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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.

“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.

“Hey Jude,” written by The Beatles, charts a classic journey from tonic to dominant, with a detour through the subdominant and the minor dominant. It starts with a D chord (I), moves onto A (V), then A7 (V7) and back to D (I). The interlude features the progression D (I) – D7 (I7) – A7 (V7). This clever progression creates a momentary modulation to the key of G with the D7 chord, creating an interesting harmonic shift.

“Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin is a classic rock song that is well-known for its distinctive and mysterious sound. This interlude, in particular, creates a sense of tension and resolution through its simple but effective chord progression. The overall harmonic structure is built on a modal mixture, drawing from both the major and minor modes, which contributes to its unique atmosphere.

“In My Life” is a song by The Beatles from the 1965 album Rubber Soul. It is written in the key of A Major, beloved for its introspective lyrics and harmonic structure. The chord progression is complex and contains several borrowed chords and secondary dominants, displaying an impressive use of tonality that is characteristic of the band’s sophisticated songwriting.

Weezer – Island In The Sun – Interlude

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Chord Progression

Em, Am, D, G, Em, Am, D, G

Chord Progression Analysis

Em (vi), Am (ii), D (V), G (I)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “Let It Be”
Chord Progression: C (I), G (V), Am (vi), F (IV)

2. Oasis – “Wonderwall”
Chord Progression: Em7 (vi7), G (I), D (V), Asus4 (VII(add4))

3. Green Day – “Time of Your Life (Good Riddance)”
Chord Progression: G (I), Cadd9 (IV(add9)), D (V), Em (vi)

While these progressions are not exactly the same as the interlude in “Island in the Sun,” they feature a similar harmonic structure and share a common palette of chords. All three examples are also in the key of G Major and follow a I-V-vi-IV pattern, which is an extremely popular progression in pop and rock music.

Musical Analysis

The interlude begins with the vi chord (Em), which provides a temporary shift into a minor mode, giving the section a slightly darker or more introspective feel. The following Am chord (ii) builds on that mood while also emphasizing the expected resolution back to the tonic chord (G). The D chord (V) serves as the dominant, creating tension and directing the progression back towards the G chord (I), which provides a resolution and return to the major key.

Overall Analysis

The interlude of Weezer’s “Island in the Sun” is in the key of G Major, and features a four-chord progression that repeats itself twice (Em-Am-D-G). The sequence follows a vi-ii-V-I progression, which is a very common progression in pop and rock music.

Style Analysis

Weezer’s “Island in the Sun” is a power-pop/alternative rock song. The interlude’s simple and straightforward chord progression contributes to the overall easygoing feel of the song, especially when combined with the song’s laid back rhythm and the catchy vocal melody. The progression is evocative of sun-drenched summer days, which is fitting given the song’s title and lyrical theme.

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

Em, Am, D, G, Em, Am, D, G