Ever feel like 2008 never actually ended? Honestly, if you walk into any dive bar or scroll through a certain short-form video app, you’d swear Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser are still the kings of the world. They basically are. But it’s weird, right? Most bands from that neon-drenched indie-sleaze era faded into the background of “Where Are They Now” playlists.
Not MGMT.
Their catalog has this bizarre, sticky quality. You think you’re done with them, and then a 15-year-old song suddenly starts soundtracking every other video on your feed. The mgmt most popular songs aren't just hits; they’re cultural glitches that refuse to be patched.
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It’s impossible to talk about this band without hitting the "holy trinity" from their 2007 debut. "Kids," "Electric Feel," and "Time to Pretend" weren't just songs. They were an aesthetic.
"Time to Pretend" is the mission statement. It’s a cynical, distorted synth-pop anthem about becoming a rock star, doing too many drugs, and dying young. The irony? It made them exactly what they were making fun of. It’s got over 600 million streams on Spotify now, and it still sounds like the start of a night you’re going to regret.
Then you have "Electric Feel."
That bassline? Perfection. It’s been certified 6x Platinum in the US for a reason. It’s the kind of track that bridges the gap between indie kids and people who actually like to dance. Justice remixed it, everyone covered it, and honestly, it still feels fresh.
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And "Kids." Man.
It’s the song they reportedly got sick of playing. It’s the one with the legendary (and terrifying) music video featuring a crying toddler and monsters. With over 1.1 billion streams, it remains their undisputed heavyweight champion. It’s the melody everyone knows even if they don't know the band's name.
The Little Dark Age Resurrection
Here is where things get genuinely strange. For a few years, MGMT moved into much weirder territory. They released Congratulations and a self-titled album that were... let's say "challenging" for casual fans. They weren't trying to write radio hits anymore.
But in 2017, they dropped "Little Dark Age."
Initially, it was a solid return to form. Critics liked it. The core fans loved the gothic, 80s synth-pop vibe. But then, around 2020 and 2021, TikTok happened.
The song exploded.
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It became the anthem for everything from "aesthetic" edits to weirdly intense political montages. Seriously, the song has over 800 million streams today, nearly catching up to the hits from their debut. It’s a moody, brooding masterpiece that proved MGMT could still capture the zeitgeist, even when they weren't trying to be "pop."
The "Secret" Huge Song: Pursuit of Happiness
Wait, that’s a Kid Cudi song, right?
Technically, yes. But MGMT (along with Ratatat) are the backbone of that track. If you go to a festival today, the Steve Aoki remix of "Pursuit of Happiness" is still the biggest moment of the night. It has nearly a billion streams on its own. While it’s often categorized under Cudi’s name, MGMT’s fingerprints—those soaring, psychedelic textures—are what give the song its soul.
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If you ask a die-hard MGMT fan about the mgmt most popular songs, they’ll probably roll their eyes at "Kids" and point you toward "Siberian Breaks."
It’s a 12-minute psychedelic odyssey. No chorus. Just shifting movements. It’s widely considered by the "inner circle" to be their best work.
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Other tracks that consistently pull numbers but never hit the radio include:
- "Me and Michael": A total 80s pastiche that’s surprisingly earnest.
- "When You Die": Dark, hilarious, and features one of the most trippy music videos ever made.
- "Congratulations": A soulful, acoustic-leaning closer that shows a vulnerable side of the duo.
The 2024 Shift: Loss of Life
Most recently, they released Loss of Life. It’s a different beast—more acoustic, more "indie folk" in spots, but still undeniably them. Tracks like "Mother Nature" and "Nothing to Declare" are gaining traction, though they haven't reached the astronomical heights of the 2007 era yet.
What’s fascinating is how the band has handled fame. They’ve spent most of their career trying to escape the shadow of their biggest hits, only to accidentally create more massive hits.
Why do these songs stick?
Honestly, it’s the contrast. MGMT writes pop songs that feel like they're falling apart. There’s always a layer of irony or a slightly "off" synth sound that makes the music feel more human than a polished Top 40 track.
If you want to dive back in, start by listening to "Little Dark Age" back-to-back with "Time to Pretend." You’ll see the evolution from "we’re going to be stars" to "we’ve seen too much," and yet the hooks are just as sharp in both.
To truly get the MGMT experience, don't just stick to the singles. Watch the "When You Die" music video on a big screen. Look up the lyrics to "Flash Delirium." And if you’re feeling brave, carve out 12 minutes for "Siberian Breaks." You won’t regret it.