The Smashing Pumpkins – 1979 – Chorus 1
1979 < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘E’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘Amaj7’, ‘E’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘Amaj7’, ‘E’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘Amaj7’, ‘F#m7’, ‘B’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘E’]
Chord Progression Analysis
Chorus:
“`
1. E (I)
2. Emaj7 (I7)
3. Amaj7 (IV7)
4. E (I)
5. Emaj7 (I7)
6. Amaj7 (IV7)
7. E (I)
8. Emaj7 (I7)
9. Amaj7 (IV7)
10. F#m7 (ii7)
11. B (V)
12. Emaj7 (I7)
13. E (I)
“`
Similar Chord Progressions
Although unique in many ways, the chord progression of “1979” can be compared to that of “Life in Technicolor” by Coldplay. The song also has an unconventional progression with multiple seventh chords. The progression starts on D (I), moving to G (IV), Bm7 (vi7), G (IV) and A (V). This progression shows similar use of major seventh chords, and ends on a dominant chord, as does “1979”.
Musical Analysis
The song begins and ends with the ‘Emaj7’ chord (I7), which signifies a certain resolve, but within the progression there is a noticeable tension, particularly when it transitions to the ‘Amaj7’ (IV7) chord, which is a major seventh in place of a more typical major or minor chord. In addition, the chord progression includes the ‘F#m7’ (ii7) and ‘B’ (V), a common sequence that creates a cadence back to the ‘E key’.
Overall Analysis
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.
Style Analysis
Known for their grungy sound and complex guitar work, The Smashing Pumpkins push the boundaries of typical chord progressions with songs like “1979”. The band often uses seventh chords and unexpected chord changes to create an unique and interesting sound. The use of ‘Emaj7’ and ‘Amaj7’ gives the song its distinctive, melancholy sound that sets it apart from other songs in the same genre.
What are the chords in: The Smashing Pumpkins – 1979 – Chorus 1?
[‘E’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘Amaj7’, ‘E’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘Amaj7’, ‘E’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘Amaj7’, ‘F#m7’, ‘B’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘E’]
