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“Riptide” by Vance Joy is in the key of C major. The chord progression is a repeated sequence of Am, G, C and Fmaj7, with the Fmaj7 being a borrowed chord from the parallel minor, C minor. Given that the majority of the song follows this pattern, it’s simple yet effective, providing a catchy and persistent structure to the song.

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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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“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails, released in 1994, is a well-known song distinguished by its catchy synth lines, explosive percussion, and provocative lyricism. Hinged on a distinct, repeating synth bassline, the song employs a fundamental chord progression epitomizing the alternative rock and industrial genres. Its tonal centre revolves around the key of C# minor.

“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 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.

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’]