Prince, a musical genius and an enigmatic icon, left an indelible mark on the music industry with his boundary-pushing artistry, flamboyant style, and extraordinary talent. Throughout his illustrious career, Prince crafted a captivating musical landscape that defied categorization and challenged societal norms. With his boundless creativity and unparalleled virtuosity, he enchanted audiences worldwide, earning the moniker of the Purple One. In this article, we delve into the depths of his extensive discography to uncover the crème de la crème, the very essence of Prince’s musical genius – the top 10 best songs of all time.
These extraordinary compositions traverse a myriad of genres, seamlessly blending funk, rock, pop, and soul, while his captivating lyrics explored themes of love, sexuality, spirituality, and societal issues. Each song pulsates with infectious energy, delivering a sonic experience that transcends time and leaves an everlasting impact on listeners.
From his breakthrough hit “Purple Rain” to the provocative “Kiss,” and the fiercely personal “When Doves Cry,” Prince’s songs have become anthems of liberation, expressions of raw emotion, and a testament to his artistic brilliance. Through this article, we embark on a sonic journey, revisiting these timeless classics that have solidified Prince’s position as one of the greatest musicians in history.
So join us as we pay homage to the unparalleled artistry of Prince, exploring his most exceptional musical creations and rediscovering the allure that made him an icon in the realm of music. Brace yourself for an immersion into the irresistible allure of his melodies, as we unveil the top 10 best Prince songs of all time.
1. ‘Raspberry Beret’
With its unique sound and catchy melody, one of the best songs ever created by Prince is a track called 'Raspberry Beret'. This funky tune was released in 1985 and became an instant hit. The song’s upbeat tempo, coupled with its memorable lyrics, makes it a classic from Prince’s illustrious career.
Prince’s use of synths and percussion in ‘Raspberry Beret’ creates a layered effect that captures his playful spirit perfectly. The opening synth riff is instantly recognisable and sets the tone for the entire track. As the song progresses, we are treated to clever wordplay and unexpected musical turns that add to its charm.
One interesting fact about this song is that it almost didn't make it onto the album 'Around the World in a Day'. Prince had reportedly shelved it because he felt that it sounded too much like his earlier work. However, his bandmates convinced him to reconsider, and ‘Raspberry Beret’ went on to become one of his most beloved songs.
The history and legacy of ‘Raspberry Beret’ goes to show just how significant Prince's influence has been on popular music. His ability to blend genres and push musical boundaries continues to inspire generations of musicians long after his passing.
Prince's loyalty to his fans is so strong, he'd rather die for them than disappoint with a subpar song like 'I Would Die 4 U'.
2. ‘I Would Die 4 U’
This Prince song is a timeless classic that showcases his unique musicality and lyrical prowess. It's a high-energy, upbeat track that speaks of undying love and loyalty. Its catchy chorus makes it an immediate crowd-pleaser and the upbeat tempo makes it perfect for dancing. Fans find themselves singing along to every word, drawn in by the undeniable magnetism of Prince's voice and skillful instrument playing.
One reason that ‘I Would Die 4 U’ stands out as one of Prince's best songs is because of its cross-genre appeal. It has elements of rock, pop, and funk which attract listeners from different demographics. The lyrics are also relatable on a human level since they explore themes such as dedication, commitment, and selflessness in relationships.
Another striking element of 'I Would Die 4 U' is the music video that accompanies it. The visuals are stunningly artistic and feature Prince performing in his signature style while surrounded by dancers who add their own flair to the mix. This music video was ahead of its time and added to the already immense appeal of this song.
Interestingly enough, while many fans might think that "I Would Die 4 U" is about romantic love between two people, Prince once shared that he wrote it with a more spiritual meaning in mind – about his devotion to God.
Why doves cry? Because they'll never write a song as good as Prince's 'When Doves Cry'.
3. ‘When Doves Cry’
This Prince classic, an iconic track from his 1984 album Purple Rain, is a masterpiece of pop music innovation. 'When Doves Cry' features Prince’s electric guitar playing and drum programming, which he does not stop to use throughout the song. The instrumental intro establishes the beat and trudge of the track, with the electronic sounds fluctuating as the singing begins.
The lyrics are confessional, relatable yet cryptic, and they signify something different to each listener. Set against a synth-pop background with minimal real instrumentation, Prince's voice is emotional yet guarded. The song’s structure is peculiar too: there is no bassline or chorus, and the bridge sequence is repeated five times.
