Archive for February, 2012
Hit chord progression part 4!
Posted by jgarnerprod in Hit Song Analysis, Song Geek on February 28th, 2012
Country music isn’t immune to the effects of this hit song chord progression.
If you’re just now joining us, the progression is:
6 min, 4 major, 1 major, 5 major,
or in C major,
a minor, f major, c major, g major
In the Flatts hit “What Hurts the Most”, they only employ it in the chorus.
Nice job Mr. Steele! (Jeffrey that is…)
Until next time…
Jason
The hit song progression, part 3!
Posted by jgarnerprod in Hit Song Analysis, Song Geek on February 22nd, 2012
Another great example of the 6 min, 4 major, 1 major, 5 major progression.
In this case, it’s actually used for the verse, and chorus. The prechorus is the only place they step away from it.
Brilliant!
Until next time…
Jason
The hit song progression, part 2!
Posted by jgarnerprod in Hit Song Analysis, Song Geek on February 15th, 2012
Okay, so Avril’s “Complicated” was the FIRST song I ever noticed with this progression. It’s disguised a little with the Edie Brickell-esque guitars, but the chorus still has it.
Also the first time I had ever heard of a collaborative songwriting/production model like the Matrix. Talented group! And a revolutionary idea for music production!
Until next time!
Jason Garner
The hit song chord progression!
Posted by jgarnerprod in Hit Song Analysis, Song Geek on February 8th, 2012
A recurring harmonic theme in the genre of pop and pop/rock, as well as rock, dance, etc. music (what is etc. music??) is the harmonic progression of:
6 minor, 4 major, 1 major, 5 major
The above song by Matt Kearney (that I just got hipped to) is no exception.
And in case those numbers are Greek to you, in the key of C, for example, it would look like:
a minor, F major, C major, 5 Major
In the weeks to come, I will build a case that this progression has been used in more hits in the last two decades (okay I’m reaching here) than any other. I’m going to be looking at some of the MANY songs that have used it successfully. I’ll try to focus on the big SMASH hits (okay, so Matt’s song isn’t one), while also trying to look at the history of this into the pop vernacular. (yes, I used “vernacular” in this blog!)
Also please make note, there is really nothing scientific about this whatsoever.
See you soon!
Jason Garner
Best opening lines to a song, EVER!
Posted by jgarnerprod in Hit Song Analysis, Song Geek on February 1st, 2012
You may argue with me about whether it’s the best, but it’s a favorite of mine!
It comes from Bryan Adams’s huge record “Reckless”, which featured not one, not two, but 6 singles, with all 6 hitting the top 15 on Billboard!
I may end up talking about each of the singles at some time in the future, but for now, just want to touch on those first two lines of “Run To You”.
“She says her love for me could never die. But that’d change if she ever found out about you and I.”
Wow! Got favorites of your own? Let me know in the comments below!