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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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The piece, ‘1979’ by The Smashing Pumpkins follows an overarching structure with a mix of major and minor chords, what stand out are the rich extended chords, ‘Emaj7’ and ‘Amaj7’. The piece displays a balance between tonic chords and dominant chords, expressing a classic pop-rock style whilst frequent usage of maj7 chords adding a distinctive jazziness to the tune.

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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.

“Beast of Burden,” by The Rolling Stones, a song characterized by a typical rock-pop structure, primarily uses a IV-chord loop in the key of E major. The chord progression in the outro follows a specific sequence: E, to B, to C#m, to A. The return to the E at the end of the progression gives it a circular feel that encourages cohesion.

“Hurt”, written by Nine Inch Nails, exudes melancholy and despair through a slow progression that weaves intricate melodies between the chords. The tonality is primarily in B minor, but introduces D, E, A, and G chords throughout, indicating some mode mixture or borrowed chord use.

Kali Uchis’ “Telepatia” features a relatively simple two-chord progression in the outro, consisting of a major seventh chord followed by a dominant seventh chord. The harmonic texture is sparse yet effective, with a unique, ethereal atmosphere created by the interplay between the two chords.

The Smashing Pumpkins – 1979 – Outro

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Chord Progression

[‘A’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘E’, ‘A’, ‘E’]

Chord Progression Analysis

Here’s the analysis for the chords in the outro:
“`
– A Major (I)
– E Major 7th (V7)
– E Major (V)
– A Major (I)
– E Major (V)
“`

The borrowed chord:
“`
– E Major 7th (V7)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

“Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty:
“`
D (I),
Dsus4 (Isus4),
Asus (IVsus),
A (IV)
“`

“Let Her Go” by Passenger:
“`
(I),
D (V),
Em (vi),
D/C (V/7),
G/B (IV/6),
D7/F# (V7/ii),
G (IV),
G/F# (IV/ii)
“`

“Times Like These” by Foo Fighters:
“`
D5 (I),
C5 (bVII),
G5 (IV),
Em (ii)
“`

Note that while these songs feature somewhat similar chord progressions, the actual voicings, rhythms, and additional musical elements may vary widely.

Musical Analysis

“1979” is heavily guitar-driven, with the chords extensively embellished by arpeggios. While the song is in A major, the extensive use of Emaj7 (a chord borrowed from the key of E major) and E major lends the song a distinctive atmospheric quality.

Overall Analysis

“1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins is written in the A major key and showcases various examples of modal interchange, also known as borrowed chords. The song switches often between the major and minor modes, providing a dynamic interplay of moods. The outro particularly stands out due to its use of both major and maj7th chords, a somewhat unusual combination. Emaj7 adds color and complexity to the progression, as a borrowed chord from the E major scale.

Style Analysis

The Smashing Pumpkins are known for their alternative rock/grunge style and “1979” is no exception. However, this song leans more towards the pop end of their sound spectrum, using catchy, pleasant melodies and progressions, while still retaining the atmospheric, somewhat melancholic undertones that are typical for the band.

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

[‘A’, ‘Emaj7’, ‘E’, ‘A’, ‘E’]