Prince – Kiss – Chorus
Kiss < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘E5’, ‘D5’, ‘E5’, ‘D5’, ‘E9sus4’, ‘A5’]
Chord Progression Analysis
Here are the full chord names with their Roman numerals:
E5 (I)
D5 (bVII)
E5 (I)
D5 (bVII)
E9sus4 (more like a E dominant 9 sus4 – not directly part of the Mixolydian/D Major scale)
A5 (IV)
Note: Since E Mixolydian could also be related to A Major, the D5 might be considered as a borrowed chord from A Major.
Similar Chord Progressions
One good example of similar chord progression can be seen in “Learn To Fly” by Foo Fighters. The track uses similar power chords and follows a progression in the key of B Major.
B5 (I)
A5 (bVII)
E5 (IV)
G5 (VI)
“Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd also follows a similar progression but in the key of G Major.
G5 (I)
D5 (V)
Cmaj7 (IV)
Both of these songs utilize similar techniques of fluctuating between I and bVII with usage of power chords (especially the bVII power chord, which gives similar bluesy feel).
Musical Analysis
Prince uses a mix of fifth chords (also known as power chords) and an extended chord (E9sus4). The usage of the 9sus4 chord is crucial in adding tension and then resolved to the next chord A5, this chords pattern creates distinctive groove and energy that suits the funky style of the song.
Overall Analysis
“Kiss” is a funk, synthpop song written, produced and performed by Prince. The song’s structure runs around a simple, repeated two-bar eight-note pattern, but what’s odd is the song’s key. Dotting between E and D, it’s hard to pin down definitively, but the song seems to be written in the ambiguous key of E Mixolydian/D major.
Style Analysis
Mixolydian mode is very common in blues, funk, and rock music due to its slightly discordant nature. Since it has a flattened seventh it makes it perfect for bluesy styles, giving it its characteristic edge. The progression creates a familiar but also unique sound.
What are the chords in: Prince – Kiss – Chorus?
[‘E5’, ‘D5’, ‘E5’, ‘D5’, ‘E9sus4’, ‘A5’]
