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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Electric Feel” by MGMT is characterized by its repetitive, catchy chord progression and usage of both major and minor chords which create a unique, surreal atmosphere. The song includes elements of psychedelic pop, funk, and electronic music.

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.

“Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis is written in the key of C major. Although it largely conforms to the traditional progressions expected within this key, the song does feature some interesting variations in the form of borrowed chords coming from the parallel minor key (C minor) – a common technique used in pop and rock music.

“Nothings Gonna Change My Love For You” by George Benson is a romantic ballad in the key of Db major. The piece features a soothing and harmonically rich chord progression that is characteristic of the pop/jazz fusion style popular in the late 70s and 80s. The chorus features a mix of diatonic, borrowed, and secondary-dominant chords, creating an expressive palette of colors and tensions. This progression shares similarities with other ballads and pop songs from the era.

“Wonderwall” by Oasis is a rock song with folk roots and a melodic pop influence. It uses the alternative rock idiom of harmony, which bestows the song with a sound leaning towards traditional folk and classic pop. The band utilizes common vintage chords mixed with modern progressions to create that identifiable Oasis sound.

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