Tyler, The Creator – Earfquake – Verse 1
Earfquake < All Analyses
Chord Progression
Bbmaj7, Am7, Bbmaj7, Am7, Bbmaj7, Am7, Gm7, Am7
Chord Progression Analysis
“`
– Bb Major 7 (IΔ7)
– A minor 7 (viiø7)
– Bb Major 7 (IΔ7)
– A minor 7 (viiø7)
– Bb Major 7 (IΔ7)
– A minor 7 (viiø7)
– G minor 7 (vi7)
– A minor 7 (viiø7)
“`
Similar Chord Progressions
1. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android” (Verse)
“`
– B Major 7 (IΔ7)
– A minor 7 (viiø7)
– B Major 7 (IΔ7)
– A minor 7 (viiø7)
“`
2. D’Angelo – “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” (Intro)
“`
– A Major 9 (IΔ9)
– G minor 7 (vii7)
– A Major 9 (IΔ9)
– G minor 7 (vii7)
“`
Musical Analysis
Tyler, The Creator’s choice of chords in “Earfquake” creates a harmonically ambiguous structure which lends itself well to the introspective nature of the song. Instead of exploring many different keys or using a traditional diatonic progression, he focuses on building atmosphere through the use of rich, extended chords. The oscillation between Bbmaj7 and Am7 creates a sense of timelessness, and the movement to Gm7 adds some gravity to the progression before resolving back to Am7. The result is a melancholic, emotionally resonant foundation for the song’s vocal melody and narrative.
Overall Analysis
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.
Style Analysis
The style of “Earfquake” can be described as a blend of R&B, hip-hop, and neo-soul, resulting in a unique sonic landscape. The use of simple yet sophisticated chord progressions is reminiscent of D’Angelo or Erykah Badu, and the minimal, sampled production style is influenced by hip-hop producers like J Dilla and Madlib. This fusion of genre characteristics with Tyler’s own musical sensibilities marks “Earfquake” as an innovative and memorable entry in modern music.
What are the chords in: Tyler, The Creator – Earfquake – Verse 1?
Bbmaj7, Am7, Bbmaj7, Am7, Bbmaj7, Am7, Gm7, Am7
