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“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.

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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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“Wonderwall” by Oasis is in the key of G major and features an effective and memorable chord progression that repeats throughout the song. The progression falls into the indie rock and Britpop genres, highlighting simple, strong harmonies, and incorporates a repeated sequence of Em–G-D–A7sus4 throughout its composition with occasional deviations.

“Start Me Up” by The Rolling Stones is structured in a key of D Major, and the song largely follows a I-IV-V chord progression, which is a staple in many genres, especially in blues and rock music. The progression is known for its simple, catchy, and resolved sounds.

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“Castles Made of Sand” by Jimi Hendrix is a psychedelic rock song characterized by various compositional techniques including chromaticism, borrowed chords, and unexpected chord progressions. The harmonic choices show Hendrix’s innovation as a songwriter, with influences of blues, rock, and jazz. The chord progression in Verse 3 mixes diatonic and non-diatonic chords, creating a sense of tension and release throughout the progression.

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Tame Impala – Let It Happen – Verse 3

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Chord Progression

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

Chord Progression Analysis

Here is the chord progression analysis for Verse 3:
“`
A (I)
F#m (vi)
G#sus4 (VII sus4)
“`

The song key is in A Major. Notably, the G#sus4 chord is a borrowed chord from A harmonic minor scale.

Similar Chord Progressions

Similar chord progressions are found in the songs ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ by The Beatles, using a I – vi – iv progression, and ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis, using a I – vi – IV – I – ii – IV progression. They present similarities since they use the primary and secondary triads in popular music structure. Nonetheless, it’s important to note the uniqueness of Tame Impala’s progression due to the substitute borrowed chord.

Musical Analysis

Tame Impala plays extensively with musical texture, underpinned by a constant percussive drive that provides momentum. The repetitive sequence of this chord progression underlines a cyclical motif, reflective of the song’s philosophical content. The use of the G#sus4 chord adds an unexpected tension and resolve into the familiar A and F#m chords, which carry the song’s melodic line.

Overall Analysis

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.

Style Analysis

This progression is emblematic of Tame Impala’s style, who often blend accessible pop/rock structures with more complex, unexpected elements. The result is a sound that is instantly recognizable but never predictable. The production is heavily layered and psychedelic-inspired, with a significant use of electronic effects and a broad dynamic range.

Chords in the Verse 3 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’, ‘G#sus4’, ‘A’, ‘F#m’, ‘G#sus4’, ‘A’, ‘F#m’, ‘G#sus4’, ‘A’, ‘F#m’, ‘G#sus4’, ‘A’, ‘F#m’, ‘G#sus4’]