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Related Music Theory Alchemy

Prince’s “Purple Rain” is a classic power ballad, rooted deeply in pop and rock genres. The chord progressions, with particular emphasis on the one given in Verse 3, underlines Prince’s lyricism and craft, showcasing his unique ability to blend seemingly simple chord progressions to evoke emotional and profound moods. The key of the song is G major.

“Kiss” by Prince is a classic example showcasing Prince’s unique and complex songwriting abilities. The song is written in the key of A major. The distinctive funk rock style is primarily expressed via dominant and suspended chords. This combined with Prince’s rhythmically tight and syncopated guitar playing gives the song its infectious groove.

“Right Where It Belongs” by Nine Inch Nails features a non-diatonic chord progression that creates a sense of tension and resolution. The progression makes use of borrowed chords from parallel keys, contributing to its distinctive sound. The overall key of the song is D minor.

“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails works within a minimalist musical framework, where a few shiftless chords and tension-filled pentatonic melodies define the song. It inculcates a dark atmospheric mood through its instrumentation and harmony. The repetitive and consistent use of the Cm7 chord creates a haunting, pulsating groove that add to the atmospheric layer of the song.

The chord progression in the verse of “Telepatia” by Kali Uchis showcases a mix of diatonic and chromatic harmony. The progression is built around the key of G Major and has a strong Latin and jazz-influenced sound. The use of extended chords like Gmaj7 and Em9 adds depth and sophistication to the harmony, while the non-diatonic B7 contributes to the tension and resolution.

Prince – Purple Rain – Verse 1

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Chord Progression

[‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘D’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘D’, ‘G’]

Chord Progression Analysis

“`
G (I),
Em (vi),
D (V),
C (IV),
G (I),
Em (vi),
D (V),
G (I),
“`

Similar Chord Progressions

“Lights” by Journey
Chord progression:
“`
E (I),
B/D# (V/7),
C#m (vi),
A (IV),
E (I),
B/D# (V/7),
C#m (vi),
E (I)
“`

“With Or Without You” by U2
Chord progression:
“`
D (I),
A/B (V/7),
Bm (vi),
G (IV),
D (I),
A/B (V/7),
Bm (vi),
D (I)
“`

These songs have similar I-vi-V-IV progressions to “Purple Rain”. One can notice a trend of employing this progression in pop and rock songs, as it provides a reliable backbone that allows room for expressive variation in melody and rhythm.

Musical Analysis

The repetition of (I – vi – V – IV) and (I – vi – V – I) sequences automatically generates a sense of resolution and satisfaction, offering a pleasant “return home” for the ears. The D (V) chord drives home the resolution to the G (I) chord and the C (IV) introduces a slight variation before diving back into the cyclical progression.

This specific sequence sets a bittersweet atmosphere with the strategic use of minor chord (Em) against a major key backdrop (G major), creating tension and release within the chordal movement.

Overall Analysis

The song “Purple Rain” by Prince is a classic and showcases some interesting use of chord progressions. The key of the song is G major. The classic, popular music formula is present in the use of common chords like I, ii, IV, V which are all diatonic within the key. Noticeably, this song opts for a more simplistic, cyclical chord progression structure that emphasizes repetition of strong melodic lines.

Style Analysis

Prince takes fundamental methods from both rock and funk genres and melds them into a singular, distinctive style. His use of the I – vi – V – IV progression comes from the tradition of rock and pop music. Also typical for the pop and rock genres is the 4/4 time signature and the repetitive nature of the chord progression.

However, despite the fundamental structure, “Purple Rain,” also moves away from the typical pop song mold with its numerous guitar solos, dramatic synthesizers, string and choir arrangements – all contributing to the epic feel of the piece. The slightly unconventional arrangement lends the song a unique, enduring appeal, and served as his signature.

Chords in the Verse 1 section of Purple Rain by Prince are:

[‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘D’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘D’, ‘G’]