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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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“Riptide,” by Vance Joy has a classic, highly repetitive chord progression that creates the folk/pop character of the song. It is written in the key of C Major and uses the simplified I-IV-vi progression, which is also widely used in pop music. In addition, it has a common modulated transition via V chord (G) to the vi chord (Am). There are no borrowed chords in this progression. This repetitive structure can be appealing due to its simplicity and familiarity.

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Vance Joy’s “Riptide” is a remarkably simple yet highly effective song written in the key of C Major. The song follows a repetitive I-vi-IV chord progression, which is only varied in the bridge where a minor seventh chord introduces tension before leading back to the song’s major tonality.

The song “The Outsider” by A Perfect Circle has a main key signature of E major, as indicated by the repeated occurrences of the chords B, A, and E. The overall structure is tonal, using chords common in Western music. Some elements of modality are observable though, with the use of the C chord, which in traditional music theory would be considered a borrowed chord from the parallel E minor scale. A sense of tension and release is created through the use of these non-diatonic chords, which ultimately helps to maintain the listener’s interest.

The song “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is in the key of B major. The primary chords used throughout the song are: B major (I), C# major (II), G major (bVI), E major (IV), F# major (V), and C (bII). The chords progression is unconventional when compared to traditional music theory. This unconventional use of chords and progressions creates a unique and distinct sound that characterizes the song.

Chord Analysis (Pre-Chorus):

The chord progression in the pre-chorus, which is also found in the verse, would be:
B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – G major (bVI) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – G major (bVI) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – G major (bVI) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II)

Borrowed Chord:

G major (bVI) is a borrowed chord from B minor, the parallel minor of B major in this song.

The given chord progression is the Pre-Chorus section of “After The Storm” by Kali Uchis. The chords in this progression are predominantly built on the 1st and 2nd degrees of the minor scale. The recurring use of the Eaug chord injects an interesting and stylish twist into the music.

Vance Joy – Riptide – Pre-chorus

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Chord Progression

[‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘C’]

Chord Progression Analysis

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‘Am’ – A minor (‘vi’)

‘G’ – G major (‘V’)

‘C’ – C major (‘I’)

Each chord transition presents a unique implication within the melodic landscape. For instance, the move from the ‘A minor’ to ‘G major’ paints a plaintive, melancholy picture, while the shift to ‘C major’ offers a resolve that completes the musical phrase in a satisfying manner.

Note: There appears to be no borrowed chords in this progression.

“`[‘Am’ – A minor (‘vi’), ‘G’ – G major (‘V’), ‘C’ – C major (‘I’)]“`

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Similar Chord Progressions

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David Guetta – “Titanium”

The chord progression in David Guetta’s “Titanium” closely mirrors that of Vance Joy’s “Riptide.”

‘Dm’ – D minor (‘vi’)

‘Am’ – A minor (‘iv’)

‘F’ – F Major (‘I’)

“`[‘Dm’ – D minor (‘vi’), ‘Am’ – A minor (‘iv’), ‘F’ – F Major (‘I’)]“`

Walk the Moon – “Shut Up and Dance”

Walk the Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance” shares a similar progression, albeit in a different key:

‘D’ – D major (‘I’)

‘Bm’ – B minor (‘vi’)

‘G’ – G major (‘IV’)

“`[‘D’ – D major (‘I’), ‘Bm’ – B minor (‘vi’), ‘G’ – G major (‘IV’)]“`

These songs all share the notable feature of transitioning from a minor chord to a major chord, effectively creating a satisfying tension and resolve that conveys the emotion and message in the song.

Musical Analysis

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This progression employs a standard minor-to-major chord transition (A minor to C major) which adds tension and release within the melody. The pre-chorus specifically dances between ‘A minor’ to ‘G major’ to ‘C major’. The movement from ‘A minor’ to ‘G major’ brings intrigue and tension, while the shift to ‘C major’ brings satisfaction by returning to the tonic.

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Overall Analysis

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Vance Joy’s “Riptide” is a folk-pop song that presents a unique coupling of simplicity and depth on the musical landscape. The chord progression, in particular the pre-chorus, is relatively straightforward, but it introduces a flavor of complexity thanks to the inclusion of the borrowed chord. The song operates primarily within the key of C major, and maintains a predominantly folk-like, easy listening aesthetic throughout. Its chord progression, while simple, is nonetheless powerful in conveying the song’s desired emotional ambiance.

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Style Analysis

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Vance Joy employs a folk-pop style that’s deceptively simple yet intensely engaging. His work in “Riptide,” especially in the pre-chorus, is emblematic of this style. The chord progression, despite being fairly straightforward, grants a sense of charismatic musical storytelling. Furthermore, it mirrors Vance Joy’s lyrical storytelling, framing his vocals sympathetically while also allowing them to shine in their own light. The chords are strummed in an easy-going, rhythmic pattern that’s characteristic of the folk-pop genre.

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Chords in the Pre-chorus section of Riptide by Vance Joy are:

[‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘C’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘C’]