April Showers - Al Jolson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1Z0odJJj00
The song starts with a crescendo that gets lower in pitch until Jolson starts to sing. Through it, this creates a calming mood from this soft introduction. The instrumental echoes with the singer. As Al Jolson holds out his last words of the sentence, the instrumental echos and holds out a note after.
I was a little surprised to read the lyrics and fully understand what Jolson is singing about. He is singing about the fact that after a bad event, there is always good that comes from it so we should focus on the silver linings.
I don’t think that any instruments stray from the normal role, however, it was interesting to hear the strings echo with the singer and it sounds like the strings are singing as well.
My favorite part of this song is definitely the beginning because It sets the mood and also reminds me of the movie “White Christmas” with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. However, I think “White Christmas” premiered about 30 years after April Showers.
The target audience seems to be older women and men. Younger people and kids could listen to this but they would most likely believe the song was mainly about rain and flowers, instead of its deeper meaning.
"April Showers" is definitely a deep song, especially once you read into the lyrics. It is interesting that, as you have noticed, there is a certain echo between Al Johson's voice and the instruments. I think it gives the music a special feel of harmony.
ReplyDeleteI love how you mentioned the meaning of the lyrics it really adds to the song and gives it a whole new life. The strings "singing" along with the vocalist is an interesting way to think about their role in the band.
ReplyDeleteI like that you mention the emotion that is evoked through dynamic changes! It is always interesting to read the lyrics to songs separately and gain more meaning from it. I really like the perspective you were able to gain about the song as you read the lyrics! Great insights!
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