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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.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Exit Music (For A Film)” by Radiohead is rather unconventional and features several borrowed chords from different modes. It showcases the band’s affinity for using non-diatonic chords and contributes to the song’s somber and haunting atmosphere.

“Eight Days A Week” by The Beatles is in the key of D major. The song features a handful of basic major and minor chords with a sprinkling of interesting harmonic developments such as the E7 transition chord and the use of the B minor chord which provide a rich palette of colors for the progression.

“Electric Feel” by MGMT is a funky and psychedelic pop song with an infectious groove and memorable hooks. The chorus consists of a chord progression that features a variety of diatonic chords along with a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key. The progression is based around oscillations between minor and major tonalities, which adds a sense of tension and release. This, combined with the rhythmic syncopation and psychedelic production, contributes to the iconic and unique character of the song.

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.

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