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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.

The outro chord progression of “Are We Still Friends” by Tyler, The Creator has an interesting and somewhat unconventional structure. It’s composed of four chords and follows a pattern that showcases chromatic motion, a key element often found in the music of Tyler, The Creator. The vamp is harmonically ambiguous, relying on the dynamic interplay between the chords to create tension and resolution.

“1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins is written in the A major key and showcases various examples of modal interchange, also known as borrowed chords. The song switches often between the major and minor modes, providing a dynamic interplay of moods. The outro particularly stands out due to its use of both major and maj7th chords, a somewhat unusual combination. Emaj7 adds color and complexity to the progression, as a borrowed chord from the E major scale.

The Outro of “Exit Music (For a Film)” by Radiohead features a striking and emotive chord progression that showcases their innovative approach to harmony. It is characterized by the use of irregular modal interchanges, sustained chords, and slight variations on repeating patterns.

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