20 Songs About April

As someone who has lived through countless Aprils, I’ve come to appreciate the unique charm this month brings. The gentle awakening of nature, the unpredictable weather, and the sense of renewal in the air – April is a month that truly captures the essence of spring. It’s no wonder that so many musicians have found inspiration in this transitional time of year.

In this playlist, I’ll take you through 20 songs that pay homage to April, each one resonating with a different aspect of this captivating month.

1. “Soft Rains of April” by A-ha

“Soft Rains of April” is a track from A-ha’s 1986 album Scoundrel Days. The song features poignant lyrics that reflect a sense of longing and melancholy. The recurring theme of April rains symbolizes the end of a period of emotional turbulence. The protagonist expresses a desire to reconnect with someone far away, indicating feelings of isolation and nostalgia. The lyrics mention a ferry to Dover and the slow passage of time, suggesting a separation and the hope for reunion. The song’s wistful tone and synth-pop sound are characteristic of A-ha’s style during this era.

2. “I’ll Remember April” by Frank Sinatra

“I’ll Remember April” is a jazz standard written by Gene de Paul, Patricia Johnston, and Don Raye in 1941. Frank Sinatra’s rendition appears on his 1962 album Point of No Return. The song uses the metaphor of seasons to describe the fleeting nature of a romance. April represents a time of new love and warmth, while the subsequent seasons symbolize the inevitable changes and end of the relationship. Despite the sorrow of parting, the singer finds solace in the memories of April, expressing a nostalgic yet hopeful sentiment. This song has been covered by numerous artists and remains a beloved jazz classic.

3. “Do Away With April” by Sarah Vaughan

“Do Away With April” is a track recorded by Sarah Vaughan in the early 1970s. Known for her rich, expressive voice, Vaughan brings a deep emotional resonance to this song. The lyrics convey a desire to escape the pain and memories associated with April, a month that perhaps symbolizes a lost love or a difficult period. The arrangement, featuring lush orchestration, complements Vaughan’s vocal delivery, adding to the song’s poignant atmosphere. This track showcases Vaughan’s ability to imbue her performances with profound emotional depth.

4. “April Again” by Dean Martin

“April Again” is a song from Dean Martin’s 1968 album Gentle on My Mind. The lyrics express a longing to relive the happiness and love experienced in April. The early morning rain and the imagery of pressed flowers evoke memories of a past romance. Martin’s smooth, warm vocal style enhances the nostalgic and wistful mood of the song. The repetitive chorus underscores the yearning to return to a time of joy and love, making “April Again” a heartfelt reflection on the passage of time and the enduring power of memories.

5. “April 2031” by Warrant

“April 2031” is a track from Warrant’s 1992 album Dog Eat Dog. The song presents a dystopian vision of the future, set in the year 2031. The lyrics describe a world ravaged by environmental degradation and nuclear fallout. The protagonist reminisces about a time when the sky was blue and nature thrived, contrasting it with the bleak, artificial reality of the present. Themes of loss, regret, and the consequences of human actions are prevalent throughout the song. The heavy metal sound, combined with poignant lyrics, creates a powerful commentary on environmental issues and the potential future of humanity.

6. “April Showers” by ProleteR

“April Showers” by ProleteR is an electro-swing track from the 2011 EP Curses from Past Times. The song features a jazzy, upbeat vibe with lyrics that reflect the transition from March to May. The recurring line “March winds and April showers make way for sweet May flowers” captures themes of renewal and the cyclical nature of seasons. The song’s nostalgic and romantic tone is enhanced by its vintage samples and swing rhythm, making it a lively and uplifting addition to any playlist.

7. “April 8th” by Neutral Milk Hotel

“April 8th” is a song by Neutral Milk Hotel from their Unreleased Demo #2 recorded in 1994. The track is known for its lo-fi, indie folk sound and poetic lyrics. It explores themes of loneliness and longing, with references to reclusive artist Henry Darger. The lyrics depict a solitary figure calling softly from the street, reflecting on their isolation and yearning for connection. The song’s melancholic tone and introspective lyrics make it a poignant exploration of solitude and the human condition.

