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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

The chord progression for Radiohead’s “All I Need” chorus features a simple and repetitive structure, with a strong emphasis on the tonic (C major) and its relative minor (E minor). The progression then ends with a brief move to the dominant (G major), before returning to the tonic. This accessible sequence reflects the song’s emotional vulnerability and simplicity, while also showcasing the band’s ability to create emotional depth in their music.

“Viva la Vida” by Coldplay is predominantly in the key of G Major, and the main chord progression is a four-chord loop: C, D, G, Em, which repeats throughout the song. The chord progression creates a highly emotional, triumphant atmosphere which reflects the lyrics and overall theme of the song. The use of the B minor chord, the flattened third, later in the song adds some depth and complexity to the harmonic structure and provides a relief from the repetition of the main progression.

“I Want To Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles is one of the band’s early hits noted for its crafty melodic hooks and harmonic structure attesting to their evolving musical sophistication. The chord progression of Verse 3 is a great reflection of this, using classic pop songwriting techniques such as the predominant use of I, IV and V chords along with a borrowed chord from another mode, that add to the emotional depth of the song.

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“Castles Made of Sand” by Jimi Hendrix is a psychedelic rock song characterized by various compositional techniques including chromaticism, borrowed chords, and unexpected chord progressions. The harmonic choices show Hendrix’s innovation as a songwriter, with influences of blues, rock, and jazz. The chord progression in Verse 3 mixes diatonic and non-diatonic chords, creating a sense of tension and release throughout the progression.

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Radiohead – Motion Picture Soundtrack – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

1. G major (I)
2. Csus2 (IVsus2 / borrowed from G Mixolydian)
3. Bmadd9 (iii(add9))
4. Csus2 (IVsus2 / borrowed from G Mixolydian)
5. G major (I)
6. Csus2 (IVsus2 / borrowed from G Mixolydian)
7. Bmadd9 (iii(add9))
8. Csus2 (IVsus2 / borrowed from G Mixolydian)

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Borrowed Chord: Csus2 (IVsus2 / borrowed from G Mixolydian)
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Similar Chord Progressions

1. Coldplay – “Clocks”
Chord Progression: [‘Dmaj9’, ‘Aadd9’, ‘Eadd9’]

2. U2 – “With or Without You”
Chord Progression: [‘D’, ‘Asus4’, ‘Bsus4’, ‘Gsus2’]

3. Oasis – “Wonderwall”
Chord Progression: [‘Em7’, ‘G’, ‘Dsus4’, ‘Asus4’, ‘Cadd9’]

These chord progressions feature similar use of suspended and extended chords, creating a distinctive sound that is found in many alternative rock songs. While not exactly the same as Radiohead’s Motion Picture Soundtrack, these chord progressions demonstrate similar non-functional and expressive harmonic techniques.

Musical Analysis

The G major (I) chords serve as a melodic anchor in this progression, giving a sense of resolution amidst the surrounding harmonic tension. The Csus2 is a borrowed chord from the G Mixolydian mode, and it adds some harmonic ambiguity to the progression, since it features the 2nd scale degree suspended above the major 3rd. The Bmadd9 chord accentuates the minor modality and adds tension, which resolves back to the Csus2 chord before returning to the G major (I) chord.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

Motion Picture Soundtrack’s chord progression can be interpreted as a fusion of modal and alternative rock styles. Radiohead’s frequent use of unconventional chord voicings can be seen here, with the incorporation of sus2 and add9 chord extensions. The melancholic yet emotional progression is characteristic of alternative rock’s tendency to evoke introspection and strong emotional responses.

Chords in the Verse 3 section of Motion Picture Soundtrack by Radiohead are:

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