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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.

“Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis, a popular rock ballad, is characterized by its melancholic chord progressions. Its key is major, specifically C Major, but it involves a frequent use of borrowed chords for a touch of bitterness, matching the poignant lyrics.

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.

The song “Dead Flowers” by The Rolling Stones is a classic rock tune that is characterized by its simple yet effective chord progressions. The key of this song is D Major. This song utilizes mostly major chords (D, A, and G), and it has a strong emphasis on the I-IV-V chord progression, a staple in many rock, blues, and pop 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’]