The track's political symbolism comes from its references to Reaganomics and "that world was ours" rhetoric regarding Black culture in mid-80s America. At its core though, it's simply one of the greatest examples of Prince’s unique creativity; his unwavering commitment to craft translates into a sound that remains timeless even decades later.
Pro Tip: Listen for Eric Leeds on saxophones during the outro—a great example of how Prince could utilize jazz instrumentation within a pop framework.
If you haven't heard 'Kiss' by Prince, you're missing out on the musical equivalent of a flirty wink and a sultry lip bite.
4. ‘Kiss’
This chart-topping single by Prince, also known as 'The Purple One', is a funky, upbeat song that has won the hearts of many fans worldwide. With its catchy and memorable chorus, "You don't have to be rich to be my girl", 'Kiss' has become an iconic tune that still receives radio airplay today. Its unique music video featuring Prince's signature dance moves and style also added to the popularity of the song.
Additionally, the sultry sound and playful lyrics are a departure from some of Prince's more serious works. 'Kiss' showcases his versatility as an artist who can create different moods with his music. While many know it for its upbeat tempo, the song's lyrics are actually quite sensual and intimate.
Interestingly, 'Kiss' was originally written for Mazarati, a funk-rock group composed of musicians signed to Prince's Paisley Park Records label. However, he liked what he heard during their recording session and decided to keep it for himself instead. The rest is history!
Buckle up, because 'Little Red Corvette' is about to take you for a wild, sexy ride through Prince's musical genius.
5. ‘Little Red Corvette’
This Prince classic, which features a distinctive guitar riff and catchy chorus, is one of his most iconic songs. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who leads the singer on, with the refrain "Little Red Corvette" serving as a metaphor for her seduction.
The song, which was released in 1983, became an instant hit and helped solidify Prince's place as a pop superstar. Its blend of rock and funk elements showcased Prince's versatility as a musician.
A fun fact about "Little Red Corvette" is that it was originally written as a slow blues song before being transformed into the upbeat track we know today. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years and remains a staple of classic rock radio stations.
Pro Tip: If you're looking to really get into Prince's discography, be sure to give his entire album "1999" a listen. It features many fan-favorite songs, including "Little Red Corvette."
Prince predicted the end of the world in ’99, but we’re still here jamming to this iconic party anthem.
6. ‘1999’
Prince’s timeless classic ‘1999’ is a funky dancefloor anthem that transcends time. With its infectious beats and captivating lyrics, this song has become an iconic representation of the late 20th century. Prince’s smooth vocals blended with the upbeat instrumentals of the track create a perfect blend of nostalgia and groove that keeps listeners dancing.
‘1999’ is not just a party starter; it also conveys a message about the impending doom we face as society. The lyrics serve as a reminder to enjoy life to the fullest because we never know when our time will be up. This powerful sentiment resonates through generations, making ‘1999’ more than just another pop song.
What makes ‘1999’ truly unique is its ability to evoke emotions from its listeners, transporting them to another era filled with euphoria and excitement. It's no surprise that this hit has remained in the hearts and minds of admirers alike, cementing Prince's place in music history.
Without a doubt, ‘1999''s influence can still be heard in contemporary music today, proving its lasting impact on popular culture. Many artists have even sampled or covered this classic over the years in homage to Prince’s unmatched talent and innovation.
As told by those who were fortunate enough to witness Prince perform live, experiencing ‘1999’ in concert was nothing short of electrifying. The charisma and energy he brought to his performance were second to none, leaving audiences mesmerized forever.
In summary, ‘1999’ may have been released over four decades ago but remains one of Prince's most memorable tracks for good reasons: it’s an ultra-groovy party song, conveys a powerful message about life and death, induces nostalgia for previous times yet stays ever-relevant today.
‘Darling Nikki’ might make you blush, but let's be honest, it's not like Prince ever shied away from sex.
7. ‘Darling Nikki’
This iconic song, often regarded as the most controversial release of Prince's career, showcases his unparalleled artistry. The lyrics of ‘Darling Nikki’ are very suggestive and have received criticism for its explicit content. However, with a combination of rock, pop and soul influences Prince presents an undeniably compelling piece of music for his listeners.
‘Darling Nikki’ was listed as number 4 in Rolling Stone magazine’s ‘Top 50 Songs That Define the Last 50 Years of Rock,’ celebrating its impact on music history. This track demonstrates Prince's ability to push boundaries and express himself through carefully curated lyrics and instrumental experimentation.
