Best Prince Songs of All Time - Top 10 Timeless Symphony
by B Kishwar
Updated Oct 16, 2023
Top 10 Best Prince Songs of All Time
1
I Wanna Be Your Lover
Prince (1979)
2
Dirty Mind
Dirty Mind (1980)
3
Sexuality
Controversy (1981)
4
Do Me, Baby
Controversy (1981)
5
Nasty Girl
Vanity 6 (1982)
6
1999
1999 (1982)
7
Something in the Water Does Not Compute
1999 (1982)
8
How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore
B-side of "1999" single (1982)
9
When Doves Cry
Purple Rain (1984)
10
The Beautiful Ones
Purple Rain (1984)
S.No
Best Prince Songs of All Time
Album
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Best Prince Songs of All Time
Best Prince Songs of All Time" is a curated list of some of the most iconic and beloved tracks from the legendary artist, Prince. Throughout his illustrious career, Prince's music transcended genres, pushing boundaries and leaving an indelible mark on the world of music. From his early hits like "I Wanna Be Your Lover" to classics like "Purple Rain" and "When Doves Cry," this collection showcases the incredible diversity and innovation of his sound. These songs have not only defined eras but have also touched the hearts of countless fans, making them an essential part of the musical tapestry of the past few decades. Discover or reminisce about the timeless brilliance of Prince through this selection of his very best.
1. I Wanna Be Your Lover
"I Wanna Be Your Lover" is one of Prince's early breakthrough hits and an essential part of his self-titled second album released in 1979. This upbeat and infectious track is a prime example of Prince's ability to blend elements of funk, R&B, and pop with his signature falsetto vocals. It marked a significant shift from his self-titled debut album, showcasing a more mature and confident artist.
The song's playful lyrics and catchy melody, coupled with Prince's charismatic delivery, make it a timeless classic. "I Wanna Be Your Lover" was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and establishing Prince as a rising star in the music industry.
2. Dirty Mind
Prince's "Dirty Mind" is the title track from his third studio album, released in 1980. This song represents a pivotal moment in Prince's career as he shifted toward a more controversial and provocative image. The track is an edgy fusion of punk, new wave, and R&B, showcasing Prince's bold experimentation with his sound.
"Dirty Mind" features explicit lyrics that challenged societal norms and explored themes of sexual liberation. It was a departure from his previous work but also a glimpse into the fearless and boundary-pushing artist Prince would become. The album and its title track marked a critical turning point in Prince's musical journey, setting the stage for his continued exploration of themes and sounds that pushed the envelope in the years to come.
3. Sexuality
"Sexuality" is a high-energy track from Prince's 1981 album "Controversy." This song exemplifies Prince's fusion of rock and funk elements, creating a danceable and rebellious anthem that explores themes of liberation and sexual freedom. With its infectious rhythm, catchy guitar riffs, and Prince's charismatic vocals, "Sexuality" became a fan favorite and a staple of his live performances.
The lyrics boldly proclaim a message of unity and breaking down societal barriers, echoing Prince's commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. "Sexuality" remains a testament to Prince's ability to combine provocative themes with irresistible music, making it an essential part of his vast and influential catalog.
4. Do Me, Baby
"Do Me, Baby" is a standout track from Prince's 1981 album "Controversy." This seductive ballad showcases Prince's extraordinary vocal range and his ability to convey intense emotion through his music. The song's slow tempo and sultry lyrics make it a classic in the realm of R&B slow jams. With lines like "I just want to lay down and love you all night long," Prince's sensuality and charisma shine through.
"Do Me, Baby" is a quintessential example of Prince's ability to blend soul, funk, and rock elements to create a unique and captivating sound. It's a track that has remained a favorite for fans and a staple in his live performances.
5. Nasty Girl
"Nasty Girl" is a track that Prince wrote and produced for the girl group Vanity 6 in 1982. The song is a provocative and playful dance-pop anthem that encapsulates the unapologetically risqué style of Prince's earlier work. Featuring Vanity's sultry vocals, "Nasty Girl" oozes with a seductive and rebellious energy that was characteristic of Prince's collaborations with proteges and associated acts. The song's explicit lyrics and provocative themes pushed boundaries, and it became an anthem for the era.
Despite its controversial nature, or perhaps because of it, "Nasty Girl" became a dance floor classic and remains a testament to Prince's influence in shaping the sound of the '80s.
6. 1999
"1999" is one of Prince's most iconic tracks and the title song of his 1982 album. This song is a prime example of Prince's ability to fuse elements of rock, funk, and new wave into a single, unforgettable sound. The upbeat, danceable tune, combined with its apocalyptic lyrical content, made "1999" a defining track of the era and a precursor to the synth-driven sound of the '80s.
The song's catchy chorus and infectious energy helped it become a massive hit, propelling Prince to greater fame and making "1999" a staple in his live performances. Its enduring popularity also underscores its significance as a cultural and musical touchstone, embodying the spirit of the '80s and Prince's inimitable style.
