music theory
The First Song on Radiohead’s Debut Album Predicted Their Future Greatness
‘Pablo Honey’ turns 25 this week, and its opener “You” set the template for the weirdness that Radiohead would follow for years to come.
The First Song on Radiohead’s Debut Album Predicted Their Future Greatness
‘Pablo Honey’ turns 25 this week, and its opener “You” set the template for the weirdness that Radiohead would follow for years to come.
Soulja Boy's "Kiss Me Thru the Phone" Warned Us That Phone Sex Is a Chore
The song was ten years ahead of its time, but its counterpart "Turn My Swag On" suggests a different kind of love that's equally relevant to now. It also totally borrows from Toto's "Africa."
The Music Theory Behind Why Sigrid's Vibrant Pop Is So Catchy
How the 21-year-old singer-songwriter went from a small town in Norway to winning the BBC's tastemaking Sound of 2018 poll.
Björk Uses Her Voice Like an Army Horn for Earth Spirits
On 'Utopia,' the Icelandic icon doubles down on her triad melodies and her quasi-ASMR obsession.
There Are No Good Halloween Songs Except for This Lost Will Smith Classic
I’m tired of hearing “Monster Mash” every year, give me the Fresh Prince.
Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do" Is as Basic as Taylor Herself
The expert music theory behind why her comeback single doesn't at all slap, especially compared to her strongest tracks.
Frank Ocean’s New Live String Section Is Great Even on Shitty Phone Footage
Attempting to appreciate magical countermelodies through the hindrances of modern technologies.
The Music Theory Behind Why Rihanna's "Sex With Me" Is So Sexy
Includes a link between the bonus track's chord progression and, well, Wagner.
21 Savage's 'Issa Album' Sounds Chilling Because Science Says It Should Be
Horror movies and our own natural expectations of musical tones help explain why the street rap of the South is so ghoulish.
The Extremely Nerdy Music Science Behind Why You Love Drake's "Passionfruit"
The 'More Life' standout says more with its chord progression than its groove or its lyrics.
Here's the Music Theory Behind Why Lorde's Songwriting Is Objectively Kickass
Let's get real nerdy about the extremely alt-rock trope she shares with Nirvana.