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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.

The chorus of Radiohead’s “Paranoid Android” features an unconventional and diverse chord progression, drawing from various scale degrees. This progression contributes to the song’s complex, shifting quality, moving through several tonal centers.

The verse 2 chord progression in Tyler, The Creator’s “Earfquake” is a mixture of diatonic and non-diatonic chords. The progression mainly features chords from the Bb Major key, with the D7 acting as a secondary dominant chord (V7/III). The progression has a smooth, jazzy feel that is typical of Tyler’s signature style.

“Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones is performed in the key of G major. However, the initial chord progression beginning on B minor gives it a modal feel, specifically borrowing chords from G Lydian mode (IV of D Major). It’s an interesting mixture of folky rock with a touch of the blues, and the chord progression is largely based around the typical I-IV-V progression found in many rock songs, but with many deviations and additions.

Key: G Major

“Lost Cause” by Beck from the album “Sea Change” showcases a melancholic and heartfelt mood with a slow tempo, exuding a sense of introspection and vulnerability. The song can be described as a folk-rock ballad with subtle touches of country and indie rock.

Radiohead – Nude – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

G#m, G#, A, E, C#m, B, G#, A, E, C#m, B

Chord Progression Analysis

G# minor (vi), G# Major (V/ii), A Major (IV), E Major (I), C# minor (vi), B Major (V), G# Major (V/ii), A Major (IV), E Major (I), C# minor (vi), B Major (V)

Borrowed Chords:
`G# Major (V/ii)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “Something” (key of C major but makes use of chromaticism)
Chord progression: C major (I), Cmaj7 (I7), C7 (V/IV), F major (IV), D Major (V/vi), G (V), Am (vi), Am7/G (vi6), A7 (V/IV), C (V7/vi), E (VI)

2. Jeff Buckley – “Hallelujah” (key of C major with occasional chromatic chords)
Chord progression: C (I), Am (vi), C (I), Am (vi), F (IV), G (V), C (I), G (V), Am (vi), F (IV), G (V), E (III), Am (vi)

3. Muse – “Unintended” (key of E minor, with unconventional chord progression and borrowed chords)
Chord progression: Em9 (i9), C#m7b5 (VI7b5), F#m11 (ii11), B7sus4 (V7sus4), Em9 (i9), B7/F# (V7/III), Gmaj7 (III), B7sus4 (V7sus4)

Musical Analysis

The verse begins with a G# minor chord, which is the vi chord in the key of E major. This is followed by a chromatic shift to G# Major, which functions as the V/ii, or the dominant chord of the ii (C# minor). The progression then moves to A Major (IV), a common substitute for the IV chord in a minor key, followed by E Major (I), the tonic chord.

The next sequence is a more traditional progression with vi (C# minor), V (B Major), the secondary dominant V/ii (G# Major), and a return to the IV (A Major) and I (E Major) chords. This sequence is then repeated with a slight variation at the end: vi (C# minor) and V (B Major).

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

Radiohead is known for incorporating non-traditional harmony and experimentation in their music. In “Nude,” they effectively mix elements of the major key (E major) with chromatic alterations in the chords. This unsettling quality creates a sense of tension and release throughout the verse, characteristic of Radiohead’s emotive songwriting. The harmonic experimentation also enhances the introspective and melancholic nature of the track.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Nude by Radiohead are:

G#m, G#, A, E, C#m, B, G#, A, E, C#m, B