MGMT – Weekend Wars – Refrain
Weekend Wars < All Analyses
Chord Progression
A, Dm, C, F, A, Bb, A, Dm, C, F, A, Bb, A, Dm, C, F, Gm, A, Bb, A, Dm, C, F, A, Bb, A, Dm, C, F, A, Bb, A, Dm, C, F, Gm, A, Bb, C
Chord Progression Analysis
A Major (V/III), D Minor (iv), C Major (III), F Major (VI), A Major (V/III), Bb Major (bVII), A Major (V/III), D Minor (iv), C Major (III), F Major (VI), A Major (V/III), Bb Major (bVII), A Major (V/III), D Minor (iv), C Major (III), F Major (VI), G Minor (iv/III), A Major (V/III), Bb Major (bVII), A Major (V/III), D Minor (iv), C Major (III), F Major (VI), A Major (V/III), Bb Major (bVII), A Major (V/III), D Minor (iv), C Major (III), F Major (VI), A Major (V/III), Bb Major (bVII), A Major (V/III), D Minor (iv), C Major (III), F Major (VI), G Minor (iv/III), A Major (V/III), Bb Major (bVII), C Major (III)
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Borrowed Chord: Bb Major (bVII)
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Similar Chord Progressions
1. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”
Chord Progression: G minor (i), E♭ Major (VI), B♭ Major (III), F Major (VII), C minor (iv), D major (V/v), A Major (v), G minor/Bb (i), C Major (IV), F Major (VII)
2. The Beatles – “Strawberry Fields Forever”
Chord Progression: E Major (V), G Major (flatVII), A Major (I), C Major (III), E Major (V), G Major (flatVII), A Major (I), C Major (III)
These songs feature unconventional chord progressions and borrowed chords similar to “Weekend Wars”, showcasing the shared traits between MGMT and other experimental bands.
Musical Analysis
The chord progression starts with an A Major chord, which works as the secondary dominant (V/III) of the D Minor chord that follows. The relationship between A Major and D Minor creates a strong pull and resolution. Moving from D Minor to C Major (iv -> III) is a common progression in minor keys, and it continues to F Major (VI), which is the submediant chord of the key.
The inclusion of the Bb Major chord (bVII), a borrowed chord from the parallel minor key (A minor in this case), adds a sense of surprise and color to the progression. This chord creates a descending chromatic line with the surrounding A Major chords.
Towards the end of the refrain, a G minor chord (iv/III) appears, which serves as the subdominant chord in the key of C major, adding an interesting twist and anticipation to the arrival of the A major chord.
Overall Analysis
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.
Style Analysis
MGMT’s “Weekend Wars” has a psychedelic pop and indie rock style, with the band’s unique blend of electronic and organic elements to create a distinctive sound. This chord progression is characteristic of MGMT’s willingness to push traditional boundaries and explore unconventional chord sequences, reminiscent of the experimental nature of the late 1960s and early 1970s music.
What are the chords in: MGMT – Weekend Wars – Refrain?
A, Dm, C, F, A, Bb, A, Dm, C, F, A, Bb, A, Dm, C, F, Gm, A, Bb, A, Dm, C, F, A, Bb, A, Dm, C, F, A, Bb, A, Dm, C, F, Gm, A, Bb, C
