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Related Music Theory Alchemy

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.

The song seems to have a psychedelic pop/rock vibe reminiscing of the late ’60s and ’70s. The use of major seventh chords and repeated shifting between E Major and D Major hints at a sense of yearning and nostalgia, something that is commonly found in Tame Impala’s music.

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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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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.

The chord progression in the verse of “Time To Pretend” by MGMT is primarily built around the key of D major. It features a simple and repetitive structure, with some variations. The chords used are mainly triads and simple extensions, with the occasional use of suspended chords (Dsus2) to create tension and release. The progression showcases the band’s ability to create an engaging and immersive soundscape, while keeping the harmony relatively simple.

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’]