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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The song “Let It Happen” by Tame Impala, which is in the key of A Major, uses a simple yet effective chord progression during its outro. The common pattern of I-vi-IIIIV (Major-minor-Suspended 4) recurs throughout. The G#sus4 chord provides a moment of tension before resolving back to the tonic and restarting the pattern. The progression concludes with an Emaj7 chord, which is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor.

“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails, released in 1994, is a well-known song distinguished by its catchy synth lines, explosive percussion, and provocative lyricism. Hinged on a distinct, repeating synth bassline, the song employs a fundamental chord progression epitomizing the alternative rock and industrial genres. Its tonal centre revolves around the key of C# minor.

“Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis, a popular rock ballad, is characterized by its melancholic chord progressions. Its key is major, specifically C Major, but it involves a frequent use of borrowed chords for a touch of bitterness, matching the poignant lyrics.

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Vance Joy’s “Riptide” is a folk-pop song that presents a unique coupling of simplicity and depth on the musical landscape. The chord progression, in particular the pre-chorus, is relatively straightforward, but it introduces a flavor of complexity thanks to the inclusion of the borrowed chord. The song operates primarily within the key of C major, and maintains a predominantly folk-like, easy listening aesthetic throughout. Its chord progression, while simple, is nonetheless powerful in conveying the song’s desired emotional ambiance.

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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’]