8. “Pieces of April” by Three Dog Night

“Pieces of April” is a ballad by Three Dog Night from their 1972 album Seven Separate Fools. Written by Dave Loggins, the song became a Top 20 hit in January 1973. The lyrics reminisce about a past relationship during April, capturing the warmth and promise of springtime. The protagonist reflects on the joy and love shared during that time, now kept as cherished memories. The gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and bittersweet longing, making it a classic representation of reflective ballads.

9. “October & April” by The Rasmus ft. Anette Olzon

“October & April” is a symphonic rock single released in 2009 by the Finnish band The Rasmus, featuring Anette Olzon from Nightwish. The song was recorded during the sessions for their album “Black Roses” but didn’t fit the album’s concept. It was later included in their compilation album “Best of 2001–2009” and released as a digital download.

The track showcases a blend of The Rasmus’ rock style with Olzon’s powerful vocals, creating a dynamic contrast between the two voices. The song’s title and lyrics likely explore the juxtaposition between autumn (October) and spring (April), possibly symbolizing different emotional states or stages in a relationship.

“October & April” performed well on charts, reaching number 2 on the Finnish Singles Chart and number 4 in Poland. A music video directed by Owe Lingvall was also produced for the song, adding a visual dimension to its emotional narrative.

10. “April Sun in Cuba” by Dragon

Released in October 1977, “April Sun in Cuba” is a iconic track by the New Zealand-Australian rock band Dragon. It was the first single from their fourth studio album “Running Free” and became one of their most successful and enduring hits.

The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of escaping city life for the warmth and excitement of Cuba. With references to historical figures like Castro and JFK, it subtly touches on political themes while maintaining a fun, upbeat atmosphere. The chorus, “Take me to the April sun in Cuba,” became an instantly recognizable hook.

“April Sun in Cuba” reached number 2 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart. Its popularity has endured over the decades, still receiving extensive radio play in Australia and New Zealand. The song was inducted into the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) Hall of Fame in 2008, cementing its status as a classic of Antipodean rock.

11. “April Come She Will” by Simon & Garfunkel

“April Come She Will” is a folk song from Simon & Garfunkel’s 1966 album “Sounds of Silence”. Written by Paul Simon in 1964 during his time in England, the song uses the changing seasons as a metaphor for a woman’s shifting moods and the transient nature of a relationship.

At just 1:51 in length, it’s a brief but poignant track. The lyrics are based on a nursery rhyme about the cuckoo bird, which Simon adapted to tell a story of love’s progression from spring to fall. Art Garfunkel’s clear tenor voice carries the melody, accompanied by Simon’s gentle guitar work.

The song gained additional exposure through its inclusion on “The Graduate” soundtrack in 1968. Its brevity and emotional depth have made it a favorite among Simon & Garfunkel fans, showcasing the duo’s ability to create impactful narratives within a concise musical framework.

12. “April in Paris” by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

This classic jazz standard, performed by the legendary duo of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, was originally written by Vernon Duke and E.Y. Harburg for the 1932 Broadway musical “Walk a Little Faster”. Fitzgerald and Armstrong’s version, produced by Norman Granz, was released in October 1956 as part of their collaborative album.

The song paints a romantic picture of springtime in Paris, with lyrics that evoke the charm and beauty of the city during April. Fitzgerald and Armstrong’s rendition is characterized by their unique vocal interplay, with Fitzgerald’s smooth, clear voice contrasting beautifully with Armstrong’s gravelly tone. Armstrong’s trumpet solos add another layer of musical richness to the track.

“April in Paris” has become one of the most beloved and frequently covered jazz standards, with this particular version showcasing the incredible chemistry between two of jazz’s greatest performers. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless melody and evocative lyrics, capturing the magic of Paris in springtime.

13. “April Skies” by The Jesus and Mary Chain

“April Skies” is a song by the Scottish alternative rock band The Jesus and Mary Chain, released as the lead single from their second studio album Darklands in April 1987. The track reached No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart, No. 6 in Ireland, and No. 16 in New Zealand, marking it as one of the band’s highest-charting singles.

The song features a melancholic yet melodic sound, typical of the band’s style, with lyrics that explore themes of love and despair. The chorus, “Under the April skies,” reflects a sense of longing and emotional turmoil. The song’s production, handled by William Reid and Bill Price, complements its introspective lyrics with a blend of distorted guitars and haunting vocals, creating a poignant atmosphere that resonates with listeners.

