The Smashing Pumpkins – 1979 – Chorus 3
1979 < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘E’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘Amaj7’, ‘E’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘Amaj7’, ‘E’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘Amaj7’, ‘F#m’, ‘B’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘E’]
Chord Progression Analysis
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The chorus is quite unique, utilizing both major and major seventh chords, creating a rich, sophisticated texture that sets it apart from other rock songs of the time.
Here is the breakdown of the chords with their Roman numerals:
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E Major (I),
E Major 7 (IMaj7),
A Major 7 (IVMaj7),
E Major (I),
E Major 7 (IMaj7),
A Major 7 (IVMaj7),
E Major (I),
E Major 7 (IMaj7),
A Major 7 (IVMaj7),
F# Minor (ii),
B Major (V),
E Major 7 (IMaj7),
E Major (I)
“`
The progression starts with the E Major to E Major seventh, which is essentially the root chord to its seventh counterpart. Then it modulates to A Major 7 before returning to root (E Major), creating a I-IV motion. The F# Minor and B Major provide a nice ii-V motion which resolves back to I (E Major).
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Similar Chord Progressions
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Billy Joel’s “And So It Goes” also features a prominent Maj7 chord in its progression, which is rather rare in mainstream rock/pop music. It uses a I-IMaj7 motion, similar to “1979”. In addition, Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” includes a Maj7 in its progression, which contributes to its introspective feel.
So here is the chord progression in these songs:
– For “And So It Goes” in C:
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C Major (I),
C Major 7 (IMaj7),
G Major (V),
A Minor (vi),
D7 (II7),
…
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– For “Wish You Were Here” in G:
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G Major (I),
G Major 7 (IMaj7),
C Major (IV),
D Major (V),
…
“`
Musical Analysis
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This cornerstone of the chorus lends a complexity and musical depth more often associated with jazz than mainstream rock. The song showcased Billy Corgan’s (Smashing Pumpkin’s lead songwriter) predilection for lush, emotive chords.
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Overall Analysis
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“1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins is a classic alternative rock song that cleverly uses uncommon, sophisticated chords to evoke an emotional, melancholic atmosphere.
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Style Analysis
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The Smashing Pumpkins’ style is a hybrid of alternative, punk, and psychedelic rock with a touch of shoe-gazing introspection. Billy Corgan’s songwriting often uses unexpected chord progressions, such as the one in “1979”, which adds to the band’s unique, atmospheric sound.
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What are the chords in: The Smashing Pumpkins – 1979 – Chorus 3?
[‘E’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘Amaj7’, ‘E’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘Amaj7’, ‘E’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘Amaj7’, ‘F#m’, ‘B’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘E’]
