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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Radiohead’s “Nude” showcases a unique blend of minor and major chords within the key of E major, highlighting the band’s signature non-traditional approach to harmony. It features borrowed chords, as well as chromatic and diatonic motion between some chords.

“Exit Music (For a Film)” by Radiohead is a song characterized by a strong sense of melancholy and dark ambiance. The harmonic movement creates tension through the use of chromaticism, borrowed chords, and non-diatonic notes. In the verse progression, there is a mixture of minor and major chords, along with added tones that enhance the complexity and mood of the music.

The chorus of Taylor Swift’s “Anti-Hero” utilizes a chord progression that elevates the song’s emotional resonance, serving as a climactic counterpart to the reflective verses. This section combines lush harmonies with straightforward pop sensibilities, creating a poignant and memorable musical moment that aligns with the song’s thematic exploration of self-awareness and complexity.

The song “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles is cheerful and upbeat, with accessible melodies that catch the audience’s attention immediately. The rhythm is contagious and gives a happy atmosphere to the whole song. It is a perfect example of the early influences of rock ‘n’ roll on The Beatles, with a chord progression that is quite common in pop/rock music but showcases The Beatles’ ability to create fresh and unique melodic ideas.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Endlessly” by Muse is an interesting mix of chords from related keys and chromatic alterations. The overall key of the piece is D minor, but there are some unexpected twists and turns that keep the harmonic journey unique and engaging.

Radiohead – Nude – Chorus

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Chord Progression

B, G#m7, Aadd9, G#m7, Aadd9, C#m7, Aadd9

Chord Progression Analysis

B Major (I) – G#m7 (vi7) – Aadd9 (IIadd9) – G#m7 (vi7) – Aadd9 (IIadd9) – C#m7 (iii7) – Aadd9 (IIadd9)

`Borrowed chord: Aadd9 (IIadd9)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Something” by The Beatles
C Major (I) – Cmaj7 (Imaj7) – C7 (I7) – F (IV) – D (II) – G (V) – Am (vi) – AmMaj7 (viMaj7) – Am7 (vi7) – Am6 (vi6)

`Borrowed chord: D Major (II)`

2. “Space Oddity” by David Bowie
Fmaj7 (I) – Em7 (ii7) – Aadd9 (IIIadd9) – Fmaj7 (I) – Em7 (ii7) – Aadd9 (IIIadd9)

`Borrowed chord: Aadd9 (IIIadd9)`

These songs feature borrowed chords and added tensions, similar to the chord progression used in “Nude” by Radiohead. They showcase a departure from diatonic progressions, employing unexpected harmonic shifts and contributing to the uniqueness of each song’s sound.

Musical Analysis

In the key of B Major, the chords built on the first, third, and sixth scale degrees (B, C#m, and G#m) are diatonic, while the Aadd9 chord is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (B minor). The use of the Aadd9 chord just a half step above the G#m7 chord creates a sense of tension and surprise, deviating from the more predictable path in diatonic progressions. This is a common feature in Radiohead’s music. The cycling back and forth between the G#m7 and Aadd9 chords adds a sense of uneasiness and ambiguity, while the concluding chord, C#m7, provides a sense of resolution within the progression.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the chorus of “Nude” by Radiohead features a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, with some added tensions for additional color. It reflects the band’s signature style of blending unexpected harmonic elements to create a unique and evocative sound. In particular, the mix of major and minor chords with added tensions lends a sense of both familiarity and unconventionality to the progression.

Style Analysis

Radiohead is known for unconventional and creative uses of harmony, and this chord progression is no exception. The borrowed Aadd9 chord and added tensions in the chord progression create a more complex and unexpected harmony, straying from typical pop or rock chord progressions. This characteristically Radiohead style of pushing the boundaries of harmonic expectations contributes to the emotive, mysterious sound of “Nude.”

Chords in the Chorus section of Nude by Radiohead are:

B, G#m7, Aadd9, G#m7, Aadd9, C#m7, Aadd9