14. “April Showers” by Sugarland

“April Showers” by Sugarland is a country song that captures the essence of resilience and hope. The lyrics use the metaphor of April showers bringing May flowers to convey a message of enduring through tough times with the promise of better days ahead. The song’s upbeat melody and heartfelt vocals by Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush add to its uplifting tone. While specific chart performance details are not provided, the song is a testament to Sugarland’s ability to blend meaningful lyrics with catchy, memorable tunes.

15. “April Fools” by Aretha Franklin

“April Fools” is a soulful track by Aretha Franklin from her 1972 album Young, Gifted and Black. The song, produced by Tom Dowd, Arif Mardin, and Jerry Wexler, features Franklin’s powerful vocals and emotive delivery. The lyrics tell a story of a love that feels almost too good to be true, questioning whether the lovers are just “April fools” who can’t see the potential dangers around them.

The song’s chorus, “Are we just April fools? I don’t care, true love has found us now,” captures the essence of embracing love despite uncertainties. Franklin’s performance, combined with the song’s lush arrangement, makes “April Fools” a standout track that showcases her vocal prowess and emotional depth.

16. “April” by Beach Bunny

“April” by Beach Bunny is an indie pop song from their 2020 album Honeymoon. The track, written by the band’s lead singer Lili Trifilio, delves into themes of regret and longing. The lyrics reflect on a past relationship, with lines like “April showers, rain starts falling, I wish that you would pick up when you know I’m calling,” highlighting the sense of yearning and emotional pain.

The song’s melancholic melody and introspective lyrics resonate with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of loss and nostalgia. Beach Bunny’s blend of catchy hooks and heartfelt storytelling has made “April” a favorite among fans of the indie pop genre.

17. “April 29, 1992 (Miami)” by Sublime

“April 29, 1992 (Miami)” is a song by the American rock band Sublime, featured on their self-titled 1996 album. The song recounts the events of the Los Angeles riots that erupted following the acquittal of four LAPD officers involved in the beating of Rodney King. Despite the title, the lyrics mistakenly reference April 26, 1992, which was kept due to the strength of the recording.

The song provides a raw and unfiltered look at the chaos and civil unrest that ensued, with references to looting and violence. It captures the band’s perspective on the socio-political climate of the time, highlighting issues of racial injustice and police brutality. The track’s reggae-influenced rock style, combined with its provocative lyrics, makes it a powerful commentary on one of the most significant events in recent American history.

18. “April” by Deep Purple

“April” is an instrumental track by the British rock band Deep Purple, from their 1969 album Deep Purple. Composed by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and keyboardist Jon Lord, the song is notable for its classical influences and complex structure. The piece is divided into three parts: an acoustic guitar introduction, a classical section featuring orchestral instruments, and a concluding rock segment.

The song’s title reflects the month of April, evoking themes of renewal and transition. The instrumental nature of the track allows the music to convey a wide range of emotions, from the serene and contemplative to the powerful and dynamic. “April” stands out as an ambitious and innovative piece in Deep Purple’s discography, showcasing the band’s versatility and musical prowess.

19. “April Fool” by Patti Smith

“April Fool” is a song by American singer-songwriter Patti Smith, from her 2012 album Banga. The track features a melodic, folk-rock sound with Smith’s distinctive voice delivering poetic lyrics. The song’s title plays on the concept of April Fools’ Day, exploring themes of love, longing, and the passage of time.

The lyrics reflect a sense of wistfulness and romanticism, with lines like “Come be my April Fool, come you’re the only one.” The song’s gentle melody and introspective tone make it a standout track on the album, highlighting Smith’s ability to blend lyrical depth with musical simplicity. “April Fool” is a testament to Smith’s enduring talent as a songwriter and performer.

20. “April Love” by Pat Boone

“April Love” is a classic pop song performed by Pat Boone, written by Sammy Fain and Paul Francis Webster. Released in 1957, the song served as the theme for the film of the same name, in which Boone starred alongside Shirley Jones. The song became a number-one hit in the United States, spending six weeks at the top of the charts and earning a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

The lyrics of “April Love” celebrate the innocence and beauty of young romance, with imagery of springtime and blooming flowers. Lines like “April love is for the very young, every star’s a wishing star that shines for you” capture the idyllic and ephemeral nature of first love. Boone’s smooth, warm vocals and the song’s lush orchestration create a timeless and enchanting musical experience.

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