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The given chord progression consists of five unique chords: Am, D, G, Em, and D repeated in a structured pattern. The progression is in the key of G major, with one borrowed chord. This chord progression is a good example of Weezer’s mix of rock and pop styles, displaying a strong use of diatonic harmony with a touch of chromaticism.

The interlude piece from Weezer’s “Say It Ain’t So” features an eight-chord progression in the key of C major, with prevalent use of Roman numeral notation and borrowed chords from parallel minor scales. This progression is typical in rock and pop music, representing Weezer’s alternative rock style.

The piece “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars showcases a common pop ballad structure that follows a typical 4-chord progression with common tone substitution as well as some chords borrowed from the relative minor. Its simplicity is one of its strengths as it allows the focus to fall on Bruno’s vocals and the lyrics, which matches the direct, emotional content of the song effectively.

“Castles Made of Sand” by Jimi Hendrix is a psychedelic rock song that features a unique and colorful chord progression, blending major and minor tonalities in a way that creates tension and a sense of longing. The verse consists of a 12-chord progression that builds upon the foundation of the major key of C, even though it starts with the IV chord (F), which contributes to the song’s unusual character. The progression includes borrowed chords from the parallel minor and elements specific to Hendrix’s own style, making it a remarkable piece in terms of its harmonic complexity and eclecticism.

“Time” by Pink Floyd is a progressive rock song that features an uncommon chord progression with some unique harmonic choices. The Verse 2 progression has a strong sense of tonal ambiguity and the chords often fluctuate between major and minor tonalities. This contributes to the emotional depth and complexity of the song, which is characteristic of Pink Floyd’s music.

Weezer – The Good Life – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

G, D, Am, E, G, D, Am, E, G, D, Am, E, G, D, Am, E, G, D, Am, B7

Chord Progression Analysis

The chord progression follows a I-V-ii-VI pattern for most of the verse, creating a sense of harmonic stability and motion. The use of the VI chord (E Major) instead of the more typical vi chord (E minor) in the key of G major provides a touch of brightness and an uplifting quality to the progression.

The appearance of the borrowed chord (B7) towards the end of the verse adds a momentary touch of tension before resolving to the next section or back to the I chord (G Major), providing a sense of resolution and completion.

Similar Chord Progressions

Musical Analysis

This chord progression is common in pop-rock music and can be found in numerous songs across various genres. Weezer, as a band, often makes use of simple and catchy chord progressions in their songs, which helps give “The Good Life” its accessible and memorable quality.

Overall Analysis

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).

Style Analysis

1. “With or Without You” by U2
This song features a similar I-V-vi-IV progression in the key of D major:
D Major (I) – A Major (V) – B minor (vi) – G Major (IV)

2. “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King
The progression in this classic song is I-vi-IV-V in the key of A major, with an additional borrowed V/V chord:
A Major (I) – F# minor (vi) – D Major (IV) – E Major (V) – B7 (`V7/V`)

Chords in the Verse 2 section of The Good Life by Weezer are:

G, D, Am, E, G, D, Am, E, G, D, Am, E, G, D, Am, E, G, D, Am, B7