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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“You And Whose Army?” by Radiohead is an alternative rock song featuring an interesting chord progression in the bridge. The chord progression is characterized by its dynamic movement and integration of non-diatonic chords. The progression is in the key of C# minor, and it displays unique qualities that allow it to stand out from traditional chord progressions. The combination of borrowed chords and voice leading creates a sense of tension and excitement, which contributes to the song’s overall atmosphere.

The chord progression featured in Radiohead’s “Motion Picture Soundtrack” Verse 2 is a four-chord loop that moves from G major to C major (acting as a suspension) and B minor (with an added 9th), creating an interesting mix of tonalities and suspensions. The progression establishes G major as the tonal center but continually moves away from it, creating a sense of ambiguity.

The chord progression in the outro of Beck’s “Say Goodbye” is an interesting combination of diatonic and chromatic elements. The use of the borrowed chord A# major in the mostly diatonic setting adds an unexpected twist to the progression, creating a unique and expressive harmonic landscape.

“God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys is one of their most well-known pieces and a primary example of the sophisticated harmonic writing characteristic of the group’s 1966 “Pet Sounds” record. This piece is particularly designed in the key of A major. The Outro of the song includes the following chords: ‘A’, ‘E/G#’, ‘F#m7’, ‘E/G#’ and many other chords throughout the song with complex chord changes that might not be typical in a pop song, but are characteristic of the band’s sound.

The outro of Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah” features a chord progression in the key of C Major. It includes common chords from the key, as well as some borrowed chords from the parallel minor key (C minor), which adds a level of tension and emotion to the progression. The outro has a cyclical nature, with the chords leading smoothly back into the beginning and building a sense of conclusion.

Radiohead – You And Whose Army – Outro

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Chord Progression

C#m, E, F#, C#, C#m, E, F#, C#, C#m, E, F#, C#, C#m, E, F#, C#

Chord Progression Analysis

C#m – i
E – III (borrowed chord from C# major)
F# – V/v (secondary dominant of the borrowed III chord)
C# – I (borrowed chord from C# major)

“`
| C#m (i) | E (III) | F# (V/v) | C# (I) |
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
Chord Progression:

“`
| Am (i) | A (I) | E (V) | G (VII) |
“`

2. Muse – “Space Dementia”
Chord Progression:

“`
| Bm (i) | D (III) | Bm (i) | G (VI) |
“`

3. Coldplay – “Clocks”
Chord Progression:

“`
| Ebm (i) | Bb (V) | Gb (III) | Fm (v) | Ab (VII) | Ebm (i) | Bb (V) | Ab (VII) |
“`

Musical Analysis

The chord progression’s use of borrowed chords and secondary dominants creates complexity and interest, while maintaining a sense of tonality with the strong I/i resolution. The borrowed III creates a surprise shift in tonality, which is further emphasized by the secondary dominant V/v leading back to the I chord. This mixture of major and minor qualities gives the progression an ambiguous and dreamy feel that is often found in Radiohead’s music.

Overall Analysis

This chord progression from Radiohead’s “You And Whose Army” is in the key of C# minor, and the chords are predominantly composed of diatonic chords from the C# natural minor scale with some borrowed chords from the parallel major scale. The progression follows a looped pattern, creating a hypnotic and catchy quality which is characteristic of Radiohead’s music.

Style Analysis

This chord progression is characteristic of Radiohead’s atmospheric, innovative style. It is cleverly composed, with the mix of major and minor chords creating a mesmerizing and emotive feel, which suits the overall atmosphere of the song. Radiohead is known for their ability to experiment and push the boundaries of traditional harmonic progressions, and this chord progression is another example of that.

Chords in the Outro section of You And Whose Army by Radiohead are:

C#m, E, F#, C#, C#m, E, F#, C#, C#m, E, F#, C#, C#m, E, F#, C#