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“Yes I’m Changing” by Tame Impala uses a repetitive chord progression throughout the majority of the song, alternating primarily between the chords C, Csus2, Cadd9, Am, F, and G. This pattern is characterized by constant resolution with the tonic of the key, C Major. However, the progression occasionally diverges from the typical diatonic pattern by introducing a G Major chord, which is a V chord in the C Major scale.

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.

The pre-chorus of Weezer’s “If You’re Wondering If I Want You To (I Want You To)” features a simple yet effective chord progression primarily centered around the D major chord. The piece overall follows a pop-rock, alternative musical style consistent with the typical sound of Weezer.

“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.

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’]