The Smashing Pumpkins – Tonight Tonight – Chorus
Tonight Tonight < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Cadd9’, ‘G/B’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘Am’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘G/B’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’]
Chord Progression Analysis
Here’s the chorus part of the progression:
Cadd9 (Iadd9), G/B (V6), D (II), Em (iii), Am (vi), Cadd9 (Iadd9), G/B (V6), D (II), G (V), D/F# (V6), Em (iii)
“`Cadd9 here is a borrowed chord from the C Major Scale.“`
Similar Chord Progressions
1. “High and Dry” by Radiohead
In the verse: [“Fadd9” (Iadd9), “A#maj/A” (IV6), “Cmaj” (V), “Gmin” (ii), “Dmin” (vi), “Fadd9” (Iadd9), “A#maj/A” (IV6), “Cmaj” (V)]
2. “Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis
In the chorus: [“Cadd9” (Iadd9), “G” (V), “Am” (vi), “Em” (iii), “F” (IV), “G” (V), “C” (I), “Am” (vi), “E7” (III7)]
Note: While these examples may not have the exact same chord progression, they have similar elements such as the usage of added 9th chords and chord inversions.
Musical Analysis
C’s (1st and 7th) and G/B (2nd and 8th), as well as D (3rd) make a descending bass line (C-B-A-G-F#). These choices of inversion and the use of added notes (Cadd9) brings depth and saturated harmonic content to the tonal landscape. Then, Em (4th), Am (5th), and the other chords that follow continue to enhance the expressiveness of the song with further tonal palette expansion.
Overall Analysis
“Tonight, Tonight” by The Smashing Pumpkins draws from the band’s unique style of alternative rock influenced by a distinct palette of harmonic choices. Particularly in the songwriting of Billy Corgan (the band’s primary songwriter), the band tends to use a mix of common and uncommon chords, together with a tendency of exploring different tonalities. Often, the chord changes are driven by guitar inversions, suspensions, or additions.
Style Analysis
Smashing Pumpkins often utilize intricate chord progressions and a copious use of add chords and inversions, which can be seen in the chorus of “Tonight, Tonight”. This song also showcases their use of both ‘classic’ and non-standard tunings that provide a unique twist to their alternative rock sound.
What are the chords in: The Smashing Pumpkins – Tonight Tonight – Chorus?
[‘Cadd9’, ‘G/B’, ‘D’, ‘Em’, ‘Am’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘G/B’, ‘D’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’]
