Tyler, The Creator – Are We Still Friends – Outro
Are We Still Friends < All Analyses
Chord Progression
G#m, G, A, B
Chord Progression Analysis
G# minor (i), G major (bVII), A major (bVIII), B major (bIX)
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i (G# minor) – borrowed from the parallel minor
bVII (G major) – borrowed chord
bVIII (A major) – borrowed chord
bIX (B major) – borrowed chord
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Similar Chord Progressions
1. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”
C minor (i), B major (bVII), C# major (bVIII), F# major (bIX)
2. The Beatles – “I Am the Walrus”
C major (I), A major (bVIII), G major (bVII), F# major (bVI)
3. David Bowie – “Life on Mars?”
F major (I), Bb major (IV), Eb major (bVII), Ab major (bII)
These examples showcase other artists making use of chromaticism and unconventional harmonic choices, though the specific chord progressions are different from Tyler’s in “Are We Still Friends.” Nevertheless, the shared elements of surprise and musical interest allow for these examples to be viewed within the same stylistic context.
Musical Analysis
The progression begins on the tonic G# minor (i) chord, giving a sense of stability before moving chromatically down to the G major chord (bVII). This move is unusual but can be seen as an outcome of modal mixture (borrowing from the parallel minor). From G major, the progression then moves up a whole step to the A major (bVIII) chord, adding more chromaticism and creating tension between the first two chords. Finally, the progression lands on the B major (bIX) chord, which can be viewed as borrowed from the parallel phrygian mode, further increasing the overall harmonic ambiguity.
Overall Analysis
The outro chord progression of “Are We Still Friends” by Tyler, The Creator has an interesting and somewhat unconventional structure. It’s composed of four chords and follows a pattern that showcases chromatic motion, a key element often found in the music of Tyler, The Creator. The vamp is harmonically ambiguous, relying on the dynamic interplay between the chords to create tension and resolution.
Style Analysis
Tyler, The Creator is known for his experimental approach and unique harmonic choices, and “Are We Still Friends” is no exception. The outro chord progression showcases his penchant for chromaticism and ability to create unexpected moments of tension and musical interest. Additionally, the use of borrowed chords spanning different modes, modal mixture, and unconventional harmonic choices are all hallmarks of Tyler’s distinctive style.
What are the chords in: Tyler, The Creator – Are We Still Friends – Outro?
G#m, G, A, B
