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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.

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.

“3 Libras Acoustic Live” by A Perfect Circle revolves around a rock ballad style with an alternative rock genre. It features distinctive chord progressions and some borrowing from outside of the primary key. The harmonic progression in the chorus is relatively simple but contributes to the melancholic and introspective atmosphere of the song.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Paper Tiger” by Beck is an interesting mix of major and minor chords which gives the song a unique and slightly melancholic vibe. While the song is in the key of E major, it contains several chords borrowed from the parallel minor key and features unusual harmonic movement. This creates a sense of tension and release that is characteristic of Beck’s music.

The song “Ceilings” by Lizzy McAlpine is in the key of G Major, employing a mixture of major, minor, and additive chords to create a progression that lends itself to a pop/folk atmosphere. The song is largely composed of diatonic chords in the key of G Major, with an occasional use of a B7, which can be seen as a secondary dominant to Em.

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