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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.

“Time to Pretend” by MGMT is a psychedelic pop/rock song that incorporates elements of electronic and indie rock music. The chord progression in the pre-chorus, which we will specifically analyze, shows MGMT’s experimentation with harmonic structure, drawing influences from both traditional classical and popular music techniques.

“Rocket Man” by Elton John is primarily in the key of Bb minor (the verses and chorus), but its outro transposes to the key of C Major, which gives a sensation of resolution. The chord progression in the Outro is a simple two-chord progression (I – V), which is extremely common in all styles of music and impacts the listener with its familiarity and stability.

The key of the song is D major which makes it easier to analyze the chord progression according to the diatonic scale in the key of D Major.

The song “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails has a tonal center around the key of B minor, as it is the most prominently featured chord in both the verse and chorus sections. The verse features a simple three-chord progression (Bm-D-E), and the chorus introduces additional chords (G, A). The outro mainly repeats the chords from the verse. The style of the piece can be characterized as haunting, melancholic, and somewhat minimalistic with only a few chords creating the harmonic landscape.

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