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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in the verse of Tyler, The Creator’s “Earfquake” is primarily based on a simple alternation between two chords, Bbmaj7 and Am7, with a brief excursion to Gm7 before returning to Am7. The simplicity and repetition of the progression creates a feeling of comfort and stability, while the use of major 7th and minor 7th chords adds a touch of sophistication and smoothness. The progression doesn’t follow a traditional functional harmony, but it effectively supports the melody and the overall vibe of the song.

The chord progression in the chorus of “Are We Still Friends” by Tyler, The Creator is a relatively simple yet effective progression that contains some characteristic elements of R&B and soul music. It includes a mixture of major and minor chords and a predominant use of dominant 7 chords (in this case, E7) to create a sense of tension and resolve within the progression. This progression is simple enough that it allows for the melody and lyrics to shine while still providing harmonic interest.

“Electric Feel” by MGMT is a funky and psychedelic pop song with an infectious groove and memorable hooks. The chorus consists of a chord progression that features a variety of diatonic chords along with a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key. The progression is based around oscillations between minor and major tonalities, which adds a sense of tension and release. This, combined with the rhythmic syncopation and psychedelic production, contributes to the iconic and unique character of the song.

The chord progression in the chorus of Beck’s “Lord Only Knows” is in the key of B Major and features some chromaticism and borrowed chords that give it a unique and somewhat unexpected sound. The chords move predominantly in fourths and fifths. The nature of the progression is reminiscent of rock and folk music, but Beck’s quirky and stylistic approach also evokes an alternative feel.

The chord progression in the chorus of Beck’s “Think I’m In Love” is a fairly simple one that revolves around two key centers, Ab major and Eb major. The main chords used are based on the I-IV-V structure which is common in rock and pop music. It features a major I-IV relationship and an unexpected chord, F major, which adds some harmonic interest.

Tyler, The Creator – Earfquake – Chorus

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Chord Progression

Bbmaj7, Am7, Gm7, Am7, Bbmaj7, Am7, Gm7, Am7

Chord Progression Analysis

Bb Major 7 (I7) – A Minor 7 (vi7/VI) – G Minor 7 (vi7) – A Minor 7 (vi7/VI) – Bb Major 7 (I7) – A Minor 7 (vi7/VI) – G Minor 7 (vi7) – A Minor 7 (vi7/VI)

Borrowed Chords:
`A Minor 7 (vi7/VI)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “One Last Cry” by Brian McKnight:
Bb Major 7 (I7) – G Minor 7 (vi7) – F Major 7 (V7) – E Minor 7 (iv7/IV) – Eb Major 9 (IVmaj9)

2. D’Angelo’s “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”:
C Major 7 (I7) – A Minor 7 (vi7) – E Minor 7 (iii7) – G Minor 7 (v7/V)

3. Erykah Badu’s “On & On”:
G Major 7 (I7) – A Minor 7 (ii7) – B Minor 7 (iii7) – E Minor 7 (vi7)

These examples demonstrate similar progressions featuring smooth 7th chords and a mixture of diatonic and borrowed chords, highlighting the influence of neo-soul and R&B in the songwriting style.

Musical Analysis

The progression commences with the I7 chord, Bbmaj7, establishing the tonal center in Bb Major. Following this, the progression moves to Am7, which is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (Bb minor). This borrowed chord adds a touch of melancholy, contributing to the overall neo-soul vibe of the piece. Subsequently, the progression leads to Gm7, the vi7 chord, providing a smooth descent from the previous chords. The progression then revisits the borrowed Am7 chord before it repeats the entire sequence once more.

Overall Analysis

The given chord progression is from the chorus of “Earfquake” by Tyler, The Creator, a contemporary hip-hop and neo-soul artist. The progression features a smooth and mellow tonality, characterized by the use of 7th chords. The chord progression is in the key of Bb Major and showcases the use of mostly diatonic chords with a repetition that contributes to the song’s catchy nature.

Style Analysis

Tyler, The Creator, combines elements of neo-soul, R&B, and hip-hop in his work, and the chord progression in “Earfquake” aptly reflects these influences. The use of 7th chords provides a smooth and sophisticated harmonic texture, while the repetition gives the song a catchy and memorable quality. The presence of borrowed chords adds a sense of unpredictability and depth to the progression, a reflection of Tyler’s experimental and innovative approach to songwriting.

Chords in the Chorus section of Earfquake by Tyler, The Creator are:

Bbmaj7, Am7, Gm7, Am7, Bbmaj7, Am7, Gm7, Am7