MGMT – Congratulations – Verse 2
Congratulations < All Analyses
Chord Progression
G, G/F#, Em, Em7, C, C/B, Am, Asus2, Am, G, G/F#, Em, Em7, C, C/B, Am, Asus2, Am, G, G/F#, Em, Em7, C, D, Dsus4
Chord Progression Analysis
G Major (‘I’), G/F# (‘I/7’), E Minor (‘vi’), E Minor 7 (‘vi7’), C Major (‘IV’), C/B (‘IV/7’), A Minor (‘ii’), A Suspended 2 (‘ii sus2’), A Minor (‘ii’), G Major (‘I’), G/F# (‘I/7’), E Minor (‘vi’), E Minor 7 (‘vi7’), C Major (‘IV’), C/B (‘IV/7’), A Minor (‘ii’), A Suspended 2 (‘ii sus2’), A Minor (‘ii’), G Major (‘I’), G/F# (‘I/7’), E Minor (‘vi’), E Minor 7 (‘vi7’), C Major (‘IV’), D Major (‘V’), D Suspended 4 (‘V sus4’)
Borrowed Chords:
`G/F# (‘I/7’)`, `C/B (‘IV/7’)`
Similar Chord Progressions
1. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”
Chord Progression: Gm9 (‘i9’), F (‘VII’), Eb (‘VI’), Bb (‘III’)
2. The Beatles – “Happiness Is a Warm Gun”
Chord Progression: E Major (‘I’), F# Minor 7 (‘ii7’), A Major (‘IV’), C# Minor (‘vi’), E Major (‘I’), F# Minor 7 (‘ii7’), A Major (‘IV’), C# Minor (‘vi’)
3. Fleetwood Mac – “Landslide”
Chord Progression: E Major (‘I’), B Major (‘V’), A Major (‘IV’), G# Minor (‘iii’), F# Major (‘II’)
While these progressions may not exactly match “Congratulations,” they share similarities in some chord choices and the use of borrowed and inverted chords, contributing to an unconventional and intriguing harmonic sound.
Musical Analysis
The verse starts with the tonic G Major and moves to G/F#, a first inversion with the seventh in the bass. This creates a smooth bass line, moving chromatically from G to F# then to E. The progression continues with E Minor (relative minor) and E Minor 7, giving an overall tonal ambiguity between major and minor.
The next section is a series of diatonic chords: C Major, C/B, A Minor, Asus2, A Minor, with C/B being an inverted IV chord. This part of the progression has a plagal (IV to I) feeling and provides a sense of stability. The verse then repeats, maintaining the same pattern.
In the final part, the chords are G Major, G/F#, E Minor, E Minor 7, C Major, D Major, and D Suspended 4. Here, the progression resolves by moving from the IV chord, C Major, to D Major, the dominant chord (V), and finally to the D Suspended 4, suspending the resolution to build tension.
Overall Analysis
The chord progression in MGMT’s “Congratulations” contains a mix of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, which provide a combination of stability and tension throughout the progression. The harmonic rhythm is slow, and the progression is mostly driven by bass line movement and voice leading. The mixture of borrowed chords, inversions, and suspended chords contributes to the overall unique character of the piece.
Style Analysis
“Congratulations” incorporates elements from various styles, including 1960s pop, rock, and psychedelic sounds. The use of diatonic and non-diatonic chords, alongside suspended and seventh chords, helps create a rich harmonic texture that sets the piece apart. The slow harmonic rhythm and unique voice leading provide a distinct and memorable sound.
What are the chords in: MGMT – Congratulations – Verse 2?
G, G/F#, Em, Em7, C, C/B, Am, Asus2, Am, G, G/F#, Em, Em7, C, C/B, Am, Asus2, Am, G, G/F#, Em, Em7, C, D, Dsus4
