Music Theory Alchemy

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The song “Let It Happen” by Tame Impala, which is in the key of A Major, uses a simple yet effective chord progression during its outro. The common pattern of I-vi-IIIIV (Major-minor-Suspended 4) recurs throughout. The G#sus4 chord provides a moment of tension before resolving back to the tonic and restarting the pattern. The progression concludes with an Emaj7 chord, which is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor.

Let It Happen’ by Tame Impala employs an accessible and effective chord progression, usual in pop/rock music, yet has unusualness due to the usage of the G#sus4 chord, providing a unique tonal flavor and emotional quality. There is a striking use of harmonic contrast and a continuous return and release of tension throughout the song. This creates an immersive cyclical quality, complementing the song’s theme of embracing inevitable moments and experiences.

The given chord progression is from the verse of Pink Floyd’s “Breathe,” a song from their 1973 album, “The Dark Side of the Moon.” The progression consists of alternating Em and A7 chords throughout the entire verse. This creates a sense of movement and tension between the chords while also being relatively simple and repetitive. The harmonic back-and-forth between these two chords gives the song a dreamy and immersive quality that is a signature sound of Pink Floyd’s style.

“Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane is a pop/rock song written in the key of A Major, although the chord progression given seems to be transposed to the key of C Major. It is characterized by its use of repeated motifs and sequenced chord progressions to create a sense of familiarity and typical of the pop genre.

“Dont Stop Me Now” by Queen has a key of F major. The song takes you on a journey of a unique blend of chords and progression. Freddie Mercury and the entire band are known for their diverse songwriting abilities, apparent in ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’. The chord progression in Verse 2 hints a story-telling stalwart of pop music production – the major-to-relative-minor movement (I to vi), with some interesting additions of minor seven, major seven and diminished seventh chords, giving it a more sophisticated feel.

Tame Impala – Let It Happen – Verse 2

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Chord Progression

[‘A’, ‘F#m’, ‘G#sus4’, ‘A’, ‘F#m’, ‘G#sus4’, ‘A’, ‘F#m’, ‘G#sus4’, ‘A’, ‘F#m’]

Chord Progression Analysis

The primary chord progression for Verse 2 is: A Major (‘I’), F#m (‘vi’), G#sus4 (‘bii sus4’). Looking at all the chords in the song, we see some more variations and borrowed chords in later parts of the song. Here’s the primary progression’s chord analysis in full on one line:

“`
A Major (‘I’), F#m (‘vi’), G#sus4 (‘#vii sus4’)
“`

In this case, we are working in the key of A Major. This ‘bii sus4’ is a borrowed chord from the parallel minor of A, which is a common technique used for achieving color and tension.

Similar Chord Progressions

A similar chord progression is used by the Eagles in their song “Hotel California” which has a progression of Bm (‘vi’), F# (‘III’), and A (‘V’). The song employs a similar technique to “Let It Happen” where the progression doesn’t conclusively resolve, creating an ambiguous and somewhat insatiable feeling to the listener.

“`Bm (‘vi’), F# (‘III’), A (‘V’)“`

Musical Analysis

Tame Impala’s chord progression technique in “Let It Happen” is interesting because it does not strictly follow conventional theory rules. The A Major and F#m chords prolong the tonality of A Major, but then we have the ‘bii sus4’ chord that becomes an unexpected surprise.

The Mannish Boys “Everything’s Alright” uses a similar I-vi-II progression as the one in “Let It Happen.” The II is the ‘bII’ borrowed chord from “Let It Happen”. In both songs, these chords provide a feeling of ambiguity and tension that is released when the progression repeats.

Overall Analysis

“Let It Happen” by Tame Impala is characterized by its psychedelic and experimental nuances. It features an overall bright and uplifting tone despite its use of some more complex chords. The song ska common in pop music. The chord progression in question has a strong melodic sensibility demonstrating Kevin Parker’s ability to incorporate complex musical ideas into a pop format.

Style Analysis

The dominance of the psychedelic sound in “Let It Happen” is highlighted by the chord progression. Tame Impala manipulates these chords in a way that reflects the psychedelic rock, space rock, and neo-psychedelia genres that the band is known for. This manipulation of tension and release throughout the chord progression can be seen as one of the building blocks for the song’s trippy and expansive soundscape.

Chords in the Verse 2 section of Let It Happen by Tame Impala are:

[‘A’, ‘F#m’, ‘G#sus4’, ‘A’, ‘F#m’, ‘G#sus4’, ‘A’, ‘F#m’, ‘G#sus4’, ‘A’, ‘F#m’]