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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The song “Eight Days a Week” by The Beatles is an interesting example of pop music songwriting from the mid 1960’s. It showcases Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s ability to use common chord progressions and tweak them in a unique and recognizable way. It utilizes a simple progression in the verse but what makes it different is their use of 7th and borrowed chords. The key of the song is D major.

The Beatles’ “With A Little Help From My Friends” is in the key of E major and the coda chord progression special in its context. It is a clear example of a piece from the pop or rock genre exhibiting a distinctive use of chord progressions and modulation without adhering strictly to the classical traditions. Common prevailing characteristics of music by The Beatles are exemplified in this piece through its use of borrowed chords, chromatic mediants, and modal interchange, providing a distinct harmonic color and texture.

“Rocket Man” by Elton John, released in 1972, is a melodic and harmonically sophisticated example of his pop/rock style. The piece is in the key of G, and the chord progression of Verse 2 introduces some harmonies that exploit john’s expertise in using extended and altered chords, which lend colorfulness and a feel of departure and return. The use of slash chords like G/B and D/F# creates a descending bass line that is very characteristic of pop and rock music, creating a sense of melodic movement within the chords themselves. Verse 2 is navigated skillfully between simplistic and complex harmonies.

“Hallelujah” is a song by singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley and is a cover of a song originally written by Leonard Cohen. The song is in the key of C major and features a moderate tempo with a 6/8 time signature. This particular chord progression, taken from the second verse, consists mainly of diatonic chords found within the key, but also includes a few borrowed chords and a secondary dominant, giving the song a sense of tension and release.

The chord progression in Verse 2 of “Get You” by Daniel Caesar features some interesting and often non-diatonic chords. It provides a smooth and lush sound that complements the rest of the song. This progression shows influences from R&B and neo-soul genres, which often use extended and borrowed chords.

The Beatles – Eight Days A Week – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

[‘D’, ‘E7’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘D’, ‘E7’, ‘G’, ‘D’]

Chord Progression Analysis

Here is a detailed chord progression analysis list and the identified borrowed chords:
1. D (I)
2. E7 (II7)
3. G (IV)
4. D (I)
5. D (I)
6. E7 (II7)
7. G (IV)
8. D (I)

“`A borrowed chord occurs in this progression is: E7 which is a II7, borrowed from the D Mixolydian mode.“`

Similar Chord Progressions

The Beatles influenced a raft of artists who have used similar chord progressions in their work. The Kinks’ song “Waterloo Sunset” employs a similar progression: [‘D’, ‘E7’, ‘G’, ‘D’]. The song “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers also bares a resemblance, with a partial chord progression of [‘D’, ‘E’, ‘G’, ‘D’]. Remember that the reinterpretation of chord progressions in different compositions is a common practice in music.

Musical Analysis

The verse 2 chord progression creates a pleasing seesaw effect, toggling back and forth between familiar tonal centers. The E7 chord introduces an interesting touch as it functions as a secondary dominant (V/V), momentarily shifting our hearing towards the key of A. However, instead of resolving to A, it moves to G, a deceptive resolution that adds an unexpected twist. The E7 is also borrowed from the Mixolydian mode, blending in a bluesy element to the major tonality, whilst the D and G chords firmly anchor the song in the D major key.

Overall Analysis

“Eight Days A Week” by The Beatles, released in 1965, is renowned for its catchy melodic phrases, tight harmonies, and distinctive use of chords. The song is firmly rooted in the key of D major, but there is an interesting use of borrowed chords.

Verse 2

Style Analysis

Despite the straightforward melodies and harmonies, “Eight Days A Week” is a perfect example of the Beatles’ innovative approach to songwriting that pushed the boundaries of pop music. It uses an unusual blend of major/minor tonalities and modal interchange, something not commonly seen in music at the time. Reminiscent of the folk and country music from which they drew inspiration, the song transcends traditional stylistic boundaries, falling somewhere between pop, rock, and folk.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Eight Days A Week by The Beatles are:

[‘D’, ‘E7’, ‘G’, ‘D’, ‘D’, ‘E7’, ‘G’, ‘D’]