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“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.

The chord progression for the verse of “Kids” by MGMT is a simple and diatonic progression in the key of A major, following the vi-IV-I-V pattern. It is common in pop music and creates a sense of tension and release throughout the progression. The chords are played using predominantly major and minor triads, with an inversion in the V chord (E/G#).

The chord progression in question is from the verse 2 of Weezer’s “The Good Life.” It is a pop-rock song in the key of G major, and the progression features common chords found in the key, with one borrowed chord – B7 – to add a touch of tension and harmonic interest.

Chord Progression Analysis (with Roman Numerals):
G Major (I) – D Major (V) – A minor (ii) – E Major (VI) – G Major (I) – D Major (V) – A minor (ii) – E Major (VI) – G Major (I) – D Major (V) – A minor (ii) – E Major (VI) – G Major (I) – D Major (V) – A minor (ii) – E Major (VI) – G Major (I) – D Major (V) – A minor (ii) – B7 (`V7/iii`)

The borrowed chord in question is the B7, which is borrowed from the relative minor key (E minor) and functions as a secondary dominant to the iii chord (B minor).

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“Im Still Standing” by Elton John is a classic rock/pop song composed in E Major. You can see that this is a complex composition with frequent chord changes, giving it a rich musical texture. The chord progression is not diatonic, which means that it includes chords from outside of its home key of E Major.

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“Lord Only Knows” by Beck showcases a simple yet effective chord progression in its Verse 2. The harmonic foundation of this progression is based on the I – V – IV – I pattern, repeated four times. This pattern is common in many popular music genres, with the verse featuring a strong tonic-dominant relationship. The progression also displays an interesting mix of major and minor chords, adding a certain level of spice to the harmonic atmosphere present in the verse.

MGMT – Time To Pretend – Verse 2

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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 (Isus2) – D Major (I) x 5

“`[No borrowed chords are present]“`

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Coldplay – “The Scientist”: D Major (I) – B minor (vi) – G Major (IV) – A Major (V)
2. Oasis – “Wonderwall”: D Major (I) – Dsus4 (Isus4) – A Major (V) – G Major (IV) – E minor (ii)
3. The Lumineers – “Ho Hey”: D Major (I) – B minor (vi) – G Major (IV)

In summary, the chord progression in the verse of MGMT’s “Time To Pretend” is simple and repetitive, featuring triads and suspensions. The use of the Dsus2 chord adds an element of tension and release, making the progression more engaging. The song’s style can be classified as electronic psychedelic rock and neo-psychedelia, and similar chord progressions can be found in songs by Coldplay, Oasis, and The Lumineers.

Musical Analysis

The verse in “Time To Pretend” contains a four-chord progression that is repeated five times. The chords used are not complex, nor are they particularly rich in texture. They are triads and simple suspensions, which contribute to a straightforward harmonic foundation. The use of the Dsus2 chord adds an element of tension and release within the progression, which is resolved by returning to the D Major chord.

It’s important to note that even though the progression is harmonically simple, MGMT successfully builds atmosphere and interest through their use of production, instrumentation, and melody. The repetition of the chord progression contributes to the hypnotic and meditative quality of the song.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the verse of “Time To Pretend” by MGMT is primarily built around the key of D major. It features a simple and repetitive structure, with some variations. The chords used are mainly triads and simple extensions, with the occasional use of suspended chords (Dsus2) to create tension and release. The progression showcases the band’s ability to create an engaging and immersive soundscape, while keeping the harmony relatively simple.

Style Analysis

MGMT’s “Time To Pretend” can be classified as a blend of electronic psychedelic rock and neo-psychedelia. The chord progression is representative of the song’s overall structure: simple but effective. The use of the Dsus2 chord reflects the band’s inclination to experiment with harmony, albeit cautiously.

Chords in the Verse 2 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