Prince – Sometimes It Snows In April – Intro
Sometimes It Snows In April < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Eadd9’, ‘F#7add11’, ‘Eadd9’, ‘F#7add11’, ‘Amaj9’]
Chord Progression Analysis
– Eadd9 (`Iadd9`)
– F#7add11 (`II7add11`)
– Eadd9 (`Iadd9`)
– F#7add11 (`II7add11`)
– Amaj9 (`IVmaj9`)
“`The F#7add11 can be perceived as a borrowed chord from the Lydian mode of E.“`
Similar Chord Progressions
1. “Misty” by Erroll Garner, contains a similar modal interchange and uses extended voicings quite like ‘Sometimes it Snows in April’:
Chord progression:
– Ebmaj7 (`Imaj7`)
– Bbmin7 (`vimin7`)
– Abmaj7 (`Vmaj7`)
– G7 (`bVII7`) – Borrowed from the parallel minor (Eb minor)
“`The G7 might be seen as a borrowed chord from the parallel minor of Eb.“`
2. “My Foolish Heart” by Victor Young and Ned Washington, also exploits extended voicings and modulations:
Chord progression:
– FMaj7 (`Imaj7`)
– FM#5 (`I#5`)
– Amin7 (`iii7`)
– D9 (`VI9`) – Borrowed from the parallel minor (F minor)
“`The D9 can be perceived as a borrowed chord from the F parallel minor.“`
Remember that music is highly subjective to interpretation and these are only suggestions. Different theorists might offer different perspectives. Therefore, these analyses should serve as a guide to understanding the music, but not as definitive rulings.
Musical Analysis
The chord progression is cyclical and non-resolving, which creates a feeling of melancholy and longing. The alternation between Eadd9 and F#7add11 chords serves as a main tonal color throughout the song. The transition to Amaj9 is also significant, as it introduces a brighter tonal color before returning to the initial chord progression, hence providing the song with an interesting dynamic contrast.
Overall Analysis
“Sometimes It Snows In April” is commonly recognised as a hauntingly beautiful ballad that features gentle, intricate piano work and tender vocals. Musically, it explores a slightly complex harmonic structure that creates a profound emotive sound spectrum.
Style Analysis
Prince is known for his distinctive use of extended and added chord voicings, as in this song. He often merges jazz harmony into pop structures, which helps create his unique sound. Additionally, he often experiments with rhythm and time, using syncopation and rubato to enhance the emotional depth of his music.
What are the chords in: Prince – Sometimes It Snows In April – Intro?
[‘Eadd9’, ‘F#7add11’, ‘Eadd9’, ‘F#7add11’, ‘Amaj9’]
