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Related Music Theory Alchemy

Paranoid Android is a progressive rock song by Radiohead from their album “OK Computer.” The song features various time signature changes, complex harmonic structures, and a blend of distorted guitar tones and strings. The given chords belong to the first verse of the song. The overall tonality of the song is predominantly centered around the C minor key. However, there are some instances of borrowed chords and chromaticism in the chord progression, which adds tension and an unstable quality to the music.

“Creep” by Radiohead is an alternative rock song in the key of G major, with a somewhat melancholic tone. The chord progression used is iconic, and it heavily relies on borrowed chords to create tension and resolution in the harmony. This use of chords creates a distinct sound that has become synonymous with the song.

The chord progression in the chorus of Beck’s “Think I’m In Love” is a fairly simple one that revolves around two key centers, Ab major and Eb major. The main chords used are based on the I-IV-V structure which is common in rock and pop music. It features a major I-IV relationship and an unexpected chord, F major, which adds some harmonic interest.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Lost Cause” by Beck showcases a simple yet effective pattern utilizing major chords and a dominant seventh chord, which creates tension and resolution throughout the progression. The song is in C major, and the chords predominantly follow the diatonic harmony of the key. The style is reminiscent of folk and alternative rock, with the harmony playing a significant role in evoking a sense of melancholy in the listener.

The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations” presents an interesting mix of major and minor chords with excellent use of chord inversions and borrowings. The song is harmonically adventurous, showcasing the band’s pop mastery with Brian Wilson’s unmatched compositional skills. This song is primarily in the key of A Major, with many borrowed chords and modulation that creates its unique feel.

Radiohead – Paranoid Android – Chorus

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Chord Progression

Gm, Dm9, E, Gm, Gm, Dm9, E, Am, G#, C, D, Am, G#, C, D, Cm, G, Bb, A, Dm, A, Dm, Dm7, Bb, F, Gm, F, E, A

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
G minor (i),
D minor 9 (v9),
E major (VI),
G minor (i),
G minor (i),
D minor 9 (v9),
E major (VI),
A minor (ii),
G# major (I#),
C major (IV),
D major (V),
A minor (ii),
G# major (I#),
C major (IV),
D major (V),
C minor (iv),
G major (VII),
Bb major (III),
A major (V/V),
D minor (v),
A major (V/V),
D minor (v),
D minor 7 (v7),
Bb major (III),
F major (VII/base),
G minor (i),
F major (VII/base),
E major (VI),
A major (V/V)
“`

Borrowed Chords:

“`G# major (I#)“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “Happiness is a Warm Gun”:
“`Cm, G, Ab, Bb, Gm, G, E, Am, G“`

2. Muse – “Citizen Erased”:
“`Am, G, F, E, Dm, G, Fmaj7, E“`

3. Tool – “Schism”:
“`Ebm7, Bb7, Bbm7, Abm, Fm, D“`

Although not exact replicas, these examples share a similar tendency of utilizing diverse and unexpected harmonic movement in an unconventional progression. They demonstrate how artists from various genres experiment with complex harmony and chromaticism to create a unique and engaging musical experience.

Musical Analysis

Radiohead’s “Paranoid Android” chorus employs several non-diatonic chords, creating a sense of unpredictability and tension. While the predominant tonality is G minor, the piece frequently ventures into other tonal centers, including C major and D major.

The progression begins with a somewhat conventional G minor – D minor – E major progression (i – v – VI), giving a sense of the natural minor scale. However, the progression then shifts to A minor (ii), followed by the borrowed G# major (I#) chord, which provides a strong chromatic contrast.

The repeated A minor – G# major – C major – D major sequence highlights a mix of diatonic degrees and borrowed chords, keeping the listener engaged. Eventually, the progression resolves to C minor (iv), before taking another series of twists and turns, finally ending with the V/V (A major) chord, which serves as a dominant push back into the tonic upon repetition of the progression.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

“Paranoid Android” exemplifies Radiohead’s use of unconventional harmony and structure in their music. The ever-evolving, unpredictable nature of the chord progression reflects the song’s moody, atmospheric quality. It combines traditional tonal harmony with chromaticism, contributing to the song’s melodic and harmonic complexity.

Chords in the Chorus section of Paranoid Android by Radiohead are:

Gm, Dm9, E, Gm, Gm, Dm9, E, Am, G#, C, D, Am, G#, C, D, Cm, G, Bb, A, Dm, A, Dm, Dm7, Bb, F, Gm, F, E, A