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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.

“Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead is a haunting and introspective ballad that features an evocative chord progression. The progression appears to have been influenced by alternative rock and combines elements of both major and minor tonalities, as well as non-diatonic and diatonic chords. This blend of harmonic flavors creates an unforgettable sound that is melancholic, yet beautiful.

“When Doves Cry” by Prince features an unorthodox chord progression compared to many pop or rock songs from the era. The chord progression in the Outro as well as throughout the song remains constant, which underscores the plaintive mood of the song and lyrics. The progression: Em – F – G in the Outro contains borrowed chords from the parallel minor. This introduces a sense of ambiguity to the overall tonality.

The song “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails has a tonal center around the key of B minor, as it is the most prominently featured chord in both the verse and chorus sections. The verse features a simple three-chord progression (Bm-D-E), and the chorus introduces additional chords (G, A). The outro mainly repeats the chords from the verse. The style of the piece can be characterized as haunting, melancholic, and somewhat minimalistic with only a few chords creating the harmonic landscape.

The chord progression in the famous outro of Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ illustrates the eccentricity Queen was known for throughout their discography. This section consists of bold modulations, chromatic chord progressions, and borrowed chords, showing off Freddie Mercury’s compositional sophistication and creativity. It’s evident that Mercury’s influence for this song came from various musical genres, including progressive rock, classical, and operatic music.

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#