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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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.

The bridge of Weezer’s “Say It Ain’t So” features an intriguing chord progression, which presents both diatonic and borrowed chords, as well as chromatic harmony. The song’s key is C major, but it touches on the parallel minor key and incorporates unusual chords such as the Eb major chord, which adds tension and surprise. The chord progression and harmonic rhythm are fairly consistent throughout the bridge, creating a sense of unity.

“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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“Here Comes the Sun” written by The Beatles is a seminal work from the Beatles’ output in pop music. The piece is composed in a modified strophic form with a circular pattern augmented with a repetitive and distinct bridge that modulates in key. The use of major chords and open voicings gives the song a sunny and positive feel, hence its title. It’s also notable for its mixed use of diatonic and borrowed chords, contributing to its unique sound.

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“Bullet With Butterfly Wings” by The Smashing Pumpkins is a rock song that alternates between heavy distortion and calm sections. Interestingly, the song is mostly in E minor, but uses a lot of power chords (5th chords) and sus2 chords which give the song a distinctively undecided, floating feeling, as these chords don’t have a clear major or minor character. The song uses a rather straightforward progression with a few deviations and embellishments which provide tension and release.

Weezer – Island In The Sun – Bridge

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

D Major (V) – G Major (I) – D Major (V) – G Major (I) – C Major (IV) – A minor (ii) – D Major (V)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Green Day – “Time of Your Life (Good Riddance)”: G Major – C Major – D Major (I – IV – V)
2. Oasis – “Wonderwall”: C Major – E minor – G Major – D Major (IV – vi – I – V)
3. Foster the People – “Pumped Up Kicks”: A minor – G Major – D Major – E minor (ii – I – V – vi)

These chord progressions, like “Island in the Sun,” use a mix of major and minor chords, providing emotionally resonant melodies in their respective genres.

Musical Analysis

The bridge starts with a D Major (V) chord, resolving to G Major (I), creating a strong sense of resolution. This V – I resolution continues twice. Following that, we have the C Major (IV) chord, serving as a departure from the initial resolution and adding variety to the chord progression. The A minor (ii) chord adds a minor tonality to the bridge, giving it a sense of melancholy before resolving back to D Major (V) chord.

Overall Analysis

“Weezer – Island In The Sun (Bridge)” is a relatively simple yet melodically impactful chord progression that utilizes a mixture of major and minor chords. The song is in the key of G major, and the bridge follows a (V – I) D-G progression initially, before moving to the IV (C) and ii (Am) chords. The harmonic rhythm of the bridge creates a sense of resolution and adds emotional depth to the song.

Style Analysis

Weezer has a signature alternative rock and power pop style, and “Island in the Sun” showcases that with its catchy melody and a mix of bright, major chords with the darker, minor chords. The use of major and minor chords, along with the V – I – IV – ii progression, gives the song its anthemic quality, making it resonate emotionally with listeners.

Chords in the Bridge section of Island In The Sun by Weezer are:

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