analysis

G Major (I) – Csus2 (IVsus2) – Bmadd9 (iii(add9)) – Csus2 (IVsus2) – G Major (I) – Csus2 (IVsus2) – Bmadd9 (iii(add9)) – Csus2 (IVsus2)

“`
Borrowed Chord: None
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Coldplay – “Clocks”:
D Major(add9) (IV(add9)) – Am7sus (ii7sus) – Em7(add4) (vi7(add4)) – G Major(add9) (I(add9))

2. Jeff Buckley – “Last Goodbye”:
C#m7(add11) (i7(add11)) – E(add9) (III(add9)) – A(add9) (VI(add9)) – B(add2) (VII(add2))

These artist examples also showcase their use of added extensions and suspended chords in their progressions, evoking a sense of character similar to “Motion Picture Soundtrack.”

Musical Analysis

The chord progression is largely diatonic, based in the key of G Major, and lacks any borrowed chords or modal interchange. The non-diatonic extensions and suspended chords add rich sounds to the harmony while maintaining a sense of stability. Additionally, the Bmadd9 is functioning as a mediant chord, offering a softer resolution back to the tonic G Major when paired with the Csus2.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression of Verse 1 from Radiohead’s “Motion Picture Soundtrack” features a fairly simple harmony with some unique embellishments. The common use of suspended chords and added extensions give the progression its distinctive atmosphere and modern sound.

Style Analysis

Radiohead is known for their unique approach to harmony, often blurring the lines between traditional tonality and more experimental techniques. Suspended chords and extensions like the ones found in this progression are common in alternative rock and art rock genres. The repetitive structure and use of these embellishments give the piece a dreamy atmosphere, which is characteristic not only of this song but also Radiohead’s overall style.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Motion Picture Soundtrack by Radiohead are:

G, Csus2, Bmadd9, Csus2, G, Csus2, Bmadd9, Csus2

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