Tame Impala – Feels Like We Only Go Backwards – Verse 1
Feels Like We Only Go Backwards < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Dm’, ‘Cmaj7/G’, ‘Dm’, ‘G’, ‘Gm’]
Chord Progression Analysis
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– D Minor (vi)
– C Major 7 / G (IV7/2)
– D Minor (vi)
– G Major (II)
– G Minor (ii)
“`Note: The progression Dm-Cmaj7/G-Dm-G-Gm is notable for featuring borrowed chords. G Major (II) is borrowed from the parallel minor key (F Minor) while the rest of the chords belong in the original key (F Major).“`
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Similar Chord Progressions
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1. “Something” by The Beatles – Amaj7 (IVmaj7), Am7 (IV), F#m (ii), G#m7 (iii).
Though not identical, this progression shares the virtue of movement between major and minor variants of the same chord (Amaj7 to Am7, similar to G to Gm in Tame Impala’s piece).
2. “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers – E Major (IV), B Major / D# (V7 / 3), C# Minor (vi), G# Minor (iii).
This progression has a similar blend of major and minor chords, and the second chord is a major 7th chord over its third, similar to the Cmaj7/G in the given progression.
3. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles – A Minor (vi), C# Minor / G# (ii/5), D Major (bVII), G (IV), A Major (V), C Major (bIII), E Major (V), F# (IV), B Minor (vi).
This progression shares the chromatic progression from a major chord to a minor chord a step below (G to Gm in Tame Impala’s piece, and D Major to C# Minor in this Beatles’ song).
Musical Analysis
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The continuous shifting between related chords in the given progression evokes a feeling of ‘going backwards’ or movin in circles, thus fitting perfectly with the song’s theme and title. The Major II chord (G Major) being axed to minor (G Minor) marks a significant moment, delivering a poignant ‘payoff’ to the progression that is deeply affecting. This shift also introduces an unexpected texture into the piece.
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Overall Analysis
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Feels Like We Only Go Backwards by Tame Impala uses very interesting chord progressions that convey a feeling of constant motion. The song is primarily in the key of F Major, as revealed by the majority of the chords (F, C, Gm). However, the chord progression in the verse introduces Dm and Cmaj7/G, showing some clever use of modal interchange, also known as borrowed chords.
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Style Analysis
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Tame Impala’s style is a unique blend of psychedelia, rock, and electronica. The use of unconventional chord progressions and modal interchange are hallmarks of psychedelic and progressive rock, genres known for their complexity and willingness to break from traditional pop music structures. This song is a stellar example of that spirit, showing how they manipulate harmony to evoke certain moods and emotions.
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What are the chords in: Tame Impala – Feels Like We Only Go Backwards – Verse 1?
[‘Dm’, ‘Cmaj7/G’, ‘Dm’, ‘G’, ‘Gm’]
