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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.

The chord progression in the refrain of MGMT’s “Weekend Wars” is an intriguing combination of diatonic and borrowed chords. It primarily features chords from the key of A minor and C major, with some noticeable out-of-key chords that add color and tension to the progression.

“Feeling Good” by Muse is a cover of the song originally written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse for the 1964 musical “The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd”. Muse’s version is characterized by its distinct blend of jazz, rock, and pop influences, with strong orchestration and stylistically unique elements that give the song a modern edge while still paying homage to its classic roots.

“A Star Is Born – Shallow” by Misc Soundtrack uses common chords found in pop music and combines them in a fresh way. The progression makes use of diatonic chords and even includes a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key. It showcases a feasible balance of tension and resolution, often transitioning through a variety of chord inversions to add color and depth to the harmonies. The song moves around the circle of fifths, which allows for smooth transitions between keys.

The verse 2 chord progression of Radiohead’s “Everything In Its Right Place” demonstrates a combination of diatonic and non-diatonic chords with tonal ambiguity, frequent use of borrowed chords from parallel modes, and modulation. The progression has a cyclic, hypnotic quality with occasional surprises due to large leaps in pitch and unexpected, non-diatonic chords.

MGMT – Electric Feel – Verse 2

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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

`Am7 (vi7) | Em (iii) | F (IV) | G (V) | Em (iii) | F (IV) |`
`Am7 (vi7) | Em (iii) | F (IV) | G (V) | Em (iii) | F (IV) |`
`Am7 (vi7) | Em (iii) | F (IV) | G (V) | Em (iii) | F (IV) |`
`Am7 (vi7) | Em (iii) | F (IV) | G (V) | Em (iii) | F (IV) |`

This chord progression is in the key of C major/A minor. The chords used create a sense of direction and evoke a dreamy feeling with the combination of minor and major chords.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Fleetwood Mac – “Dreams”:
`Fmaj7 (IVmaj7) | G (V) | Am (vi) | Am (vi) / G (V)`

2. Radiohead – “Karma Police”:
`Am (vi) | Fmaj7 (IVmaj7) | Em (iii) | G (V)`

These songs share the same pattern of blending minor and major chords, creating a sense of tension and resolution, and have a catchy, hypnotic vibe.

Musical Analysis

The chords of the progression create a well-balanced blend between tension and resolution. The vi7 (Am7) chord starts the progression, providing a minor, slightly melancholic reflection of the tonic. The iii (Em) chord keeps a sense of suspense and leads well into the IV (F) chord. The V (G) chord is a dominant chord that creates tension, which is resolved back into the iii (Em) chord. The repetition of this pattern contributes to the catchy, hypnotic vibe of the track.

Overall Analysis

“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.

Style Analysis

“Electric Feel” features a fusion of styles, primarily combining electronic music, psychedelic pop, and funk. The song heavily relies on synths and digital effects, which give it a distinct, modern feel. The production is lush and layered, echoing the style of electronic music from the ’80s, a style that MGMT often references. Additionally, the funk element is especially noticeable in the groovy bass line and syncopated rhythm. The chord progression contributes to the song’s immersive atmosphere, further highlighting the band’s unique style.

Chords in the Verse 2 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