10 Great April Songs
It’s April, and spring is here. The fourth month of the year is known for increased showers and blooming flowers. April is National Autism Awareness Month, Alcohol Awareness Month, and National Arab American Heritage Month. Easter most often falls in April and Arbor Day is the last Friday in April. Earth Day is always on April 22, and April is also Earth Month.
Being such an eventful month, it’s no surprise that many great songs have been written about April. I compiled a list of 10 of my favorite April songs. The selections span seven decades and at least seven different subgenres. All that was required for inclusion was that the songs had “April” in the song title and the lyrics. Hope you enjoy the following April tunes!
Carmen McRae – “I’ll Remember April”
Songwriters: Gene DePaul, Patricia Johnston, and Don Raye
Genre: Vocal jazz
Released: 1956
“I’ll Remember April” is a beloved jazz standard that has been recorded by countless artists. Carmen McRae’s version from her 1956 album, By Special Request, is a gem.
Simon & Garfunkel – “April Come She Will”
Songwriter: Paul Simon
Genre: Folk
Released: 1966
For my money, Simon & Garfunkel were at their best when they were harmonizing on stripped-down folk ballads like “April Come She Will.” A gorgeous tune.
Dionne Warwick – “The April Fools”
Songwriters: Burt Bacharach and Hal David
Genre: Soul
Released: 1969
Although “The April Fools” is a lesser-known Bacharach-David composition, I’d put it up there with their best work. Dionne Warwick’s single peaked at #33 on the R&B charts and #37 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969.
Dragon – “April Sun in Cuba”
Songwriters: Marc Hunter and Paul Hewson
Genre: Rock
Released: 1977
New Zealand rock band Dragon had a #2 hit in Australia in 1977 with “April Sun in Cuba,” the lead single from their fourth studio album, Running Free.
Prince – “Sometimes it Snows in April”
Songwriters: Prince, Wendy Melvoin, and Lisa Coleman
Genre: Pop
Released: 1986
Many Prince fans referenced this spare, piano-driven Parade cut when The Purple One passed away on April 21, 2016 (exactly 31 years after it was recorded).
The Jesus and Mary Chain – “April Skies”
Songwriters: William Reid and Jim Reid
Genre: Alternative rock
Released: 1987
Scottish alternative rock band The Jesus and Mary Chain scored one of their biggest hits with “April Skies,” from their second studio album, Badlands.
Stephin Merritt – “One April Day”
Songwriter: Stephin Merritt
Genre: Indie pop
Released: 2003
Stephin Merritt, the songwriter behind the indie pop band the Magnetic Fields, wrote and recorded “One April Day” for the soundtrack to the 2003 film Pieces of April, which starred Katie Holmes.
ProleteR – “April Showers”
Songwriters: Walter G. Samuels, Leonard Whitcup, and Teddy Powell
Genre: Electro swing
Released: 2011
The electro swing subgenre fuses old-timey jazz with modern electronic dance music. This track from French producer ProleteR features a sample of the 1935 big band recording “March Winds and April Showers” and has racked up over 37 million streams on Spotify.
Frank Ocean – “Dear April”
Songwriters: Frank Ocean and Daniel Aged
Genre: Ambient pop/R&B
Released: 2020
This ballad from R&B singer-songwriter Frank Ocean was released as a studio “acoustic” version on a 7-inch single in 2020. The flip side contained a remix by electronic duo Justice.
Local Natives – “April”
Songwriters: Kelcey Ayer, Nik Ewing, Matthew Frazier, and Taylor Rice
Genre: Indie rock
Released: 2024
“April” was the lead single from indie rock band Local Natives’ latest album, But I’ll Wait For You. The music video is worth watching for the synchronized dance routine performed by the band.
