Unconventional Chord Progressions in Popular Songs: A Closer Look
Discover the fascinating world of unconventional chord progressions in popular music. These unique harmonic movements add depth, tension, and emotional resonance to songs, setting them apart from the norm. In this article, we explore some notable examples of songs that use unexpected chord progressions, providing insights into the creative process behind these musical marvels.
Popular Songs with Unexpected Chords
Some of the most beloved songs in the music industry often subvert standard chord progressions in creative and unexpected ways. Here are some examples:
Bee Gees - Saturday Night
The chorus of "Saturday Night" includes a Cmadd9 chord, which adds a unique and magical quality to the song. This chord inversion deviates from the usual expectations, creating a sense of wonder and enchantment.
The Beach Boys - Good Vibrations
Brian Wilson's composition "Good Vibrations" features intricate and unconventional chord progressions, particularly in its bridge. The section 'And Wouldn’t it be Nice…' has been analyzed in multiple ways, showcasing Wilson's mastery of chord inversions. His use of inversions adds a distinctive harmonic content to the song, setting it apart from typical pop compositions.
Elton John - Someone Saved My Lifetoday
Elton John's classical training influenced his approach to chord progressions. Song structures like "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" initially appear simple but reveal complex harmonic structures upon closer inspection. The use of inversions and unconventional chords creates a rich musical texture that adds depth and emotional resonance.
Uncommon Chords in Steely Dan
Steyly Dan's music is renowned for its intricate chord progressions. Their song "Josie," in particular, features a highly sophisticated introduction with a multitude of chords. The verse progression goes like this: Cmadd9 Aadd9 Badd9 Fmadd9. This dense web of inversions and chord qualities makes the song stand out in the world of contemporary music.
Beatles - I Want You (She's So Heavy)
The Beatles' song "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" contains a particularly unusual and interesting chord progression. The verse moves through Dm, E7b9, Bb7, and A7, with a sustained F throughout. This progression adds a unique and haunting quality to the song, particularly in the more extended and slowed-down sections.
Joe Satriani - Endless Rain
Joe Satriani's "Endless Rain" is a prime example of a piece that uses unconventional chord progressions throughout. The entire song features chords like Dm7, C9, G9, and B9, creating a continuous sense of tension and release. This continuous progression keeps the listener engaged and intrigued.
Chord Progressions in Pachabel's Canon
The chord progression from Pachelbel's Canon in D has become a staple in popular music. The original progression is D, A, B, F, G, D, G, D. However, variations of this progression are often used in different keys, providing a foundation for countless songs and arrangements. This progression forms a harmonic structure that is both familiar and versatile.
Creative Chord Progressions
These examples serve as a starting point for understanding the use of unconventional chord progressions in music. The creative process behind these compositions often involves a deep understanding of musical theory and a willingness to break away from traditional structures.
The topic of unconventional chord progressions in music is vast and can provide endless inspiration. By exploring these examples and learning from the creative processes of these musicians, you can develop your own unique musical voice and create captivating harmonic textures in your compositions.