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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

“Landslide” by The Smashing Pumpkins is a cover of a popular folk-rock song by Fleetwood Mac. In this song, The Smashing Pumpkins show their alternative rock style, while also paying homage to the folk-rock genre and especially to the founder of Folk-Rock “Fleetwood Mac”. The chords used throughout the song are predominantly composed in the key of G major, with the occasional use of a common borrowed chord (Am) from the G minor key.

The chord progression throughout this verse of Beck’s “Lost Cause” is predominantly in the key of F Major with some chords from its relative minor (D minor). The use of borrowed chords adds variety and color to the progression, and the alternation between F major and C major chords creates a strong sense of tonality and grounding in the key of F Major. The use of Am and E7 chords provides a brief tension and leaning toward the parallel key of F minor before resolving back to the original key. This adds interest and complexity to the otherwise straightforward progression.

“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” is a song written by Elton John that features a complex chord progression that effectively complements the haunting and nostalgic quality of the song’s lyrics. The primary key of the song is D major, while parts of the progression borrow from both the parallel minor (D minor) and the relative minor (B minor). The use of these borrowed chords adds harmonic interest and enhances the song’s evocative, wistful mood.

Tame Impala’s “Let It Happen” is a song in A major key. The chord progression seems simple at first, with a repetitive motive throughout the verse but it creates a hypnotic effect that is very much in line with Tame Impala’s psychedelic style.

The Smashing Pumpkins – Tonight Tonight – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

[‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘G/B’, ‘D’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘G/B’, ‘D’]

Chord Progression Analysis

The key of the song seems to oscillate between C major and G major, which provides a fresh and somewhat unpredictable sound to the ears. The chords of Verse 1 proceed as follows:

“`
A minor (vi)
C Major (I)
G Major (V)
D Major/F# (V/vi)
E minor (iii)
A minor (vi)
C Major (I)
C add9 (Isus2)
G Major/B (V6)
D Major (V/V)
C add9 (Isus2)
G Major/B (V6)
D Major (V/V)
“`
The use of slash chords like ‘D/F#’ and ‘G/B’ add further color and complexity to the harmonic vision of the song. The D Major (which would not typically fit in a C Major key) and its inversions (D/F#) can be considered borrowed from the parallel minor.

Similar Chord Progressions

A similar chord progression can be found in U2’s “With or Without You” which has a constant IV-I-V-vi progression. This creates a similar sense of anticipation and grandeur as “Tonight, Tonight.” Another example includes “Let it Be” by The Beatles, which follows the progression I-V-vi-IV, similar in ways but a reflection of “Tonight, Tonight”‘s development and diversity.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression creates a sense of anticipation and suspense, always pushing the listener forward. The Em-Am-C progression is a typical i-VI-III progression often found in pop and rock music. In contrast, the D Major chord creates a feeling of departure, or a slight tension due to its role as a secondary dominant. Finally, the progression often resolves back to a G Major chord, giving a certain satisfaction to the listener.

Overall Analysis

“Tonight, Tonight” by The Smashing Pumpkins is a rock song happy to embrace classical music tropes. An orchestral, string-heavy arrangement propels the song, surrounding the listener with a rich tapestry of sound. The grandiose sound of the full orchestra is bolstered by the band’s dual guitars and Billy Corgan’s characteristic singing.

Style Analysis

The style of the song blend grunge rock, pop, and symphonic elements. The frequent use of add9 chords bring a degree of sophistication and elevation that is frequently associated with orchestral music. Additionally, the passing tones and borrowed chords add to the complexity of the song, ensuring that the song remains interesting throughout its entirety.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Tonight Tonight by The Smashing Pumpkins are:

[‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘D/F#’, ‘Em’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘G/B’, ‘D’, ‘Cadd9’, ‘G/B’, ‘D’]