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“Electric Feel” by MGMT is a funky and psychedelic pop song with an infectious groove and memorable hooks. The chorus consists of a chord progression that features a variety of diatonic chords along with a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key. The progression is based around oscillations between minor and major tonalities, which adds a sense of tension and release. This, combined with the rhythmic syncopation and psychedelic production, contributes to the iconic and unique character of the song.

The chord progression in the outro of MGMT’s “Weekend Wars” is a fairly simple one in terms of harmony, but it showcases some interesting movements between the chords. The progression has a major feeling and centers around the C major key. It sees a modulation to the key of F major during the Bb/F and Bb chords, and then returns to its original key. There are no borrowed chords present in this particular progression.

“Goodbye Blue Sky” by Pink Floyd is a beautifully haunting piece with a chord progression that demonstrates their innovative use of borrowed chords and modulation to explore various tonal centers. The song is generally in the key of A minor.

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“Paint It, Black” by The Rolling Stones is arranged in a minor key, specifically E minor. The verse chord progression of the song exhibits a fairly common pattern in 60’s rock and pop music, incorporating the use of both diatonic chords and borrowed chords from the parallel major key.

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This iconic Britpop song predominantly features the use of traditional tonal harmony found in pop songs throughout the late 20th century, and the verse specifically recalls the harmonic patterns utilized in the 1950s and 60s. The defining feature of this song (as is the case with many Oasis tunes) is the use of returning, resounding repetitions of simple chord sequences.

MGMT – Electric Feel – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

Am7, Em, F, G, Em, F, Am7, Em, F, G, Em, F, Am7, Em, F, G, Em, F, Am7, Em, F, G, Em, F

Chord Progression Analysis

Here is the analysis of the chord progression, including the full chord names and their Roman numerals:

Am7 (i), Em (v), F (VI), G (VII), Em (v), F (VI), Am7 (i), Em (v), F (VI), G (VII), Em (v), F (VI), Am7 (i), Em (v), F (VI), G (VII), Em (v), F (VI), Am7 (i), Em (v), F (VI), G (VII), Em (v), F (VI)

`Borrowed chord: None for this progression`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “Breathe” by Pink Floyd
Verse: Em9 (v), A (IV), Em9 (v), A (IV), Em9 (v), A (IV), Em9 (v), A (IV)

2. “Can’t Stop” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Verse: Em9 (i), D (VII), Am (iv), Fmaj7 (VI)

3. “Gravity” by John Mayer
Verse: G7 (VII7), Cmaj7 (I), Em7 (iii), D (II)

While these examples may not have the exact same chord progression as “Electric Feel,” they share similarities in cyclical progressions and atmospheric vibes. The blend of major and minor chords in these progressions creates emotional depth and helps evoke different moods within listeners.

Musical Analysis

The verse progression begins with the tonic minor, Am7 (i), which sets the overall minor tonality. The progression then moves to Em (v), acting as a minor dominant. The following chords, F (VI) and G (VII), represent a temporary shift away from the minor tonality to the relative major. This shift adds a sense of brightness to the verse. The repetition of this pattern creates a cyclic, hypnotic feel, with the chords continually building tension and releasing back to the tonic minor.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression for the verse of “Electric Feel” by MGMT is based in the key of C major. The progression mainly revolves around the use of i, v, VI, and VII chords. The song has a hypnotic, cyclic feel that is characteristic of the neo-psychedelic genre, with touches of funk and dance music elements.

Style Analysis

“Electric Feel” by MGMT showcases a blend of neo-psychedelic, funk, and dance music elements. The chord progression is rather simple, which highlights the groove and rhythm. The airiness of Am7’s sound and the alternate minor-major shift evoke a dreamy, kaleidoscopic atmosphere that is characteristic of the neo-psychedelic style.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Electric Feel by MGMT are:

Am7, Em, F, G, Em, F, Am7, Em, F, G, Em, F, Am7, Em, F, G, Em, F, Am7, Em, F, G, Em, F