Prince – Little Red Corvette – Chorus
Little Red Corvette < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Gb’, ‘Ab’, ‘Db’, ‘Gb’, ‘Ab’, ‘Bbm7’, ‘Gb’, ‘Ab’, ‘Db’, ‘Gb’, ‘Ab’, ‘Ab’, ‘Bbm7’, ‘Gb’, ‘Ab’, ‘Bbm7’, ‘Ab’]
Chord Progression Analysis
Following is the Chord progression with their Roman Numerals, and a listing of all the full chord names on one line structured.
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Gb Major (‘I’), Ab Major (IV — borrowed from the parallel minor), Db Major (‘V’), Bbm7 (‘iii7’)
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Similar Chord Progressions
Several other artists have used similar chord progressions to the one in “Little Red Corvette”. For instance,
1. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey also uses the I-IV-V progression in the key of E Major:
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E Major (‘I’), A Major (‘IV’), B Major (‘V’)
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2. “Let it Be” by The Beatles uses same progression in the key of C Major:
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C Major (‘I’), F Major (‘IV’), G Major (‘V’)
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Musical Analysis
The progression begins with the tonic Gb Major, instantly creating a sense of home. It then goes to a borrowed IV Ab Major that adds a bit of flavor due to its part from a parallel minor. The progression then goes to Db Major, traditionally a dominant function, before resolving back to the tonic. The addition of ‘iii7’ (Bbm7) assists in moving back to ‘I’ from ‘V’. The repetitive use of I-IV-V gives the song a catchy, circular progression feel while the Bbm7 adds a touch of soulfulness and complexity.
Overall Analysis
“Little Red Corvette” by Prince is in the key of Gb Major. The song is a staple of 80’s pop and a good example of Prince’s signature sound of fusing elements from different genres, such as funk, pop, and rock. It’s a strong blend of complex chord progressions and simple, catchy melodic lines which adds a compelling depth to the music.
Style Analysis
The use of borrowed chords is not uncommon in popular music of the ’80s and Prince’s music often includes harmonic complexities beyond simple triadic progressions. The syncopation and rhythmic interplay throughout the chorus also adds to its infectious groove. The modulation, strong melody and harmonization all are signature elements of Prince’s style.
What are the chords in: Prince – Little Red Corvette – Chorus?
[‘Gb’, ‘Ab’, ‘Db’, ‘Gb’, ‘Ab’, ‘Bbm7’, ‘Gb’, ‘Ab’, ‘Db’, ‘Gb’, ‘Ab’, ‘Ab’, ‘Bbm7’, ‘Gb’, ‘Ab’, ‘Bbm7’, ‘Ab’]
