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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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“Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys employs a series of chord progressions that echo the rising tension and resolution in the song’s narrative. The song is primarily in the key of D minor, with moments of temporary modulation, which allows for colorful and unexpected harmonies to emerge. This harmonic and melodic complexity is one of the defining characteristics of Brian Wilson’s writing style, highlighting his ability to push the boundaries of pop music.

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The chord progression for “Kokomo” by The Beach Boys is an example of sophisticated pop songwriting that combines elements of traditional tonal harmony, modal interchange (borrowed chords), and secondary dominants for dramatic effect. This song is in the key of C major.

The chord progression in the chorus of Kali Uchis’ “After The Storm” features a repeating progression of Am7, Bm7, and Eaug that occurs three times, with slight variations in harmony and tonality. It is a unique and interesting progression that creates tension through the use of both minor 7th and augmented chords. The overall style evokes a dreamy, jazzy atmosphere with elements of R&B and soul.

“Nothings Gonna Change My Love For You” by George Benson is a romantic ballad in the key of Db major. The piece features a soothing and harmonically rich chord progression that is characteristic of the pop/jazz fusion style popular in the late 70s and 80s. The chorus features a mix of diatonic, borrowed, and secondary-dominant chords, creating an expressive palette of colors and tensions. This progression shares similarities with other ballads and pop songs from the era.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Nude” by Radiohead features a mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, with some added tensions for additional color. It reflects the band’s signature style of blending unexpected harmonic elements to create a unique and evocative sound. In particular, the mix of major and minor chords with added tensions lends a sense of both familiarity and unconventionality to the progression.

The Beach Boys – Good Vibrations – Chorus

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Chord Progression

[‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘D’]

Chord Progression Analysis

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F Major (IV), Bb Major (bVII), F Major (IV), Bb Major (bVII),
F Major (IV), Bb Major (bVII), F Major (IV), Bb Major (bVII),
F Major (IV), Bb Major (bVII), F Major (IV), Bb Major (bVII),
F Major (IV), Bb Major (bVII),
G Major (V), C Major (I), G Major (V), C Major (I),
G Major (V), C Major (I), G Major (V), C Major (I),
A Major (IV), D Major (VII), A Major (IV), D Major (VII),
A Major (IV), D Major (VII), A Major (IV), D Major (VII).
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In the listed progression, Bb Major and D Major are borrowed chords from the parallel minor (A minor).

Similar Chord Progressions

John Lennon’s “Imagine” shares a similar use of the IV and bVII chords found in “Good Vibrations.” Here’s the chord progression –

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C Major (I), Cmaj7 (I7), F Major (IV), F Major (IV),
Dm (ii), Dm (ii), F Major (IV), F Major (IV),
C Major (I), Cmaj7 (I7), F Major (IV), F Major (IV),
Dm (ii), Dm (ii), F Major (IV), F Major (IV),
E7 (V), Am/E (vi/I), E7 (V), Am/E (vi/I),
E7 (V), Am/E (vi/I), E7 (VII/bIII), Am (vi).
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Note the Lennon song’s use of the IV chord as well as the bVII just like “Good Vibrations”. In “Imagine”, John Lennon uses these chords to create a dreamy, thoughtful atmosphere.

Musical Analysis

“Good Vibrations” is a great example of the Beach Boys’ harmonically adventurous style. The progression begins regularly, but the use of borrowed chords Bb major and D Major creates noticeable color. Using these borrowed chords, Brian Wilson achieves a modal mixture, borrowing from the parallel minor. The key modulation seen when shifting from F Major to G Major to A Major is an unexpected twist, adding to the song’s complexities.

Overall Analysis

The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations” presents an interesting mix of major and minor chords with excellent use of chord inversions and borrowings. The song is harmonically adventurous, showcasing the band’s pop mastery with Brian Wilson’s unmatched compositional skills. This song is primarily in the key of A Major, with many borrowed chords and modulation that creates its unique feel.

Style Analysis

The Beach Boys favor intricate harmonies and complex compositional structure, reflective of their primary songwriter, Brian Wilson’s, background in jazz and classical music. Their music features extensive use of extended harmony, borrowed chords, and modulations.

Chords in the Chorus section of Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys are:

[‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘F’, ‘Bb’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘D’]