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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.

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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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“Say It Ain’t So” by Weezer is a rock song, primarily falling within the alternative rock and power pop styles. The chord progression of Verse 1 is simple yet effective in creating a somber, introspective mood. It primarily utilizes diatonic chords of the C major key, with the E major chord borrowed from the parallel minor key (C minor).

Chord progression analysis with Roman numerals: A minor (vi) – E major (V/vi) – F major (IV) – C major (I)

“` Borrowed chord: E major (V/vi) “`

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“Paint It, Black” by The Rolling Stones is arranged in a minor key, specifically E minor. The verse chord progression of the song exhibits a fairly common pattern in 60’s rock and pop music, incorporating the use of both diatonic chords and borrowed chords from the parallel major key.

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The song in question, “Endlessly” by Muse, is a reflective and emotional piece, featuring a fairly unique chord progression. The verse’s chord progression is not commonly heard in popular music, giving it a distinct sound that sets it apart from other songs. The use of suspended chords, the shift from Am to Bm, and the resolution to the E7 chord give the piece a floating, ethereal feel.

Vance Joy – Riptide – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

Am, G, C, Am, G, C, Am, G, C, Am, G, C

Chord Progression Analysis

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Chord progression:

Am, G, C, Am, G, C, Am, G, C, Am, G, C

Equivalent in roman numerals:
Vi, V, I, Vi, V, I, Vi, V, I, Vi, V, I

For this chord progression, the full chord names and their relative roman numerals are:

Am (vi)
G (V)
C (I)

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Similar Chord Progressions

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A similar I–V–vi–IV progression in the key of C is seen in:

– “Let It Be” by The Beatles. Chord progression:

C, G, Am, F

– “No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley: Chord progression is
C, G, Am, F

The iconic progression also appears in these songs but the key varies:

– “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz which uses a variant of a I–V–vi–IV progression in the key of B: Chord progression:

B, F#, G#m, E

– “Someone Like You” by Adele which is in the key of A: Chord progression:
A, E, F#m, D

Even though these songs are in different keys, their chord progressions are essentially transpositions of the I-V-vi-IV progression, meaning they follow the same pattern, just starting on different root notes.

Musical Analysis

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This three-chord pattern (Am-G-C) is repeated throughout the verse. Starting on the vi chord stands out because it’s different from the standard pop song format that often begins on the I chord. The use of the V chord (G) as a transition back to the I chord (C) gives it a solid sense of resolution. There’s also a continuous pulse to the song which drives the rhythm. The aforementioned cyclical three-chord progression provides a catchy repeating harmonic loop that suits the repetition in the melody and gives the overall piece a pleasant and dynamic flow.

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Overall Analysis

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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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Style Analysis

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This style is very typical of pop and folk music. In using simple and repetitive harmonic sequences, the song offers predictability and a sense of familiarity. This allows the listener to latch onto the memorable hook and notably, it paves way for the lyrics and melody to really shine through. The chord progression and the choice of chords itself produce a pleasant combination of major and minor sonorities, contributing to the bittersweet, heartfelt vibe of the song.

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Chords in the Verse 1 section of Riptide by Vance Joy are:

Am, G, C, Am, G, C, Am, G, C, Am, G, C