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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in Radiohead’s “You And Whose Army” showcases the band’s unique style of blending chord progressions from different key centers, as well as their tendency to use borrowed chords. The progression consists largely of diatonic chords from the key of C# minor, but also features a few borrowed chords from D# minor and the parallel major key, C# Major.

** The chord progression in Verse 3 of Radiohead’s “Fake Plastic Trees” is a combination of diatonic and non-diatonic chords in the key of A major, featuring the use of suspended chords, 9th chords, and 6th chords. The progression has a tonally ambiguous and ethereal quality, which is characteristic of Radiohead’s style.

**

The chord progression in the outro of “Earfquake” by Tyler, The Creator is relatively simple and repetitive, featuring a constant alternation between Bbmaj7 and Am7 chords. This back-and-forth between the two chords creates a sense of tension and release that contributes to the dreamy and emotional atmosphere characteristic of the song.

“Dazed and Confused” by Led Zeppelin is an iconic rock song that features a descending bass line and bluesy chord progressions. The outro takes on a more aggressive tone and the chords are power chords, which give the song a heavy sound. These power chords, mixed with the syncopated rhythm and the blues-rock influences, contribute to the song’s unique character.

“Think I’m In Love” by Beck is a pop-infused indie rock piece that features an easy-going, catchy melody and a simple yet effective chord progression. The use of repetitive chords throughout the Outro creates a sense of stability and familiarity. The Outro builds upon the tonal center of F Major established earlier in the song and prolongs the tonic, adding to the song’s overall sense of closure and resolution.

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#