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“Weezer’s “Island in the Sun” features a memorable and catchy chord progression, with a mix of major and minor chords that creates an overall uplifting and pleasant atmosphere. The song is in the key of G Major and employs a simple and repetitive progression, characteristic of pop and rock music. Although the chord progression is fairly common, the rhythmic pattern and melodic line make the song stand out among other pop and rock tunes.

The chorus maintains a feeling of resolution and tension by alternating between the IV (F major) and V (G major) chords, while the vi (A minor) to V/vi (E major) progression provides a smooth transition back to the IV chord (F major).

In terms of borrowed chords, the E Major is a borrowed chord.
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E major (V/vi)
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The chord progression of MGMT’s “Electric Feel” outro is in E Minor, and it features a combination of diatonic chords and a borrowed chord from the parallel major key. The progression creates a sense of tension and resolution, giving the outro a captivating and memorable quality. The song itself is a psychedelic, funk-infused electro-pop track, which enhances the trippy, mesmerizing vibe of the progression.

This chord progression from Radiohead’s “You And Whose Army” is in the key of C# minor, and the chords are predominantly composed of diatonic chords from the C# natural minor scale with some borrowed chords from the parallel major scale. The progression follows a looped pattern, creating a hypnotic and catchy quality which is characteristic of Radiohead’s music.

“1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins is written in the A major key and showcases various examples of modal interchange, also known as borrowed chords. The song switches often between the major and minor modes, providing a dynamic interplay of moods. The outro particularly stands out due to its use of both major and maj7th chords, a somewhat unusual combination. Emaj7 adds color and complexity to the progression, as a borrowed chord from the E major scale.

Weezer – Island In The Sun – Outro

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Chord Progression

Em, Am, D, G, Em, Am, D, G, Em, Am, D, G, Em, Am, D, G, Em, Am, D, G, Em, Am, D, G, Em, Am, D, G, Em, Am, D, G

Chord Progression Analysis

`Em (vi) – Am (ii) – D (V) – G (I)`

There are no borrowed chords in this progression.

Similar Chord Progressions

1. “With Or Without You” by U2: `D (IV) – A (I) – Bm (ii) – G (V)`
2. “Let It Be” by The Beatles: `C (I) – G (V) – Am (vi) – F (IV)`
3. “Someone Like You” by Adele: `C#m (vi) – E (I) – B (V) – A (IV)`

Though these progressions have slight variations in terms of chord order and the specific chords used, they all rely on the same principle of combining predominant chords (such as ii or IV chords), dominant chords (V chords), and tonic chords (I or vi chords) to create progressions that are catchy, easy to listen to, and harmonically satisfying.

Musical Analysis

The chord progression in “Island in the Sun” establishes a strong sense of tonality, grounded in the key of G major, which is an easy and accessible key for most listeners. The progression begins with Em, the vi chord, which adds a sense of intrigue and anticipation. This is followed by the Am (ii) chord, adding a touch of tension and creating a sense of forward motion. The D (V) chord introduces a dominant function, preparing the listener for the resolution to the G (I) chord, which completes the cycle and grounds the progression in the tonic key.

Overall Analysis

“Island in the Sun” by Weezer is in the key of G major and features a simple yet catchy chord progression in its outro. The progression is characterized by its bright, uplifting sound and follows a common pop/rock formula. It also has a nostalgic, summery feel, making it a perfect fit for the song’s title and theme.

Style Analysis

The simplicity and accessibility of the chord progression in “Island in the Sun” is emblematic of Weezer’s pop-rock sound. The bright, major tonality contributes to the song’s feel-good vibe, making it an easily recognizable and memorable hit. Many pop and rock songs use similar four-chord progressions to create catchy, easily digestible pieces that appeal to a wide range of listeners.

Chords in the Outro section of Island In The Sun by Weezer are:

Em, Am, D, G, Em, Am, D, G, Em, Am, D, G, Em, Am, D, G, Em, Am, D, G, Em, Am, D, G, Em, Am, D, G, Em, Am, D, G