Tame Impala – Feels Like We Only Go Backwards – Verse 2
Feels Like We Only Go Backwards < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Dm’, ‘Cmaj7/G’, ‘Cmaj7/G’, ‘Dm’, ‘G’, ‘Gm’]
Chord Progression Analysis
Verse 2, the chords progress as follows:
– D minor (‘vi’)
– C Major 7/G (‘VMaj7/IV’)
– C Major 7/G (‘VMaj7/IV’)
– D minor (‘vi’)
– G Major (‘II’)
– G minor (‘ii’)
“`md
Borrowed Chords: G Major (‘II’)
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Similar Chord Progressions
1. Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”:
– F# Minor (‘vi’)
– D Major (‘IV’)
– D Major (‘IV’)
– F# Minor (‘vi’)
– B Major (‘V’)
– B Minor (‘v’)
This progression is similar since it moves mainly between the relative minor and major, and also incorporates a major to minor shift.
2. Beach House – “Space Song”:
– E Minor (‘vi’)
– D Major (‘V’)
– D Major (‘V’)
– E Minor (‘vi’)
– A Major (‘II’)
– A Minor (‘ii’)
Another song that incorporates the shift between major and minor, and an unexpected II chord borrowed from the Lydian mode.
Musical Analysis
In the given progression of Verse 2 (Dm, Cmaj7/G, Cmaj7/G, Dm, G, Gm), the chords begin with D minor (vi), which is the relative minor of the song’s key. Then, the progressions move to the C Major 7/G (VMaj7/IV), this interesting move is an example of modal interchange (borrowing chords from the parallel minor) and it creates tension. The chord progression then returns to D minor (vi), which provides a bit of resolution.
However, the progression then moves to G Major (II), a borrowed chord from F Lydian, which is unexpected and adds a unique flavor to the song. Finally, the progression transitions into G minor (ii), which provides a sense of resolution and returns it back to the tonality of F Major.
Overall Analysis
“Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” by Tame Impala is a psychedelic pop song notable for its dreamy, lo-fi sound and use of unconventional chord progressions. Musically, the song is written in the key of F major, but creatively uses chromatic mediants, borrowed chords, and modal interchange to establish a unique harmony. The song also uses dynamic contrast to create a dreamlike atmosphere, increasing the song’s overall psychedelic effect.
Style Analysis
Tame Impala often utilizes unique chord progressions, non-diatonic chords, and modal interchange in their music, resulting in a psychedelic sound that’s both familiar and ethereal. The song’s production, with sweeping synth pads and dreamy vocal harmonies, further enhances this.
What are the chords in: Tame Impala – Feels Like We Only Go Backwards – Verse 2?
[‘Dm’, ‘Cmaj7/G’, ‘Cmaj7/G’, ‘Dm’, ‘G’, ‘Gm’]
