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Related Music Theory Alchemy

The chord progression in question is from the verse 2 of Weezer’s “The Good Life.” It is a pop-rock song in the key of G major, and the progression features common chords found in the key, with one borrowed chord – B7 – to add a touch of tension and harmonic interest.

Chord Progression Analysis (with Roman Numerals):
G Major (I) – D Major (V) – A minor (ii) – E Major (VI) – G Major (I) – D Major (V) – A minor (ii) – E Major (VI) – G Major (I) – D Major (V) – A minor (ii) – E Major (VI) – G Major (I) – D Major (V) – A minor (ii) – E Major (VI) – G Major (I) – D Major (V) – A minor (ii) – B7 (`V7/iii`)

The borrowed chord in question is the B7, which is borrowed from the relative minor key (E minor) and functions as a secondary dominant to the iii chord (B minor).

The chord progression of the Verse 3 in the song “California Kids” by Weezer features a blend of diatonic and chromatic chords in the key of C major, exhibiting a classic pop-rock feel with some variations in the chord structure. The progression also showcases the use of chromatic bass motion to add harmonic interest.

“Something I Can Never Have” by Nine Inch Nails is a song with a dark and moody atmosphere. The chord progression in both the verse and chorus of the song features certain borrowed chords and chromatic tones that give the piece this distinctive quality. The song seems to be in the key of C Major, but certain chords from the parallel minor key (C Minor) are used to create a sense of tension and emotional turmoil.

The given chord progression is from the chorus of “Earfquake” by Tyler, The Creator, a contemporary hip-hop and neo-soul artist. The progression features a smooth and mellow tonality, characterized by the use of 7th chords. The chord progression is in the key of Bb Major and showcases the use of mostly diatonic chords with a repetition that contributes to the song’s catchy nature.

“Sour Times” by Portishead is characterized by dark, brooding sounds and melancholic melodies that gives the song its distinct feel, largely due to the specific chord progression that is used throughout the song. Written in the key of E major, the song makes use of a diverse selection of chords that offers a wider blend of harmonic options to navigate through different moods and tonal landscapes.

Weezer – The Good Life – Chorus

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Chord Progression

B7, C, D, G, Em, Em, Am, D, D, G, Em, Em, Am, D, D, G, Em, Em, Am, D, D, G, Em

Chord Progression Analysis

B7 (V7/iii), C (IV), D (V), G (I), Em (vi), Em (vi), Am (ii), D (V), D (V), G (I), Em (vi), Em (vi), Am (ii), D (V), D (V), G (I), Em (vi), Em (vi), Am (ii), D (V), D (V), G (I), Em (vi)

Borrowed Chord:
`B7 (V7/iii)`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Creep”
Chorus: G (I), B7 (V7/iii), C (IV), Cm (iv)

2. Coldplay – “The Scientist”
Verse: Dm (ii), B♭ (IV), F (I), C (V)

Both examples showcase the use of chromatic chords and unconventional progressions, similar to Weezer’s “The Good Life” chorus. In “Creep,” the B7 is a borrowed chord (V7/iii) as well, while in “The Scientist,” the progression features a (ii-IV-I-V) pattern, which isn’t as common in popular music.

Musical Analysis

In this chorus, the predominant key is G major, with most chords belonging to the diatonic set. However, the B7 chord, the dominant seventh of E minor, is borrowed from the parallel minor key (G minor), which adds a chromatic element to the progression.

The song follows a common pattern in popular rock music; the chords mostly move by fourths (roots of the chords being a fourth apart). This pattern can be seen in multiple instances within the progression, such as D-G, G-Em, Am-D, and D-G.

Overall Analysis

The chorus of “The Good Life” by Weezer features a mixture of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, with a primary focus on the key of G major. The chord progression stands out as somewhat unconventional due to the inclusion of chromatic chords, which gives it an interesting character and emotion. Additionally, the repetition of certain chords emphasizes the harmonic structure and creates a sense of familiarity.

Style Analysis

Weezer is known for incorporating unconventional elements in their music and shifting from diatonic to non-diatonic chords. Their use of relatively simple chord progressions, combined with borrowed chords or chords from other keys, is a trademark, as seen in “The Good Life.” Furthermore, the band often employs repetition to create a sense of coherence, which is visible in the chorus of this song.

Chords in the Chorus section of The Good Life by Weezer are:

B7, C, D, G, Em, Em, Am, D, D, G, Em, Em, Am, D, D, G, Em, Em, Am, D, D, G, Em