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The given chord progression of Weezer’s “California Kids” features a verse in the key of C major. The progression primarily uses diatonic chords, with a more unconventional movement that features the use of a C/B chord, or I chord with the bass note played in the seventh degree (leads to tonicization of the vi chord). The progression also features a common IV-V movement that is a characteristic of pop and rock music.

“Island in the Sun” by Weezer is a popular song that features a simple and catchy chord progression. The intro progression creates a pleasant and comforting atmosphere, and it sets up the laid-back, summer vibe of the song. The chords are primarily diatonic to the key of G major, except for the borrowed chord from the parallel minor. The progression is quite common in pop and rock music, and it shares similarities with other famous songs.

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“1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins is a classic alternative rock song that cleverly uses uncommon, sophisticated chords to evoke an emotional, melancholic atmosphere.

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Killer Queen’ is one of Queen’s signature songs, abounding with Freddie Mercury’s flamboyant melodic invention, clever harmonies, and theatrical presentation. Its chorus in particular uses an array of chords to create a sophisticated and fluid progression. Before embarking on a note-by-note analysis, we can note that it principally operates in the key of G Major and involves a number of borrowed and secondary chords that bring intrigue and depth to the progression.

“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin is a classic rock song with a strong blues influence. It features a heavy riff-based progression and a powerful vocal performance by Robert Plant. The song is in the key of E Mixolydian, a mode based on the fifth degree of the A Major scale, and exhibits a heavy use of syncopation, pentatonic scales, and chromaticism throughout its structure. The rich harmonic language and distorted guitar tone makes the song an excellent example of the emerging Hard Rock and Heavy Metal styles of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Weezer – California Kids – Chorus 3

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Chord Progression

F, G, Am, E, F, G, F, F, G, F, G, Am, E, F, G, F, F, G, F, G, F, F, G, F

Chord Progression Analysis

F Major (I) – G Major (V/ii) – A minor (ii) – E Major (V/vi) – F Major (I) – G Major (V/ii) – F Major (I) – F Major (I)
G Major (V/ii) – F Major (I) – G Major (V/ii) – A minor (ii) – E Major (V/vi) – F Major (I) – G Major (V/ii) – F Major (I)
F Major (I) – G Major (V/ii) – F Major (I) – G Major (V/ii) – F Major (I) – F Major (I) – G Major (V/ii) – F Major (I)

Wherein
“`E Major (V/vi)“` is a borrowed chord.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Toto – Africa
Chord Progression: B Major (I) – G#m (vi) – C# minor (ii) – E Major (IV) – F# Major (V) – F# Major (V) – E Major (IV) – E Major (IV)
2. The Beatles – Let It Be
Chord Progression: C Major (I) – G Major (V) – A minor (vi) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I) – G Major (V) – F Major (IV) – C Major (I)

In both examples, the chord progressions follow a similar pattern as found in California Kids, featuring a predominant (ii or vi) and dominant (IV or V) chord sequence that helps create movement and tension in the song.

Musical Analysis

The progression starts and ends with the tonic, F Major, providing a sense of resolution and stability. The A minor (ii) chord acts as a predominant, creating movement towards the E Major chord, which is a secondary dominant (V/vi) that resolves to A minor in a deceptive manner instead of the expected D minor (vi). This creates a more interesting sound and grabs the listeners’ attention. The G Major chord, functioning as a V/ii creates tension, which helps propel the song forward.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression of the chorus of California Kids by Weezer displays a mixture of diatonic and borrowed chords in the key of F Major. The progression has a common pop-rock feel with some chromatic harmonic elements, bringing a more interesting and engaging effect to the listener.

Style Analysis

California Kids is a pop-rock song that features a mixture of diatonic and borrowed chords, giving it a unique yet familiar sound. The progression’s repetitiveness is common in pop music and can help make the song catchy and easy to remember. The E Major chord, a borrowed chord, adds a touch of chromaticism, which is often found in rock music, giving it an edge over a purely diatonic progression.

Chords in the Chorus 3 section of California Kids by Weezer are:

F, G, Am, E, F, G, F, F, G, F, G, Am, E, F, G, F, F, G, F, G, F, F, G, F