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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Perfect Situation” by Weezer is a pop-rock song that follows a standard verse-chorus format, with a strong focus on melody and harmony. The song is in the key of G major, and the chord progression provided is for the second verse. It features a simple, yet effective progression that creates a sense of movement and tension before resolving back to the tonic chord. This gives the song a very engaging, classic pop/rock feel.

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.

The chorus of “Hate This And I’ll Love You” by Muse features a highly chromatic and non-diatonic chord progression, with a myriad of borrowed chords and some distinctive rock sound. The key within which the progression is based seems to shift between E minor and B minor, with a mixture of Major and minor chords throughout.

“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, is characterized by a lush, cinematic melody that encapsulates John’s knack for crafting pop ballad choruses. Its base key is D Major, showcasing a mix of diatonic, dominant seventh, and borrowed chords. Its diverse chord progression is reflective of Elton John’s diverse influences, which include pop, rock, blues, and classical music.

The song, “Somebody to Love” by Queen, utilizes the classic pop/rock harmonic structure while incorporating aspects of blues and gospel music. The harmonic progression is structured around common chords found in the key of G major. However, the way these chords are ordered and arranged is unconventional and adds depth to the song. It reflects the band’s interest in pushing the boundaries of the traditional harmonic structure common in pop music of that time. Queen is known for their innovative use of harmony, which they certainly showcase in this song.

Weezer – Perfect Situation – Chorus

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
G major (I)
D major (V)
A minor (vi)
D major (V)
G major (I)
D major (V)
A minor (vi)
D major (V)
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “Let It Be”:
“`
C major (I)
G major (V)
A minor (vi)
F major (IV)
C major (I)
G major (V)
F major (IV)
C major (I)
“`

2. Green Day – “When I Come Around”:
“`
G major (I)
D major (V)
E minor (ii)
C major (IV)
G major (I)
D major (V)
C major (IV)
G major (I)
“`

3. Blink-182 – “All the Small Things”:
“`
C major (I)
G major (V)
A minor (vi)
F major (IV)
C major (I)
G major (V)
A minor (vi)
F major (IV)
“`

Musical Analysis

The chord progression begins with a strong sense of resolution from G major (I) to D major (V), which is known as a perfect authentic cadence. This progression strengthens the tonality of the piece as it establishes G major as the key center. The following progression from D major (V) to A minor (vi) creates a deceptive cadence, giving the chorus an interesting twist.

The repetition of this pattern (I-V-vi-V) gives the chorus a sense of familiarity and catchiness while also keeping the listener engaged with the deceptive cadence. The use of the submediant (vi) contributes to the melancholy and introspective nature of the song’s lyrics, while the predominant use of the dominant (V) chord adds a sense of tension and expectation throughout the chorus.

Overall Analysis

The chorus of “Perfect Situation” by Weezer features a fairly straightforward chord progression using diatonic chords from the G major scale. The progression is composed primarily of the tonic (I), dominant (V), and submediant (vi) chords, with a focus on their harmonic interplay. This creates a catchy and memorable chorus, which is characteristic of Weezer’s style and is often found in pop and rock music.

Style Analysis

Weezer’s “Perfect Situation” is a great example of a pop-rock song that employs common harmonic techniques such as perfect authentic cadences and deceptive cadences in its chord progression. The melody and harmonization in the chorus are easy to sing and play along with, making it accessible to a wide audience. The melancholic tone of the submediant (vi) chord also creates an emotional atmosphere for the lyrics, a common theme in Weezer’s music as well as in the broader pop-rock genre.

Chords in the Chorus section of Perfect Situation by Weezer are:

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