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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.

“When You Die” by MGMT features a fairly unconventional chord progression that mixes elements of rock, pop, and classic psychedelia. The progression creates tension and intrigue through the use of extended harmonies, chromaticism, and borrowed chords. The distinctiveness of this progression contributes to the song’s unique sound.

MGMT – Weekend Wars – Outro with fade out

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Chord Progression

C/G, Bb/F, Bb, F, C/G, C/G, Bb/F, Bb, F, C/G

Chord Progression Analysis

C/G (I), Bb/F (bVII/IV), Bb (IV), F (I), C/G (V), C/G (V), Bb/F (bVII/IV), Bb (IV), F (I), C/G (V)

Similar Chord Progressions

1. Radiohead – “Karma Police” (Outro)
D/A (IV/I), G (I), C (IV), G (I), C (IV), G (I), C (IV), G (I)

2. The Beatles – “Let It Be” (Verse)
C (I), G (V), Am (vi), Fmaj7 (IV), C (I), G (V), Fmaj7 (IV), C (I)

These two examples showcase a similar movement from the I chord to the IV or bVII chords in a major key, while still maintaining a memorably catchy progression as in “Weekend Wars” by MGMT.

Musical Analysis

In this progression, the song seems to begin in the key of C major with the C/G chord. This chord serves as the tonic, establishing the key of the piece. The progression then moves to Bb/F, which is a bVII chord in the key of C but also serves as the IV chord in the key of F major (the relative major of D minor). This modulation to F major continues with the Bb and F chords, before returning to the C/G chord (V in F major). The V-I relationship here is a strong cadential movement, and it provides a satisfying sense of completion.

Overall Analysis

The chord progression in the outro of MGMT’s “Weekend Wars” is a fairly simple one in terms of harmony, but it showcases some interesting movements between the chords. The progression has a major feeling and centers around the C major key. It sees a modulation to the key of F major during the Bb/F and Bb chords, and then returns to its original key. There are no borrowed chords present in this particular progression.

Style Analysis

MGMT’s music often includes elements of various genres, such as indie rock, psychedelic rock, synth-pop, and electronic dance music. With their genre-blurring sound, it’s not surprising that they would implement an intriguing chord progression like this one in “Weekend Wars”. This chord progression showcases their willingness to experiment with harmony and tonality, all the while maintaining a catchy and memorable structure that drives the outro of the song.

Chords in the Outro with fade out section of Weekend Wars by MGMT are:

C/G, Bb/F, Bb, F, C/G, C/G, Bb/F, Bb, F, C/G