MGMT began as a recording project of VanWyngarden and Goldwasser while they were attending Wesleyan University. The two began experimenting with music in Goldwasser's dorm room, using a variety of instruments and recording equipment. They initially called themselves "the Management", but later changed their name to MGMT after realizing that another band was already using the former name.
In 2004, MGMT recorded their debut album, Oracular Spectacular, in a barn in upstate New York. The album was released in 2007 to critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart and number two on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album's lead single, "Time to Pretend", was a worldwide hit, reaching number one in several countries.
MGMT's second album, Congratulations, was released in 2010. The album was a departure from the band's debut, featuring a more experimental and psychedelic sound. Congratulations received mixed reviews from critics, but was still a commercial success, reaching number two on the UK Albums Chart and number 14 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
MGMT's third album, MGMT, was released in 2013. The album was a return to the band's more psychedelic sound, and was met with positive reviews from critics. MGMT reached number three on the UK Albums Chart and number six on the US Billboard 200 chart.
MGMT's fourth album, Little Dark Age, was released in 2018. The album was a further exploration of the band's psychedelic sound, and was met with critical acclaim. Little Dark Age reached number three on the UK Albums Chart and number nine on the US Billboard 200 chart.
MGMT is currently one of the most successful psychedelic rock bands in the world. The band has sold over two million albums worldwide, and has won numerous awards, including a Brit Award for Best International Group and a Grammy Award for Best New Artist.