It is important to note that despite controversy surrounding the song, Prince defended his art by saying, “Let me break it down: I wrote ‘Darling Nikki’ after I met a woman named Nikki at a hotel bar in France… With her eyes she said: 'Are you kidding?’ 'I just looked at her and said: 'No.'”
According to Billboard, ‘Darling Nikki’ peaked at number nine on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in 1985.
Prince knew he couldn't replace anyone's man, but damn did he try on this catchy track.
8. ‘I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man’
This track, one of Prince's most popular hits, showcases his ability to mix rock and funk seamlessly. The song depicts a man who falls in love with a woman who is already taken. He is keen to prove himself, but he admits that he could never fully measure up to the other guy in her life. The lyrics are emotional and raw and are delivered with passionate vocals by Prince. With its upbeat tempo and infectious melody, this song has become a staple of Prince's illustrious discography.
Continuing on the theme of unrequited love, 'I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man' is unique in that it combines elements of both rock and funk music. The song features captivating guitar riffs and frenzied drumming, which complement Prince's falsetto singing perfectly. At its core, the song tells a simple story about a person who regrets not being with someone they cared about. However, despite its straightforward lyrics, 'I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man' has gained admiration for its complex instrumentation.
What sets this track apart is how it showcases Prince attempting to move away from his soulful roots towards more upbeat fare. He infuses elements from other genres into his signature sound while still managing to create music that's soul-stirring yet undeniably catchy. This unique combination made 'I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man' an instant classic upon its release.
It is said that Prince was jamming during rehearsals at Sunset Sound studios when he first came up with the riff for this song. After playing around with it for some time, he added in a few additional elements before debuting the piece live in front of his band members. The band fell in love with it instantly and encouraged him to record the track as soon as possible. It would later become one of his most critically acclaimed pieces ever made – winning numerous accolades including several Grammy Awards.
‘The Beautiful Ones’ will have you feeling like a true Prince fan, and if you weren't already, well…sorry for your loss.
9. ‘The Beautiful Ones’
This Prince classic, renowned for his incredible range, shows off the late superstar's vocal abilities. It begins with a soaring falsetto and builds to a powerful crescendo that will leave listeners awe-inspired. The song embodies Prince's signature blend of rock, R&B, and funk, creating an unforgettable masterpiece.
'The Beautiful Ones' is an emotional tour-de-force that captures the pain and beauty of love. Prince's raw vulnerability shines through as he pleads with his lover not to leave him. The lyrics are heartbreaking yet incredibly poetic, offering unique insights into complex emotions.
One of the standout features of this song is its hauntingly beautiful instrumental segment. The keyboard solo evokes a sense of longing and melancholy that perfectly complements the mood of the song.
It is said that 'The Beautiful Ones' was inspired by a real-life breakup that Prince went through just before he wrote it. This personal touch adds an extra layer of depth and meaning to an already powerful track.
Overall, 'The Beautiful Ones' is one of Prince's most iconic songs; its enduring popularity speaks to the power of his artistry and creativity.
Prince's 'Purple Rain' is the musical equivalent of a thunderstorm – electrifying, dramatic, and leaves you soaking wet (metaphorically speaking).
10. ‘Purple Rain’
This iconic track from Prince deserves to be on any all-time greats list. Its title ballad, ‘Purple Rain’ boasts a haunting melody that's only enhanced by Prince's stellar guitar work. The song’s lyrics are introspective and carry a raw emotional weight, making it a standout track in Prince’s repertoire. A true masterpiece, ‘Purple Rain’ is an evocative and moving piece that makes its mark by combining raw talent with sheer passion.
Moving beyond the title ballad itself, the album ‘Purple Rain’ as a whole served as a triumph for Prince. The LP marked his entry into mainstream hearths and opened up doors to wider audiences around the world. Along with its accompanying motion picture, Purple Rain also impacted popular culture in a big way.
Prince’s vocal range is on full display in ‘Purple Rain,’ going from soft crooning to high-pitched wails in mere seconds. His enduring delivery of "I only wanted to see you underneath the purple rain" gives goosebumps even today.
Despite having release over three decades ago, this timeless classic continues to hold its own in the modern music era, securing 10th place in our ranking of best Prince tracks ever made.
This song brought together not only music but also love stories of fans everywhere. It's been shared at weddings and played at funerals – universally appreciated for being one of the most emotional musical compositions of our time.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
