This chord progression from the verse of Tame Impala’s “Alter Ego” suggests a key of C major due to the recurring instances of Cmaj7. However, the presence of certain chords like Bm7 and Dm suggests that Kevin Parker is creatively “borrowing” chords from the parallel and associated keys (C minor, D minor) to create colorful departures from the primary tonality. The use of extended chords (7ths) and suspended chords (Bsus4) adds a sense of complexity and sophistication to the harmony. As can be seen, the chord progression mostly oscillates between Cmaj7, Bsus4, Bm7 before moving to Dm and Gm towards the end of the verse.
The song seems to have a psychedelic pop/rock vibe reminiscing of the late ’60s and ’70s. The use of major seventh chords and repeated shifting between E Major and D Major hints at a sense of yearning and nostalgia, something that is commonly found in Tame Impala’s music.
The song “Let It Happen” by Tame Impala, which is in the key of A Major, uses a simple yet effective chord progression during its outro. The common pattern of I-vi-IIIIV (Major-minor-Suspended 4) recurs throughout. The G#sus4 chord provides a moment of tension before resolving back to the tonic and restarting the pattern. The progression concludes with an Emaj7 chord, which is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor.
“Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane uses a handful of straightforward major and minor chords which contribute to a pop, atmospheric, and emotive sound indicative of the band’s alternative rock aesthetic. The chord progression of the pre-chorus is fairly common and creates a cyclical and slightly unsettled feel that fits well with the song’s lyrical themes of uncertainty and longing for return.
The song “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is in the key of B major. The primary chords used throughout the song are: B major (I), C# major (II), G major (bVI), E major (IV), F# major (V), and C (bII). The chords progression is unconventional when compared to traditional music theory. This unconventional use of chords and progressions creates a unique and distinct sound that characterizes the song.
Chord Analysis (Pre-Chorus):
The chord progression in the pre-chorus, which is also found in the verse, would be:
B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – G major (bVI) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – G major (bVI) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – G major (bVI) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II) – B major (I) – C# major (II)
Borrowed Chord:
G major (bVI) is a borrowed chord from B minor, the parallel minor of B major in this song.
The song seems to have a psychedelic pop/rock vibe reminiscing of the late ’60s and ’70s. The use of major seventh chords and repeated shifting between E Major and D Major hints at a sense of yearning and nostalgia, something that is commonly found in Tame Impala’s music.
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