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Related Music Theory Alchemy

“Time To Pretend” by MGMT features a non-conventional and interesting chord progression. The progression can be primarily analyzed in the key of D Major with a brief modulation to the relative minor (F#m). The chords are not sophisticated in terms of extensions, but the arrangement and harmonic movement provide a unique and memorable melody. This chorus is an example of diatonic and modal mixture, using chords not only from the primary key but also borrowing chords from other modes.

The chord progression for the verse of “Electric Feel” by MGMT is based in the key of C major. The progression mainly revolves around the use of i, v, VI, and VII chords. The song has a hypnotic, cyclic feel that is characteristic of the neo-psychedelic genre, with touches of funk and dance music elements.

“Tonight, Tonight” by The Smashing Pumpkins is a rock song happy to embrace classical music tropes. An orchestral, string-heavy arrangement propels the song, surrounding the listener with a rich tapestry of sound. The grandiose sound of the full orchestra is bolstered by the band’s dual guitars and Billy Corgan’s characteristic singing.

“When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars is in the key of C major. It is a ballad with a piano-led instrumentation, backed by Bruno’s powerful and emotive vocals. The melody and chords are relatively simple, but the lingering tone and the poignant lyrics create an emotionally resonant track. A common feature in this piece, as well as many pop songs in general, is the use of borrowed chords.

The given chord progression of Weezer’s “California Kids” features a verse in the key of C major. The progression primarily uses diatonic chords, with a more unconventional movement that features the use of a C/B chord, or I chord with the bass note played in the seventh degree (leads to tonicization of the vi chord). The progression also features a common IV-V movement that is a characteristic of pop and rock music.

MGMT – Time To Pretend – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

D, G, D, Dsus2, D, D, G, D, Dsus2, D, D, G, D, Dsus2, D, D, G, D, Dsus2, D

Chord Progression Analysis

D Major (I) – G Major (IV) – D Major (I) – Dsus2

Implemented as:
“`
D Major (‘I’) – G Major (‘IV’) – D Major (‘I’) – Dsus2
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. The Beatles – “Let It Be”
Chord Progression:
“`
C Major (‘I’) – G Major (‘IV’) – A Minor (‘vi’) – F Major (‘IV’)
“`

2. Oasis – “Wonderwall”
Chord Progression:
“`
E Minor (‘ii’) – G Major (‘IV’) – D Major (‘I’) – A Major (‘V’)
“`

3. David Bowie – “Heroes”
Chord Progression:
“`
D Major (‘I’) – G Major (‘IV’) – B Minor (‘vi’) – G Major (‘IV’)
“`

While these chord progressions are not exactly the same as “Time To Pretend,” they share some similarities with the use of the I-IV relationship, and they showcase examples of how this simple relationship can be used to create memorable songs in various genres.

Musical Analysis

The verse of “Time To Pretend” can be divided into four repetitions of the same chord progression. The D Major chord is the tonic chord in the key of D major, which provides a sense of stability and grounding. The G Major chord is the subdominant chord (IV), which adds some tension that is later resolved back to the tonic chord (D Major). The addition of Dsus2 serves to create a sense of intrigue or suspension due to the combination of two tones (D and E) that can be heard simultaneously, contributing to the dreamy quality of the song.

Overall Analysis

“Time To Pretend” features a simple and repetitive chord progression in the key of D major. The chord progression in the verse is characterized by a repeated pattern of D – G – D – Dsus2. The style of the song can be described as psychedelic synth-pop, with its electronic synth sounds and dream-like atmosphere. MGMT’s music often features catchy melodies and harmonies, which can also be heard in this song.

Style Analysis

As previously mentioned, “Time To Pretend” features a psychedelic synth-pop style. The song is characterized by rich synth layers, hypnotic melodies, and evocative lyrics that transport the listener into a dreamy, otherworldly state. The chord progression, while seemingly simple, provides the foundation for these stylistic elements to shine through.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Time To Pretend by MGMT are:

D, G, D, Dsus2, D, D, G, D, Dsus2, D, D, G, D, Dsus2, D, D, G, D, Dsus2, D