Music Theory Alchemy

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This chord progression from the verse of Tame Impala’s “Alter Ego” suggests a key of C major due to the recurring instances of Cmaj7. However, the presence of certain chords like Bm7 and Dm suggests that Kevin Parker is creatively “borrowing” chords from the parallel and associated keys (C minor, D minor) to create colorful departures from the primary tonality. The use of extended chords (7ths) and suspended chords (Bsus4) adds a sense of complexity and sophistication to the harmony. As can be seen, the chord progression mostly oscillates between Cmaj7, Bsus4, Bm7 before moving to Dm and Gm towards the end of the verse.

“Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane uses a handful of straightforward major and minor chords which contribute to a pop, atmospheric, and emotive sound indicative of the band’s alternative rock aesthetic. The chord progression of the pre-chorus is fairly common and creates a cyclical and slightly unsettled feel that fits well with the song’s lyrical themes of uncertainty and longing for return.

The song “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is in the key of B major. The primary chords used throughout the song are: B major (I), C# major (II), G major (bVI), E major (IV), F# major (V), and C (bII). The chords progression is unconventional when compared to traditional music theory. This unconventional use of chords and progressions creates a unique and distinct sound that characterizes the song.

Chord Analysis (Pre-Chorus):

The chord progression in the pre-chorus, which is also found in the verse, would be:
B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – G major (bVI) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – G major (bVI) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – G major (bVI) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II)

Borrowed Chord:

G major (bVI) is a borrowed chord from B minor, the parallel minor of B major in this song.

The given chord progression is the Pre-Chorus section of “After The Storm” by Kali Uchis. The chords in this progression are predominantly built on the 1st and 2nd degrees of the minor scale. The recurring use of the Eaug chord injects an interesting and stylish twist into the music.

Tame Impala – Cause Im A Man – PRE-CHORUS

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Chord Progression

[‘G’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘A’, ‘B’]

Chord Progression Analysis

The Pre-Chorus chords:
1) G Major (bIII)
2) A Major (IV)
The bIII chord here is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key. The use of this chord gives the music an edgier, yet colorful touch.

“`
G Major (bIII)
A Major (IV)
G Major (bIII)
A Major (IV)
G Major (bIII)
A Major (IV)
G Major (bIII)
A Major (IV)
B Major (V)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

The chord progression in the pre-chorus of “‘Cause I’m A Man” can be juxtaposed with those of “Breathe” by Pink Floyd and “She’s A Rainbow” by The Rolling Stones which also use an IV-bIII progression.

“She’s A Rainbow” by The Rolling Stones (Key: B Major):
“`
E Major (IV)
D# Major (bIII)
“`

“Breathe” by Pink Floyd (Key: E minor):
“`
A Major (IV in E minor)
G Major (bIII in E minor)
“`

While the keys might be different, the relative motion and treatment of the chords hold similarities yielding a characteristically psychedelic and dense sound.

Musical Analysis

In the pre-chorus, we see an alternating IV-bIII progression. The movement between these two chords acts as a kind of ‘pseudo-suspension’ that eventually resolves to B major (V) – dominant of the root E major. This generates intrigue and also prepares the listener for the change that will come with the chorus.

Overall Analysis

The song seems to have a psychedelic pop/rock vibe reminiscing of the late ’60s and ’70s. The use of major seventh chords and repeated shifting between E Major and D Major hints at a sense of yearning and nostalgia, something that is commonly found in Tame Impala’s music.

Style Analysis

Tame Impala’s music draws heavily from the psychedelic music of the ’60s and ’70s. The use of the major seventh and borrowed chords lends a dreamy and nostalgic quality to the music, a hallmark of the psychedelic style. The Alternating IV-bIII progression in the pre-chorus also adds to the texture, harmonically rich and layered.

Chords in the Pre-chorus section of Cause Im A Man by Tame Impala are:

[‘G’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘A’, ‘G’, ‘A’, ‘B’]