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The chord progression appears to be in the key of Bb Major, and showcases various diatonic chords along with a few borrowed chords. This progression is characterized by a blend of smooth and rich harmony, primarily due to the use of 7th chords and suspensions. The introduction of the dominant B7 chord adds interest, making the progression more unpredictable and complex.

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.

This is a beautiful chorus from “Rocket Man,” a song by Elton John. The overall vibe of the song is nostalgic and melancholy, largely due to the combination of key changes, chord progression, and Elton John’s vocal melody. The song appears to be in the key of G major.

The chorus of “The Good Life” by Weezer features a mixture of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, with a primary focus on the key of G major. The chord progression stands out as somewhat unconventional due to the inclusion of chromatic chords, which gives it an interesting character and emotion. Additionally, the repetition of certain chords emphasizes the harmonic structure and creates a sense of familiarity.

The chorus of “Right Where It Belongs” by Nine Inch Nails is built upon a repeating four-chord progression of Gm-Bb-F-C. This song is in the key of Bb major (with two flats in the key signature, Bb and Eb). All the chords used in this song are derived from the Bb major scale, which makes this a diatonic chord progression. There is no borrowed or chromatic harmony in this song.

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