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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 in MGMT’s “Kids” is quite simple and based on a single chord throughout the instrumental sections, focusing mainly on creating a catchy melody and rhythm. The simplicity of the progression reflects the musical styles seen in synth-pop and electronic dance music genres.

“The Long and Winding Road” by The Beatles is an iconic pop ballad renowned for its rich harmonic content. It employs both modal interchange and secondary dominants, thus securing its place as an exemplary piece in pop music harmony. Its dominant tonality is D Major, however, it makes use of many borrowed chords.

“Hey Joe” by Jimi Hendrix is a classic rock song featuring a cyclic chord progression in the key of E major. The song is well-known for its distinctive and temporarily ambiguous harmonic structure, bluesy vocal melodies, and Jimi Hendrix’s influential guitar playing. The verse chord progression constantly circles back on itself, creating a hypnotic effect.

The chord progression of Verse 1 from Radiohead’s “Motion Picture Soundtrack” features a fairly simple harmony with some unique embellishments. The common use of suspended chords and added extensions give the progression its distinctive atmosphere and modern sound.

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