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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the verse of Radiohead’s “Nude” sets a contemplative and emotive atmosphere. It features a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, which creates unexpected harmonic shifts that evoke feelings of melancholy. This distinctive harmonic language can be associated with the band’s signature moody sound and has been influential in the indie and alternative rock genres.

The verse of “All I Need” by Radiohead features a simple chord progression consisting of three main chords: C, Em, and G. It alternates between these three chords for most of the progression, with some occasional repetition of the C chord. This progression provides a consistent harmonic foundation for the vocal melody and sets a mostly stable and melancholic mood.

“Wonderwall” by Oasis is a rock song with folk roots and a melodic pop influence. It uses the alternative rock idiom of harmony, which bestows the song with a sound leaning towards traditional folk and classic pop. The band utilizes common vintage chords mixed with modern progressions to create that identifiable Oasis sound.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Are We Still Friends” by Tyler, The Creator is a relatively simple yet effective progression that contains some characteristic elements of R&B and soul music. It includes a mixture of major and minor chords and a predominant use of dominant 7 chords (in this case, E7) to create a sense of tension and resolve within the progression. This progression is simple enough that it allows for the melody and lyrics to shine while still providing harmonic interest.

“Can You Feel The Love Tonight” is a pop ballad written in the key of G major. The progression makes traditional use of the G major chord scale with a notable exception of a borrowed chord A/C#.

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