Shawn Mendes's Unique Chord Progression: 'Better Than He Can'?

by Jhon Lennon 63 views

Let's dive into the musicality of Shawn Mendes, specifically focusing on whether the chord progression in his song "Better Than He Can" is something special. Guys, we all know Shawn for his catchy tunes and heartfelt lyrics, but what about the underlying harmonic structure that makes his songs so appealing? In this article, we'll explore the chord progression of "Better Than He Can," compare it to other popular songs, and see if it truly stands out.

Understanding Chord Progressions

First, let's break down what a chord progression actually is. Chord progressions are the backbone of most songs, providing the harmonic foundation upon which melodies and rhythms are built. They're essentially a series of chords played in a specific order, creating a sense of movement and emotion. Think of them as the musical equivalent of sentences in a story. Some chord progressions are incredibly common, appearing in countless songs across different genres, while others are more unique and less frequently used.

A standard chord progression might be something like I-V-vi-IV (in the key of C, this would be C-G-Am-F). This progression is so popular that it's been used in everything from pop hits to classical pieces. The reason it works so well is that it creates a sense of tension and release, pulling the listener along for the ride. The I chord (the tonic) provides a sense of stability, while the V chord (the dominant) creates tension that resolves back to the I. The vi chord (the relative minor) adds a touch of melancholy, and the IV chord (the subdominant) provides a smooth transition back to the tonic.

When we talk about whether a chord progression is unique or innovative, we're really asking if it deviates from these common patterns in a way that is interesting or unexpected. A unique chord progression might use chords that are not typically found together, or it might arrange them in an unusual order. An innovative progression might take a common pattern and add a twist, such as a passing chord or a modulation (changing keys).

Analyzing "Better Than He Can" Chord Progression

Okay, let's get down to business. What chords are actually in "Better Than He Can," and how do they fit together? Analyzing the song, the primary chord progression revolves around a few key chords that create its signature sound. The song is in the key of E major, so let's identify the chords in relation to the key.

The chords used are E major (I), B major (V), C# minor (vi) and A major (IV). If we put them in order, that results in the I-V-vi-IV progression. As previously mentioned, it's one of the most used chord progressions. So how does Shawn Mendes make it sound unique?

The genius of "Better Than He Can" doesn't necessarily lie in inventing a brand new chord sequence, but in how these familiar chords are presented and how they interact with the melody and overall arrangement. This is a very common chord progression that gives a familiar but catchy sound to the song.

Comparing to Other Songs

Now, let's compare "Better Than He Can" to other songs that use similar chord progressions. The I-V-vi-IV progression is so ubiquitous that it's practically impossible to list every song that uses it. However, some notable examples include:

  • "Let It Be" by The Beatles
  • "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey
  • "Someone Like You" by Adele
  • "No Woman No Cry" by Bob Marley

These songs, like "Better Than He Can," all utilize the I-V-vi-IV progression to create a sense of familiarity and emotional resonance. However, each song puts its own unique spin on the progression through different melodies, rhythms, and arrangements. For instance, "Let It Be" has a slow, contemplative feel, while "Don't Stop Believin'" is an upbeat anthem.

When we compare "Better Than He Can" to these songs, we can see that it shares the same basic harmonic structure but distinguishes itself through its specific melodic contours, instrumentation, and overall vibe. The song features Shawn's signature vocal delivery and a modern pop production style that sets it apart from the classic rock and soul sounds of the other examples.

What Makes "Better Than He Can" Stand Out?

So, if the chord progression isn't groundbreaking, what makes "Better Than He Can" stand out? Several factors contribute to its unique appeal:

  • Melody: The melody is arguably the most important aspect of any song. Shawn Mendes's melodic choices in "Better Than He Can" are what truly make the song memorable. The way he phrases the melody over the chord progression creates a sense of emotional vulnerability and sincerity.
  • Rhythm and Groove: The rhythm and groove of "Better Than He Can" are also crucial to its success. The song has a laid-back, mid-tempo feel that makes it easy to listen to and sing along with. The subtle syncopation in the vocal delivery adds a touch of playfulness to the song.
  • Production: The production of "Better Than He Can" is polished and modern, with clean guitars, crisp drums, and subtle electronic elements. The production enhances the emotional impact of the song without overwhelming it.
  • Shawn Mendes's Vocal Delivery: Shawn Mendes's distinctive vocal style is a key ingredient in the song's success. His voice is full of emotion, and he knows how to use it to connect with his audience.

The Importance of Arrangement and Production

It's crucial to remember that a song is more than just its chord progression. The arrangement – how the different instruments and vocal parts are layered and interact – and the production – the overall sound and feel of the recording – play a huge role in shaping the listener's experience. Even the most basic chord progression can sound fresh and exciting with the right arrangement and production.

For example, a simple I-V-vi-IV progression can be transformed into a soaring anthem with the addition of layered vocals, soaring guitars, and driving drums. Or, it can be turned into a mellow acoustic ballad with just a single guitar and a heartfelt vocal performance. The possibilities are endless.

In the case of "Better Than He Can," the arrangement and production are carefully crafted to create a sense of intimacy and emotional vulnerability. The song features a relatively sparse arrangement, with Shawn's vocals taking center stage. The production is clean and polished, but not overly processed, allowing the emotion of the song to shine through.

Conclusion: Is It Unique?

So, is the chord progression in "Better Than He Can" unique or innovative? The answer is probably no. It relies on a very common and well-loved chord progression. However, that doesn't mean the song isn't special. What makes "Better Than He Can" stand out is the combination of its catchy melody, heartfelt lyrics, polished production, and Shawn Mendes's signature vocal delivery.

Ultimately, the uniqueness of a song lies not just in its chord progression, but in the way all of its elements come together to create a cohesive and compelling whole. "Better Than He Can" is a testament to the power of skillful songwriting, arrangement, and production to elevate a familiar chord progression into something truly special. So next time you hear "Better Than He Can," appreciate the artistry that went into crafting this memorable and emotionally resonant song. You might not be hearing a revolutionary chord progression, but you are definitely hearing a great song!