7. Something in the Water Does Not Compute
"Something in the Water Does Not Compute" is a standout track from Prince's 1982 album "1999." This song showcases Prince's innovative and genre-defying approach to music. It features a unique blend of rock, electronic, and R&B elements, making it one of the most distinctive tracks in his extensive catalog.
The song's lyrics express themes of alienation, confusion, and a sense of something being amiss, which are delivered in a robotic and distorted vocal style that perfectly complements the song's electronic sound. "Something in the Water Does Not Compute" is a prime example of how Prince consistently pushed the boundaries of musical expression, creating a sonic landscape that was both thought-provoking and emotionally charged.
8. How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore
Originally a B-side of the "1999" single, "How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore" is a mesmerizing ballad that showcases Prince's vocal prowess and songwriting talent. Released in 1982, the song is a soulful and intimate lament about the end of a relationship, with Prince's plaintive piano and emotive vocals taking center stage.
The song's simplicity and raw emotion make it one of Prince's most compelling compositions. It has been covered by several artists, including Alicia Keys, who released a popular version of the song in 2001, further solidifying its status as a timeless classic.
9. When Doves Cry
One of Prince's most iconic and groundbreaking songs, "When Doves Cry" is the lead single from the soundtrack of the 1984 film "Purple Rain." The track is notable for its innovative production, featuring a drum machine, synthesizers, and Prince's signature falsetto vocals. What sets "When Doves Cry" apart is its lack of a traditional bassline, which was a daring departure from the typical sound of pop and rock music at the time.
The song's lyrics touch on themes of love, conflict, and family dynamics, resonating with listeners on a deeply emotional level. "When Doves Cry" became a massive hit and is often regarded as Prince's signature song, earning him critical acclaim and commercial success.
10. The Beautiful Ones
Featured on the "Purple Rain" album, "The Beautiful Ones" is a standout track that showcases Prince's incredible vocal range and emotional depth. The song is a passionate and soul-stirring ballad, with Prince delivering a stunning vocal performance that transitions from delicate vulnerability to intense urgency.
The lyrics express longing and desire, making it a staple in Prince's repertoire of love songs. "The Beautiful Ones" was performed in the film "Purple Rain" during a pivotal and emotionally charged scene, further cementing its significance in Prince's career and pop culture. The combination of Prince's vocal prowess and the song's emotional intensity makes it a timeless classic that continues to move and captivate audiences to this day.
How Did Prince Redefine Music Genres?
Prince's ability to redefine music genres was a hallmark of his career. He seamlessly blended various musical styles and challenged conventional boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Here's an exploration of how Prince redefined music genres:
1. Fusion of Genres:
One of Prince's most notable achievements was his ability to fuse diverse musical genres. His music transcended traditional categories, effortlessly combining rock, funk, R&B, pop, soul, and even elements of jazz and electronic music. For instance, his hit song "When Doves Cry" from the "Purple Rain" soundtrack features a unique blend of rock, pop, and electronic elements, defying categorization. This genre-bending approach appealed to a broad audience, breaking down barriers and expanding the horizons of what music could be.
2. Gender Fluidity and Sexuality:
Prince was also known for challenging gender norms and expectations within the music industry. He often blurred the lines between masculinity and femininity, creating a sense of androgyny in his image and music. Songs like "If I Was Your Girlfriend" from "Sign O' the Times" exemplify his exploration of sexuality and identity. This openness contributed to discussions about gender fluidity and sexual freedom, helping pave the way for greater acceptance and understanding.
3. Pushing the Limits of Lyrics:
Prince's lyrics often pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in mainstream music. His songs tackled themes of sensuality, desire, and social issues with frankness and explicitness. For instance, "Darling Nikki" from "Purple Rain" stirred controversy due to its provocative content. By addressing such topics openly, Prince challenged societal norms and encouraged dialogue about censorship and artistic freedom.
4. Innovation in Sound and Production:
Prince was a pioneer in sound production, incorporating cutting-edge technology into his music. He embraced drum machines, synthesizers, and digital effects, creating a unique sonic landscape. His experimentation with these technologies resulted in some of the most distinctive sounds of the 1980s. "1999" and "Sign O' the Times" are prime examples of albums where he pushed the envelope in terms of production.
5. Influence on Future Artists:
Prince's genre-defying approach and innovative sound production influenced countless artists across genres, including Madonna, Beyoncé, and D'Angelo, to name a few. His impact can be seen in the evolution of pop and R&B music, where artists continue to explore genre boundaries and push the limits of creativity.
Prince's remarkable ability to transcend genres, challenge societal norms, and push the boundaries of music and production left an enduring legacy. His work continues to inspire artists to explore new horizons and redefine what music can be
Best Prince Songs of All Time - FAQs
"When Doves Cry" is from the soundtrack of the 1984 film "Purple Rain."
"When Doves Cry" is known for its innovative production, notably lacking a traditional bassline.
"The Beautiful Ones" is a passionate and emotionally charged ballad that showcases Prince's remarkable vocal range and depth of emotion.
"How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore" was originally a B-side of the "1999" single and is celebrated for its soulful and intimate lament about the end of a relationship.
Alicia Keys covered "How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore" in 2001, further establishing the song as a timeless classic in the music world.