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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

The chord progression in the verse of “When You Die” by MGMT can be analyzed as a blend of traditional diatonic harmony and chromaticism. The song is in the key of G major with elements of modal interchange and a brief modulation to the relative minor key, E minor. The progression features a mix of both major and minor chords and gives the piece a sense of melancholy and uncertainty.

This chord progression is in the key of Am. The work can be seen as a mix of the Western tonal harmony, incorporating the use of inversions alongside nondiatonic chords. Tame Impala employs the elements of neo-psychedelia with unique chord progressions and arrangements. The alteration between two chords creates a revolving feeling, reinforcing the title “alter ego”.

“Penny Lane,” written by the Beatles, utilizes key changes and borrowed chords to create an interesting and complex tonal palette. The song is best understood to primarily be in the key of A Major; however, it frequently borrows chords from the parallel minor key, uses unexpected dominant chords, and briefly modulates to other key areas for color and variety. This is characteristic of several Beatles songs, and it’s one of the ways they added complexity to their music while still remaining accessible.

“Can You Feel The Love Tonight” is a pop ballad written in the key of G major. The progression makes traditional use of the G major chord scale with a notable exception of a borrowed chord A/C#.

MGMT – Electric Feel – Chorus

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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

“`

A minor 7 (vi7)
E minor (iii)
F major (IV)
G major (V)
E minor (iii)
F major (IV)
A minor 7 (vi7)
E minor (iii)
F major (IV)
G major (V)
E minor (iii)
F major (IV)
A minor 7 (vi7)
E minor (iii)
F major (IV)
G major (V)
E minor (iii)
F major (IV)
A minor 7 (vi7)
E minor (iii)
F major (IV)
G major (V)
E minor (iii)
F major (IV)
“`

The borrowed chord in this progression is “`F major (IV) which comes from the parallel minor key (C minor)“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Tame Impala – “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards”
Chord progression:
“`
Bbmaj7 (IV7)
Ebmaj7 (IIb7)
Cm7 (vi7)
Gm7 (iii7)
Fm7 (ii7)
“`
2. John Mayer – “Gravity”
Chord progression:
“`
G major (I)
A minor (ii)
B minor (iii)
C major (IV)
D major (V)
F major (♭VII)
“`
3. Daft Punk – “Get Lucky”
Chord progression:
“`
Bm7 (vi7)
D major (I)
F#m7 (iii7)
E major (V)
“`
4. Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean”
Chord progression:
“`
F#m7 (vi7)
G#m7 (viiø7)
Bm7 (ii7)
E major (V)
“`

Please note that these similar chord progressions might not have the exact same chords or emotions as the chorus of “Electric Feel,” but they share common stylistic or harmonic elements that make them worth exploring.

Musical Analysis

The chorus of “Electric Feel” features a chord progression that starts with a vi7 chord (A minor 7), which is followed by a iii chord (E minor), a borrowed IV chord (F major), and a V chord (G major). This progression is constructed within C major and oscillates between the minor and major tonalities. The E minor – F major – G major segment of the progression creates a sense of tension and lift, while the return to the A minor 7 chord offers a resolution and release, highlighting the groove of the song. The borrowed F major chord adds an interesting chromatic adjustment to the progression, which contributes to the psychedelic aspect of the song.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

The style of “Electric Feel” is a blend of neo-psychedelia, funk, and electropop. The rhythm section prominently features syncopation and funky bass lines that evoke the danceability and percussive drive of funk. The psychedelic influence is apparent in the chord progression, especially with the inclusion of the borrowed F major chord, and the production on the rest of the track, featuring ethereal synths and colorful textures reminiscent of psychedelic music. The electropop elements are showcased through the synth-driven soundscape and infectious hooks.

Chords in the Chorus 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