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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The given chord progression for the ending of Radiohead’s “You And Whose Army?” is in the key of A major. There are four chords in the progression: A, C#m, B-5, and B-5. Overall, it follows a relatively simple harmonic structure that incorporates power chords and a chromatic neighbor tone in the bass.

The chord progression for Radiohead’s “All I Need” chorus features a simple and repetitive structure, with a strong emphasis on the tonic (C major) and its relative minor (E minor). The progression then ends with a brief move to the dominant (G major), before returning to the tonic. This accessible sequence reflects the song’s emotional vulnerability and simplicity, while also showcasing the band’s ability to create emotional depth in their music.

The chord progression in the verse of “Help!” by The Beatles is quite characteristic of their style, using common chords but in interesting and unusual ways. The verse of “Help!” notably presents a mix of classic pop chord progression (I-vi-ii-V), secondary dominant chords and chromatic progressions. The Beatles often incorporated novel harmonic structures that added depth and complexity to their pop music, as evidenced in this piece.

“Something I Can Never Have” by Nine Inch Nails features a haunting and melancholic chord progression typical of the alternative rock and industrial rock genres. The tonality of the piece centers around the key of C major, with occasional borrowed chords and chromaticism adding emotional color and tension. The verse and chorus sections both feature a similar pattern of repeating chords as well as a descending bass line connecting the chords, giving the piece cohesion.

The song “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is a dark and provocative piece built upon a relentless, driving chord progression and sinuous melodies. The downbeat feel and chromaticism contribute to the brooding, unsettling mood of the song, which is a hallmark of the industrial rock genre. The piece is in the key of B minor.

Radiohead – You And Whose Army – Verse

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Chord Progression

D#m, G#, C#m, F#, Bm, E, A, C#m, D#m, G#, C#m, F#, Bm, E, A, C#m, E, A, C#m, D#m, G#, C#m, F#, Bm, E, A, C#m, D#m, G#, C#m, F#, Bm, E, A, C#m, E, A, C#m

Chord Progression Analysis

D#m (bII), G# (V), C#m (i), F# (IV), Bm (v), E (III), A (VI), C#m (i), D#m (bII), G# (V), C#m (i), F# (IV), Bm (v), E (III), A (VI), C#m (i), E (III), A (VI), C#m (i), D#m (bII), G# (V), C#m (i), F# (IV), Bm (v), E (III), A (VI), C#m (i), D#m (bII), G# (V), C#m (i), F# (IV), Bm (v), E (III), A (VI), C#m (i), E (III), A (VI), C#m (i)

Borrowed Chord:

“`
D#m (bII)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Exit Music (For a Film)” by Radiohead
Bm (i), G (VI), Em (iv), C#dim (iio), F# (V), Bm (i), G (VI), Em (iv), C#dim (iio), F# (V), Bm (i)

2. “Something” by The Beatles
C (I), Cmaj7 (IM7), C7 (I7), F (IV), D (V), G (V), Am (vi), Am7/G (vi7/VI), Cmaj7 (IM7), G (V)

Both of these examples, while not identical to “You And Whose Army,” exhibit some elements present in the song, such as unusual chord relationships and borrowed chords.

Musical Analysis

The recurring use of the borrowed chord D#m (bII) creates an element of surprise and tension while still providing a sense of resolution as it progresses to the G# (V) chord. This tension-release relationship is further emphasized by the movement between the F# (IV) and Bm (v) chords. The progression also includes a common chord progression, the VI-III-i progression (A-C#m-E), which adds an emotional and somewhat nostalgic quality to the piece.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

Radiohead is known for their innovative and experimental approach to songwriting, often blending elements from various genres and styles. The chord progression in “You And Whose Army” embodies this approach by using borrowed chords, uncommon chord relationships, and multiple key centers. This technique can be found in various songs throughout their discography, as they consistently push the boundaries of conventional music theory to create a unique and evocative sound.

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

D#m, G#, C#m, F#, Bm, E, A, C#m, D#m, G#, C#m, F#, Bm, E, A, C#m, E, A, C#m, D#m, G#, C#m, F#, Bm, E, A, C#m, D#m, G#, C#m, F#, Bm, E, A, C#m, E, A, C#m