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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“If You’re Wondering If I Want You To (I Want You To)” by Weezer has a chorus featuring a chord progression in the key of D major. The progression includes chords from both the major and minor scales while still primarily using diatonic chords from D major. The style of the progression is reminiscent of 90s alternative rock, and it finds similarity with other iconic chord progressions in rock music.

“Island in the Sun” by Weezer is in the key of G major and features a simple yet catchy chord progression in its outro. The progression is characterized by its bright, uplifting sound and follows a common pop/rock formula. It also has a nostalgic, summery feel, making it a perfect fit for the song’s title and theme.

This chord progression from the verse of Tame Impala’s “Alter Ego” suggests a key of C major due to the recurring instances of Cmaj7. However, the presence of certain chords like Bm7 and Dm suggests that Kevin Parker is creatively “borrowing” chords from the parallel and associated keys (C minor, D minor) to create colorful departures from the primary tonality. The use of extended chords (7ths) and suspended chords (Bsus4) adds a sense of complexity and sophistication to the harmony. As can be seen, the chord progression mostly oscillates between Cmaj7, Bsus4, Bm7 before moving to Dm and Gm towards the end of the verse.

The chord progression in the verse of “Help!” by The Beatles is quite characteristic of their style, using common chords but in interesting and unusual ways. The verse of “Help!” notably presents a mix of classic pop chord progression (I-vi-ii-V), secondary dominant chords and chromatic progressions. The Beatles often incorporated novel harmonic structures that added depth and complexity to their pop music, as evidenced in this piece.

“Two Weeks” by Grizzly Bear exhibits a common pop chord progression and harmonic rhythm. The chords are primarily in root position, which contributes to the song’s straightforward and accessible sound. Stylistically, the track shows the band’s indie-rock influences and features a prominent piano part that drives the harmony.

Weezer – If Youre Wondering If I Want You To I Want You To – Verse

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Chord Progression

D, Bm, G, Bb, A, D, D, Bm, G, Bb, A, D

Chord Progression Analysis

D (I) – Bm (vi) – G (IV) – Bb (`bVI`) – A (V) – D (I)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Creep” [‘G’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘`Cm`’, ‘G’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘`Cm`’]
G (I) – B (III) – C (IV) – `Cm (iv)`

2. The Beatles – “Something” [‘C’, ‘Cmaj7’, ‘C7’, ‘F’, ‘`Fm`’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘C’]
C (I) – Cmaj7 (Imaj7) – C7 (V7/IV) – F (IV) – `Fm (iv)` – C (I) – G (V) – C (I)

The chord progressions in these songs also feature borrowed chords from their respective parallel minor keys, adding interesting harmonic twists to otherwise simple chord progressions.

Musical Analysis

The verse features a six-chord progression that starts with the tonic chord D major (I). It then moves to B minor (vi), acting as a predominant, followed by G major (IV), a subdominant that strengthens the predominant function. The fourth chord in the progression, Bb major (`bVI`), is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (D minor), introducing a chromatic element that adds some tension and interest. Following the borrowed chord, the progression goes to A major (V), which is the dominant to resolve back to the tonic D major (I).

Overall Analysis

The chord progression of the verse in Weezer’s “If You’re Wondering If I Want You To I Want You To” uses a combination of diatonic and borrowed chords in the key of D Major. The use of the borrowed chord from the parallel minor key contributes to the unique sound of the progression.

Style Analysis

Weezer’s music is known for its catchy melodies and clever lyrics, often drawing from rock, punk, and power-pop influences. The use of borrowed chords in this progression, such as the `bVI` chord, adds color, and creates a mix of familiarity and novelty that keeps the listener engaged. This is a common technique in rock and pop music to make the harmony more interesting.

Chords in the Verse section of If Youre Wondering If I Want You To I Want You To by Weezer are:

D, Bm, G, Bb, A, D, D, Bm, G, Bb, A, D