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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

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The progression in the song “The Less I Know The Better” by Tame Impala shows a combination of borrowed chords and modal mixture, with most of the chords belonging to the key of E Major. The verse chords including G# minor, C# minor, B, and E, establish a strong use of modal interchange, borrowed from the parallel minor of E.

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“Creep” by Radiohead is a song in the key of G major that features a four-chord progression in its verse 2, which is distinctive for its use of a borrowed chord from the parallel minor (G minor). Although the song’s simple harmonic structure is quite common in pop music, its use of a borrowed chord adds an element of surprise and emotional depth, establishing Radiohead’s unique sound.

“Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak is in the key of B minor. The chord progression for the section provided, which is the verse, is unique due to its simplicity, making it easily accessible and memorable. Even though it is incredibly simple, consisting of just three chords, the progression manages to evoke a strong sense of melancholy and longing, which resonates powerfully with the song’s lyrical themes.

“Landslide” by The Smashing Pumpkins is a cover of a popular folk-rock song by Fleetwood Mac. In this song, The Smashing Pumpkins show their alternative rock style, while also paying homage to the folk-rock genre and especially to the founder of Folk-Rock “Fleetwood Mac”. The chords used throughout the song are predominantly composed in the key of G major, with the occasional use of a common borrowed chord (Am) from the G minor key.

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’]