Few artists have redefined music the way Prince did. A true innovator, he shattered genre boundaries, blending rock, funk, pop, and R&B into a sound that was entirely his own. With his flamboyant stage presence, virtuosic musicianship, and fearless creativity, Prince didn’t just make music—he created experiences. From electrifying anthems to soul-stirring ballads, his songs have become timeless, influencing generations of artists and captivating fans worldwide.
Whether it was his hypnotic guitar solos, poetic lyrics, or genre-defying production, Prince had a way of making every song feel like a revelation. His music wasn’t just about entertainment—it was about emotion, rebellion, and passion. From the euphoric highs of “Let’s Go Crazy” to the heart-wrenching beauty of “Purple Rain,” his greatest hits continue to define the very essence of musical genius.
In this list, we’re counting down Prince’s 10 most popular songs of all time—the tracks that cemented his legacy and still resonate today. So, get ready to dive into the unforgettable world of The Purple One, where every note tells a story and every song is a masterpiece. Let’s celebrate the music, the magic, and the legend that is Prince! 🎸💜
1. Purple Rain (1984)
Few songs in music history carry the emotional weight of “Purple Rain.” Often hailed as Prince’s magnum opus, this soaring anthem of love, loss, and redemption became the defining track of both the 1984 album and film of the same name. Blending rock, gospel, and soul into a spellbinding masterpiece, the song stretches beyond eight minutes, building from a tender ballad into an electrifying crescendo. Prince’s vocal delivery is raw and impassioned, culminating in one of his most legendary guitar solos. The lyrics evoke yearning, heartbreak, and a sense of spiritual transcendence, making it a staple of his live performances. Perhaps the most iconic moment in its history was Prince’s unforgettable 2007 Super Bowl halftime show, where he performed “Purple Rain” in the midst of an actual downpour, a spectacle that solidified its place in music history.
2. When Doves Cry (1984)
As the lead single from Purple Rain, “When Doves Cry” shattered expectations upon release, soaring to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks. What makes this song so distinctive is its striking absence of a bass line—a rare and bold production choice that gives it an eerie, otherworldly feel. The lyrics dive into themes of love, conflict, and emotional turmoil, reflecting the turbulent relationship dynamics explored in the Purple Rain film. Prince’s layered synths and hypnotic drum programming create an unforgettable, haunting soundscape. The song’s surreal, symbolic music video only deepened its mystique, further cementing “When Doves Cry” as one of Prince’s most groundbreaking and influential songs.
3. Kiss (1986)
“Kiss” is the ultimate proof that sometimes, less is more. Stripping down the instrumentation to a minimalist arrangement—just a drum machine, a scratchy guitar riff, and Prince’s signature falsetto—the song is a masterclass in funk-infused sensuality. Originally intended for the band Mazarati, Prince reworked the track himself and turned it into one of his most infectious and recognizable hits. The playful, seductive energy of “Kiss” propelled it to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Prince a Grammy for Best R&B Performance. Its instantly recognizable groove and effortless swagger make it a timeless classic, ensuring its place as one of Prince’s most celebrated songs.
4. Little Red Corvette (1983)
“Little Red Corvette” was Prince’s first major crossover hit, bringing him into the pop mainstream with its irresistible blend of rock and synth-pop. The song’s metaphor-laden lyrics compare a fleeting romance to a fast car, crafting a poetic and evocative narrative that captures the thrill and heartbreak of a passionate but short-lived affair. With its smooth synthesizers, catchy hook, and a soaring guitar solo, “Little Red Corvette” became one of the defining songs of the 1980s. The track played a crucial role in making Prince a household name, helping propel 1999 into his breakthrough album and establishing him as one of the most innovative artists of his generation.
5. 1999 (1982)
An anthem for the ages, “1999” captures the apocalyptic yet celebratory energy of an era on the brink of change. Released in 1982 as the title track of his breakthrough album, the song fuses funk, rock, and new wave to create an exuberant dance-floor staple. The lyrics, with their party-until-the-end-of-the-world ethos—”Tonight we’re gonna party like it’s 1999″—resonated deeply with listeners, making it one of Prince’s most enduring and beloved tracks. The song experienced a resurgence in popularity as the real year 1999 approached, proving that its message and energy remain as powerful and relevant as ever.
6. Raspberry Beret (1985)
A departure from the dark, brooding sound of Purple Rain, “Raspberry Beret” is a whimsical, psychedelic pop masterpiece. As the lead single from Around the World in a Day, the song embraces a colorful, Beatles-esque aesthetic, marking a shift in Prince’s musical direction. The lyrics paint a vivid, almost cinematic picture of youthful romance, complete with vivid imagery and a carefree, nostalgic feel. With its breezy melody, playful storytelling, and vibrant energy, “Raspberry Beret” remains one of Prince’s most charming and beloved songs, proving his ability to seamlessly navigate multiple musical styles.
7. Let’s Go Crazy (1984)
Few opening lines are as instantly recognizable as Prince’s spoken-word introduction to “Let’s Go Crazy”: “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life.” From that moment, the song erupts into a high-energy fusion of rock and funk, driven by blistering guitar riffs and an unstoppable rhythm. A No. 1 hit from Purple Rain, “Let’s Go Crazy” became an anthem of rebellion and joy, showcasing Prince’s electrifying presence and musical genius. The track’s epic guitar solo and relentless energy make it one of the most defining rock songs of the 1980s and a staple of his legendary live performances.
8. I Wanna Be Your Lover (1979)
Prince’s breakthrough hit, “I Wanna Be Your Lover,” introduced the world to his signature blend of funk, R&B, and pop. Released from his self-titled second album, the track’s shimmering disco groove and falsetto-laced vocals made it an instant classic, reaching No. 1 on the R&B charts and setting the stage for his future superstardom. The song’s infectious energy and sensual lyrics showcased Prince’s ability to craft irresistible melodies while exuding a magnetic charm. As the first major hit of his career, “I Wanna Be Your Lover” laid the groundwork for the boundary-pushing artistry that would define his legacy.
9. Sign o’ the Times (1987)
A stark contrast to Prince’s typically lush, layered production, “Sign o’ the Times” is a stripped-down, socially conscious masterpiece. The song’s minimalist funk beat and spoken-word style lyrics paint a bleak yet compelling picture of late-1980s societal issues, touching on AIDS, drug addiction, and violence. As the title track of his critically acclaimed double album, “Sign o’ the Times” demonstrated Prince’s ability to tackle serious themes with both depth and innovation. Its introspective and thought-provoking nature makes it one of his most powerful and enduring works, proving that Prince was not just a musical genius, but also a perceptive cultural commentator.
10. Cream (1991)
Sultry, confident, and effortlessly cool, “Cream” is a testament to Prince’s ability to create irresistible funk-rock anthems. Released in 1991, the song’s slinky groove, bluesy guitar licks, and cheeky, self-assured lyrics propelled it to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. According to Prince, he wrote “Cream” while looking at himself in the mirror, reinforcing its themes of swagger and self-empowerment. The track’s seductive energy and undeniable funk make it one of his standout hits from the early ‘90s, proving that Prince’s musical prowess extended across decades and evolving styles.v
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.
