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“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 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.

The outro of “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin features a simple alternating chord progression between G major and A major, which creates tension by avoiding a resolution to the tonic or dominant chords. This makes the progression sound unstable, yet well defined as it repeats. The recurring ascending motion creates a sense of lift throughout the outro, while the lack of a true resolution maintains a feeling of unease. This progression is notable for its simplicity, as well as how it invokes a modal sound that is characteristic of the mixolydian mode often used in rock music.

The song “Let It Happen” by Tame Impala, which is in the key of A Major, uses a simple yet effective chord progression during its outro. The common pattern of I-vi-IIIIV (Major-minor-Suspended 4) recurs throughout. The G#sus4 chord provides a moment of tension before resolving back to the tonic and restarting the pattern. The progression concludes with an Emaj7 chord, which is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor.

“Yellow” by Coldplay is in the key of G major and employs a mix of diatonic chords, extended chords such as the seventh chords, and the occasional borrowed chord from G minor. The progression presents variations of a common IV-V-I pattern seen in pop and rock music.

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