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The chord progression in the bridge of Kali Uchis’ “After The Storm” consists of two alternating chords, Amaj7 and Dmaj7, played repeatedly. This progression is simple yet effective, creating a smooth and mellow atmosphere that matches well with the song’s overall neo-soul and R&B vibe. The arrangement is in the key of A Major and has a diatonic structure without any borrowed chords.

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Kali Uchis’s “After The Storm” is a mix of diatonic and chromatic chords that create an interesting neo-soul groove. The harmony is primarily based on G# minor, featuring the G#m7 and A#m7 as primary chords, and the D#aug chord adds tension and release within the progression. Additionally, the use of the D#aug chord acts as a chromatic mediant between G#m7 and A#m7.

The chord progression in the intro of “Loner” by Kali Uchis is a mixture of simple diatonic harmony and some more complex non-diatonic chords, which creates a jazzy and ethereal atmosphere. It is a 4-chord progression that resolves on F#m, making it a loop. The style of this progression is reminiscent of the Neo-Soul genre, and it can be found in some other songs across various musical styles.

“In My Life” by The Beatles is in A Major key, and it makes use of both diatonic and non-diatonic chords. The song is notable for its use of various chord trickery such as modal borrowing, secondary dominant, and chromatic bass movement. Additionally, the song is filled with the Beatles’ signatures: a mix of major and minor chords and the use of the VI-IV progression.

The Beatles’ “Something” is a soulful ballad from their 1969 album “Abbey Road.” It’s primarily composed in the key of C major, but features modulations to other keys throughout its duration. The harmony of this song is somewhat complicated, but still rooted in traditional practices. “Something” effectively uses borrowed chords—chords from parallel keys—to create a fresh and memorable sound.

After The Storm

Song

All Analyses by Song

After The Storm” showcases Kali Uchis’s skillful blend of R&B, neo-soul, and jazz elements. The song’s harmonic progression, characterized by the use of seventh and augmented chords, offers a rich tapestry of sounds that supports the lyrical themes of resilience and emotional complexity. The strategic use of tension and release throughout the song not only heightens its emotional impact but also demonstrates Uchis’s sophisticated approach to songwriting and composition.

The chord progression in the intro of “After the Storm” by Kali Uchis showcases a mix of diatonic and chromatic movements, borrowing elements from jazz and R&B. The use of 7th chords and an augmented chord suggests a harmonically rich and colorful tonality, creating an intriguing atmosphere that captures the listener’s attention.

The given chord progression is the Pre-Chorus section of “After The Storm” by Kali Uchis. The chords in this progression are predominantly built on the 1st and 2nd degrees of the minor scale. The recurring use of the Eaug chord injects an interesting and stylish twist into the music.

The chord progression in the chorus of Kali Uchis’ “After The Storm” features a repeating progression of Am7, Bm7, and Eaug that occurs three times, with slight variations in harmony and tonality. It is a unique and interesting progression that creates tension through the use of both minor 7th and augmented chords. The overall style evokes a dreamy, jazzy atmosphere with elements of R&B and soul.

The chord progression in Verse 2 of Kali Uchis’s “After The Storm” is a mix of diatonic and chromatic chords that create an interesting neo-soul groove. The harmony is primarily based on G# minor, featuring the G#m7 and A#m7 as primary chords, and the D#aug chord adds tension and release within the progression. Additionally, the use of the D#aug chord acts as a chromatic mediant between G#m7 and A#m7.

The chord progression in the bridge of Kali Uchis’ “After The Storm” consists of two alternating chords, Amaj7 and Dmaj7, played repeatedly. This progression is simple yet effective, creating a smooth and mellow atmosphere that matches well with the song’s overall neo-soul and R&B vibe. The arrangement is in the key of A Major and has a diatonic structure without any borrowed chords.

The chord progression in the outro of “After The Storm” by Kali Uchis is a relatively simple and concise one, having just three chords: G#m7, A#m7, and D#aug. Considering that the key of this song is G# minor, the progression makes use of diatonic and non-diatonic chords. Moreover, incorporating an augmented chord lends a feeling of tension and anticipation that makes the outro stand out.

Breif Song Analysis

Exploring the Harmonic Landscape of “After The Storm” by Kali Uchis

Introduction

After The Storm” by Kali Uchis stands out as a significant track that merges the sensibilities of contemporary R&B with the complexity of jazz and neo-soul harmonies. This song captivates with its intricate chord progressions, establishing a musical narrative that resonates deeply with listeners. This analysis aims to dissect each section of the song, revealing the underlying musical structures and their stylistic implications.

Chord Progressions and Musical Analysis

Intro and Verse
  • Chord Progression: Am7, Bm7, Eaug
  • Musical Function: The song opens with an Am7 chord, establishing a smooth, relaxed vibe by fitting into the diatonic structure of C major. However, the progression quickly introduces a twist with Bm7 and Eaug. These chords add chromatic tension, steering the harmony away from simple diatonic sequences and enriching the sonic palette.
Pre-Chorus
  • Chord Progression: Repeats the sequence Am7, Bm7, Eaug
  • Musical Function: This section intensifies the emotional and harmonic tension. The augmented E chord (Eaug) serves as a dominant with an augmented fifth, creating a sense of anticipation and unresolved suspense, which propels the music forward.
Chorus
  • Chord Progression: Again, follows the sequence Am7, Bm7, Eaug
  • Musical Function: The repetition of the intro’s progression during the chorus amplifies the thematic elements of the song, tying back to the lyrical content of resilience and renewal. The Eaug chord continues to inject a sense of drama and urgency.
Verse
  • Chord Progression: G#m7, A#m7, D#aug
  • Musical Function: This progression shifts to a more minor-centric tonality, emphasizing a deeper, introspective mood. The D#aug acts as a V+ chord in this minor setting, providing a compelling lift that leads back into the cyclic nature of the melody.
Outro
  • Chord Progression: G#m7, A#m7, D#aug
  • Musical Function: The outro revisits the second verse’s chords, bringing a conclusive feel to the song while maintaining the established harmonic complexity. The augmented chord here acts as a final gesture of tension, leaving the resolution open-ended, which can be seen as reflective of the song’s themes of ongoing personal growth and struggle.

Comparison with Similar Works

The use of complex chords and augmented tones can be seen across various artists known for their rich harmonic landscapes, such as Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, and D’Angelo. These artists employ similar techniques to create depth and emotional resonance in their music, drawing on jazz and soul traditions.

Overall Analysis

After The Storm” showcases Kali Uchis’s skillful blend of R&B, neo-soul, and jazz elements. The song’s harmonic progression, characterized by the use of seventh and augmented chords, offers a rich tapestry of sounds that supports the lyrical themes of resilience and emotional complexity. The strategic use of tension and release throughout the song not only heightens its emotional impact but also demonstrates Uchis’s sophisticated approach to songwriting and composition.

Style Analysis

This track is a testament to Kali Uchis’s ability to interweave different musical styles, creating a unique sound that remains accessible while challenging conventional pop and soul boundaries. Her use of jazz-inspired chord progressions enriches the textural depth of the music, making “After The Storm” a compelling piece that stands out in her repertoire.

In conclusion, “After The Storm” by Kali Uchis is a brilliant example of how modern artists can draw on diverse musical traditions to craft songs that are both innovative and deeply moving. This detailed exploration of its harmonic structure reveals the thoughtfulness behind its composition, highlighting Uchis’s prowess in creating music that resonates with a wide audience while maintaining artistic integrity.