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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The song “Penny Lane” written by the Beatles is in the key of A major. The structure of Verse 4, specifically, has a very effective use of both diatonic (belonging naturally to the key) and borrowed chords (taken from a different key or mode). They have incorporated secondary dominants, pivot modulation, and modal interchange which reflect their knowledge of musical theory and compositional skills.

“All You Need Is Love” is in the key of G major. The song primarily uses the chords within the key signature and has a relatively simple harmonic structure. However, the song does utilize a few distinct chord choices that contribute to its unique sonic character. The song applies modal interchange with an inclusion of A minor from the G Mixolydian mode and the D7 and D6 which evoke a hint of the D Mixolydian mode.

“Kiss” by Prince is a well-loved song known for its catchy tune and funky, upbeat style. The song is composed in the key of A major. However, it lacks typical diatonic major harmonies because Prince used power chords (fifth chords) instead of full major or minor chords. The progression is largely built around the ‘A5’ and ‘D5’ power chords, with the occasional ‘E5’ and ‘E9sus4’ worked in to add some variation.

“Somewhere Only We Know” composed by Keane, is a pop-ballad that is based in the key of A Minor. It makes use of both diatonic and borrowed chords in a modern pop style progression that creates an oscillating feel, with repetition for familiarity and simple melody drawn from the underlying chords.

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“With a Little Help from My Friends” is a song by the Beatles from their 1967 album ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’. It features Ringo Starr who sings the song in the role of ‘Billy Shears’, a fictional character from the ‘Sgt. Pepper’ album. It was composed by Paul McCartney and John Lennon.

The full chord sequence you provided represents the verse. The song itself is predominantly in E Major, but contains several borrowed chords and modal exchanges. As was common with Beatles’s compositions, they often incorporated intricate chord progressions and did not strictly adhere to traditional key signatures.

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The Beatles – Penny Lane – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

[‘A’, ‘F#m’, ‘Bm’, ‘E7’, ‘A’, ‘F#m’, ‘Am’, ‘F’, ‘E7’]

Chord Progression Analysis

This is the Chord Progression of Verse 1: [‘A’, ‘F#m’, ‘Bm’, ‘E7’, ‘A’, ‘F#m’, ‘Am’, ‘F’, ‘E7’]

It goes as follows,

A Major (I)
F# Minor (vi)
B Minor (ii – borrowed from Dorian mode)
E7 (V7)
A Major (I)
F#m (vi)
A Minor (i – borrowed from Parallel minor)
F Major (♭VI – borrowed from A Aeolian mode)
E7 (V7)

The harmonies show an extensive use of diatonic and borrowed chords.

In text format:
“`
A Major (I)
F# Minor (vi)
B Minor (ii – borrowed)
E7 (V7)
A Major (I)
F# Minor (vi)
A Minor (I – borrowed)
F Major (♭VI – borrowed)
E7 (V7)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

Some songs that have similar chord progressions to “Penny Lane” include “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys and “Don’t Look Back In Anger” by Oasis. These songs both include tonal shifts, borrowed chords, and secondary dominants.

“God Only Knows” Chord Progression:
“`
A (I)
Bm (ii)
G (IV)
D (I)
Em (ii)
G (IV)
D7 (V7)
“`

“Don’t Look Back In Anger” includes a progression that borrows chords from the parallel minor and major keys:
“`
C (I)
G (V)
Am (vi)
E7 (V7)
F (IV)
G (V)
C (I)
A7 (V of ii)
Dm (ii)
G (V)
“`
These songs’ similarity to “Penny Lane” is seen in their integration of diatonic and non-diatonic elements in their chord progressions.

Musical Analysis

“The Beatles” use borrowed chords, which are chords borrowed from the parallel minor of the key of the piece, to add color and tension. The song modulates frequently, giving it immense depth and complexity. It also uses secondary dominants to enhance the resolution to the following chord and create a sense of movement.

The melody is mostly diatonic, but it is adorned with many non-chordal tones. The use of the E7 chord, a secondary dominant, serves the purpose of leading up to A Major, creating a strong sense of “home.”

Overall Analysis

“Penny Lane” by The Beatles is a pop rock song released in 1967. Musically, the track displays characteristics of the “Baroque pop” style combine with psychedelic pop. The composition is multifaceted with complex chord progressions inspired by classical music, as well as elements of the British music hall style, specifically brass band influences throughout.

Style Analysis

“Penny Lane” adheres to The Beatles’ signature songwriting style while introducing a more classics-inspired harmonic language. The baroque-pop style was quite audacious for its time, merging classical and pop elements, often using string arrangements and an array of classical instruments.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Penny Lane by The Beatles are:

[‘A’, ‘F#m’, ‘Bm’, ‘E7’, ‘A’, ‘F#m’, ‘Am’, ‘F’, ‘E7’]