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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“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 MGMT’s “Kids” is quite simple and based on a single chord throughout the instrumental sections, focusing mainly on creating a catchy melody and rhythm. The simplicity of the progression reflects the musical styles seen in synth-pop and electronic dance music genres.

The song “Something” by The Beatles has a key center in C major. However, it modulates from time to time using a variety of techniques including secondary dominance and borrowed chords. It is a fine example of George Harrison’s complex songwriting and his adroitness at seamlessly weaving together uncommon chord progressions. Harrison employs an array of chords to inject a rich, nuanced musical quality to the song.

“Beast of Burden,” by The Rolling Stones, a song characterized by a typical rock-pop structure, primarily uses a IV-chord loop in the key of E major. The chord progression in the outro follows a specific sequence: E, to B, to C#m, to A. The return to the E at the end of the progression gives it a circular feel that encourages cohesion.

The chord progression “[‘Em’, ‘Am’, ‘D’]” from the outro of Weezer’s “The Good Life” is a simple, yet effective progression in the key of E minor. It demonstrates a melancholic feel common to alternative rock and power-pop music genres of the 1990s. The chords in this progression are borrowed from the E natural minor scale.

MGMT – Electric Feel – Outro

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

Am7 (iv7), Em (i), F (♭II), G (III), Em (i), F (♭II), Am7 (iv7), Em (i), F (♭II), G (III), Em (i), F (♭II), Am7 (iv7), Em (i), F (♭II), G (III), Em (i), F (♭II)

“`Borrowed Chord: F (♭II)“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Tame Impala – “Elephant”
Chord Progression: Cm7 (iv7), Gm (i), A♭ (♭II), B♭ (III), Gm (i), A♭ (♭II)

2. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
Chord Progression: Am (iv), Em (i), F♯m (♭II), G (III), Em (i), F♯m (♭II)

These songs also feature chord progressions that include both diatonic and borrowed chords to create a similar sense of tension and intrigue. They also incorporate elements of psychedelic music, making them stylistically similar to “Electric Feel.”

Musical Analysis

The chord progression starts with the Am7 (iv7) that creates a sense of tension, resolving to Em (i). The borrowed chord F (♭II) gives the progression an intriguing quality by breaking the pattern of diatonic chords. This is followed by G (III), providing a feel of movement before returning to the tonic, Em (i). The outro continues alternating between the F (♭II) borrowed chord and the diatonic G (III) chord, maintaining the unique tension throughout the outro.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression of MGMT’s “Electric Feel” outro is in E Minor, and it features a combination of diatonic chords and a borrowed chord from the parallel major key. The progression creates a sense of tension and resolution, giving the outro a captivating and memorable quality. The song itself is a psychedelic, funk-infused electro-pop track, which enhances the trippy, mesmerizing vibe of the progression.

Style Analysis

“Electric Feel” is an electro-pop song with strong influences from funk and psychedelic music. The chord progression in the outro, with its mix of diatonic and borrowed chords, reflects this style by evoking a sense of surprise, anticipation, and a dreamy, otherworldly atmosphere. The arrangement’s use of synthesizers, rhythmic guitar patterns, and smooth vocal harmonies also contribute to the song’s genre-blending sound.

Chords in the Outro 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