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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Right Where It Belongs” by Nine Inch Nails features a melancholic and somewhat unconventional chord progression that moves between different tonal centers. The base key can be identified as F major from the frequency of F major chords in the progression.

“Every Day Is Exactly The Same” by Nine Inch Nails is primarily composed in the key of E minor. The song consists of four sections: Verse 1, Chorus, Verse 2, and Bridge. The chord progressions in the song are relatively simple, with a distinct alternation between E and C chords in the verses, while the chorus and bridge sections feature a broader range of chords such as A, C, and G.

Chord Progression Analysis (Verse 2):
E minor (i), C major (VI), E minor (i), C major (VI), E minor (i), C major (VI), G major (III), F major (♭VII; borrowed chord from E Phrygian), E minor (i)

*G major (III) and F major (♭VII) are both non-diatonic chords in E minor, with the F major chord being borrowed from the E Phrygian mode.

The song “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails is in the key of B minor. The verse has a simple yet effective chord progression that revolves mainly around the i, III, and IV chords with a slight deviation towards the end. The chorus is characterized by a i-VII-III-VI progression with a slight extension. The outro mostly repeats the verse progression but is shorter.

The chord progression in the bridge of Kali Uchis’ “After The Storm” consists of two alternating chords, Amaj7 and Dmaj7, played repeatedly. This progression is simple yet effective, creating a smooth and mellow atmosphere that matches well with the song’s overall neo-soul and R&B vibe. The arrangement is in the key of A Major and has a diatonic structure without any borrowed chords.

“Riptide” by Vance Joy is in the key of C major. The chord progression is a repeated sequence of Am, G, C and Fmaj7, with the Fmaj7 being a borrowed chord from the parallel minor, C minor. Given that the majority of the song follows this pattern, it’s simple yet effective, providing a catchy and persistent structure to the song.

Closer

Song

All Analyses by Song

Nine Inch Nails, led by Trent Reznor, helped define a new era of industrial rock with this song. The minimalistic use of repetitive chord sequences and reliance on electronic sounds give the song a mechanical, relentless quality, a hallmark of the industrial genre.

Melodically, Reznor often uses pentatonic and bluesy inflections, which lend the song some of its dark, unsettling character.

Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer” is a unique blend of industrial rock, electronica, and alternative styles that has propelled the song to prominence as one of the band’s most famous and frequently played tracks. The song is in the key of E major and features a recurring chord progression throughout its various sections.

The song “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is in the key of B major, evident from the chords in the verse, pre-chorus, and bridge sections. The chord progression in the chorus introduces a borrowed chord from parallel minor, displaying elements of modal mixture. The style of the song features heavy electronic elements, industrial rock aesthetic, and a dark and seductive atmosphere.