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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins employs a variety of chords throughout the song, including major, major 7th, and minor 7th chords. The chord progression varies between sections but is based mostly on a mid-tempo groove in the key of E Major. The song utilizes common pop/rock conventions to create a dreamy and nostalgic soundscape, with the juxtaposition of the major and minor 7th chords adding complexity.

The song “1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins has a chord progression that can be considered experimental for Pop and Rock music, which typically tend to use simple and easily predictable progressions. In this song, the progression is notably more complex and unpredictable, shifting between ‘E’ and ‘Emaj7’ gives this track a moody feel, and the Amaj7 gives it another color. This progression is in the key of E major.

“You And Whose Army?” by Radiohead is an alternative rock song featuring an interesting chord progression in the bridge. The chord progression is characterized by its dynamic movement and integration of non-diatonic chords. The progression is in the key of C# minor, and it displays unique qualities that allow it to stand out from traditional chord progressions. The combination of borrowed chords and voice leading creates a sense of tension and excitement, which contributes to the song’s overall atmosphere.

“Weezer – Island In The Sun (Bridge)” is a relatively simple yet melodically impactful chord progression that utilizes a mixture of major and minor chords. The song is in the key of G major, and the bridge follows a (V – I) D-G progression initially, before moving to the IV (C) and ii (Am) chords. The harmonic rhythm of the bridge creates a sense of resolution and adds emotional depth to the song.

The given chord progression is from the song “Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails. The overall structure of the song consists of verses, choruses, and a bridge, each with distinct chord progressions that contribute to the song’s moody, melancholic atmosphere. The song is mostly in the key of E minor, with some borrowed chords from the parallel major key.

The Smashing Pumpkins – 1979 – Bridge

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Chord Progression

[‘C#m’, ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C#m’, ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C#m’, ‘A’, ‘F#m7’, ‘B’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘E’]

Chord Progression Analysis

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The song is in the Key of E Major. The chord progression in the Bridge is constructed as:

“`C# Minor (vi) – A Major (IV) – B Major (V) – C# Minor (vi) – A Major (IV) – B Major (V) – C# Minor (vi) – A Major (IV) – F# Minor7 (ii7) – B Major (V) – E Major 7 (IMaj7) – E Major (I)“`

In code block:

“`
“C# Minor (‘vi’) – A Major (‘IV’) – B Major (‘V’) – C# Minor (‘vi’) – A Major (‘IV’) – B Major (‘V’) – C# Minor (‘vi’) – A Major (‘IV’) – F# Minor7 (‘ii7’) – B Major (‘V’) – E Major 7 (‘IMaj7’) – E Major (‘I’)”
“`

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Similar Chord Progressions

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Similar to the vi-IV-V-I progression used in ‘1979’, Green Day has used similar progression in their hit song ’21 Guns’:

“`D minor (vi) – Bb Major (IV) – F Major (I) – C Major (V)“`

Coldplay’s ‘The Scientist’ also shares a familiar chord progression:

“`D minor (vi) – Bb Major (IV) – F Major (I) – C Major (V)“`

Avril Lavigne’s ‘Complicated’ also involves a similar progression:

“`F Major (I) – C Major (V) – Bb Major (IV) – D minor (vi)“`

In code block:

“`
“D minor (‘vi’) – Bb Major (‘IV’) – F Major (‘I’) – C Major (‘V’)”
“D minor (‘vi’) – Bb Major (‘IV’) – F Major (‘I’) – C Major (‘V’)”
“F Major (‘I’) – C Major (‘V’) – Bb Major (‘IV’) – D minor (‘vi’)”
“`

Musical Analysis

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This chord progression revolves around the vi-IV-V, which is a popular progression in pop music as it creates a strong sense of resolution when it finally lands on the ‘I’ chord. It begins and ends on the ‘E’ while it deviates slightly in the middle by incorporating an F# minor 7 chord, which works as a borrowed chord and provides a unique flavor to the progression.

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Overall Analysis

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“The Smashing Pumpkins” in the song ‘1979’ has used a somewhat unconventional yet memorable chord progression, particularly in the bridge section. This progression creates a certain mood and melodic texture befitting the song’s laid-back yet emotionally resonant feel.

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Style Analysis

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The Smashing Pumpkins are known for their diverse approach to songwriting, often incorporating various music styles ranging from pop, punk, gothic rock, and heavy metal. Their chord progressions often have a sense of resolution but with unexpected twists which make their music unpredictable yet melodically strong. ‘1979’ is an excellent example of this stylization as it combines the use of common and borrowed chords to create a distinctive sound.

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Chords in the Bridge section of 1979 by The Smashing Pumpkins are:

[‘C#m’, ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C#m’, ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C#m’, ‘A’, ‘F#m7’, ‘B’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘E’]