Prince's Greatest Songs
Warner Brother | Emancipated Artist | Singles
The definitive playlist of the Purple Reign, by Goldie. Click artwork for full track listings.
Laydown: 20Ten - NPG Records (2010)
Don't look on the jewel case for it, Laydown is a hidden song. This is a refreshing sound, a hard funk backing track that is reminiscent of Dr. Dre and a great choice to bounce through your speakers if the CD is left to tick trough to track 77. This is Prince at his hip hop best. A raw, rasping, pulsating score with which Prince proclaims he is the Purple Yoda "bringing the dirty new sound." Promises, promises!
Chelsea Rodgers: Planet Earth - Columbia (2007)
Good old fashioned funk in its purest form. This is Prince shaking turning the disco floor upside-down. Thick with Hornz and a beat to get even the largest booty's moving this is arguably the best Prince track since leaving Warner's. "A model, used to be a role model", Prince, it is you who still leads the way.
3121: 3121 - Universal (2006)
3121, here because of the wonderful bass of Sonny T. 3121 is a thumping and rousing opener that gets even the most po-faced fans electrified in concert. No one does this better than Prince. When you first listened to Dirty Mind you would think to yourself that if this guy writes music 25 years later you would hope it would evolve into a song like this. 3121 is living proof that Prince can still write world-class tunes in his sleep. The song about a party you won't want to leave (don't worry it#s nothing sinister like Hotel California) this makes me so thrilled I am a Prince fan and there is nothing close to feeling out there today.
Call My Name: Musicology - Columbia (2004)
Occasionally, amid the chaff that seems to be clogging our radio waves, comes a superior track. Superior, because it is one of Prince's most well-crafted songs and one of his personal all time favourites. Once fanatical about fans calling his name, then telling them not too, he is back asking them to call it out once more. Musicology surprised many fans and critics because it was both a commercial and an artistic album of which Call My Name is proof that art and fun can coexist together. Musicology so good, but I challenge anyone to put the case against this song of pure sonic perfection.
Rainbow Children: The Rainbow Children - NPG Records (2001)
Here, but purely on musical merit. It starts off the album like the type of music you hear when put on hold on a telephone, but then comes the catchiest jazz rhythm I have ever heard. The track goes to a new level when he tells us to "rise", that's when you turn the volume right up and lets the music just melt you. And that's not it, the absolute power of this track is the two and a half minute link into the second track, Prince treats us to a style of guitar work that you could only hear from Hendrix in which you can really believe the angels are calling to you.
Van Gough - NPG Music Club (2001)
The hidden gem unearthed in the 2001 Music Club downloads. "For someone who is never lost for words" Prince proves that he is the master of his craft. Its Prince comparing a woman to a painting, Can you give me true love? Do you know what love is? Great backing beat and an even better song.
Old Friends 4 Sale: The Vault... Old Friends 4 Sale - Warner Brothers (1999)
Possible Prince's most personal and painful song, the version on The Vault... is a watered down version of the original, because it was too personal. The lyrics are great and you feel every inch his pain.
Man O' War: Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic - Arista (1999)
The song has no less than 14 separate layers of Prince's voice. "Break the gold chain that I gave you, throw it down on the floor", his is Prince's song about breaking up and feeling wanted again, this is the sincerest and song from the album which it is its best. Even Prince can beg for forgiveness - sometimes. Just hear the man out because you know he's not a Man O' War.
Come On: Newpower Soul - BMG (1998)
The bass line returns! Rhonda Smith truly shows her remarkable skills here in one of the most prominent and best bass line on a Prince track in recent years. The extended remix contains my personal favourite Prince rap. He tells it like it is, "I know you got a young man, you don't care about the one whose been around" to "I got the butter for yo muffin, just need the keys to your room". Great!
Days Of Wild: Crystal Ball - NPG Records (1998)
Once heard, never forgotten. He never plays the same version twice in concert, its as bad-ass as hell and truly fantastic. An outtake from The Gold Experience it only saw the light of day on this vault taster. If you don't find yourself moving to the beat, book your funeral.
Friend, Lover, Sister, Mother/Wife: Emancipation - EMI (1996)
All the liner notes say about this song is that it was written 'while she slept', one of the nicest things I think I have ever read. The titular "she" was of course the first wife, Mayte. Her influence Prince and particularly this song has made Prince compose one of the best declarations of love, I think, ever written. He sings so soft then hits you with immense raw passion. Other than 1987s Adore, I wonder how many times this song has been played at Prince fans weddings - I'd love it played at mine.
Billy Jack Bitch: The Gold Experience - Warner Brothers (1995)
Personally, my all time favourite - yet not one that many other Prince fans will necessarily have at the forefront of their list - and Prince at his utmost best. Written about Star Tribune reporter Cheryl Johnson ("CJ, Billy Jack Bitch"), the two hated each other. This has pure venom: "open letters aren't the only things that open wounds." The song has it all... razor sharp lyrics and keyboards, an insane horn section, and a grinding beat the song is Prince's tightest work and up with his best.
Space: Come - Warner Brothers (1994)
Not the version on the album, but the the Funky Stuff Remix, frankly one of the best remixes around. I do like remixes, and this reminds me why. What's good about it is the completely reworked lyrical content, hinting that Prince was a little unsure how the song should be structured. This, and the Universal Love Remix are the better version than what ended up on the album.
Come: Come - Warner Brothers (1994)
A song in which you could, quite literally, make love to. From the playful offer, to looking into the future, to the dirty deed itself climaxed by the sheer enjoyment of the aftermath, at ten full minutes in length this is sex in real time (this is if you can last that long) - but who is watching the clock!
Pink Cashmere: The Hits 1 - Warner Brothers (1993)
This multi-lyric-layered song is just total, utter, absolute, perfection. I lose myself every time I listen to it. Why was is was not a single I would never understand. "Come on back to your l'ill man" - I do, every time Prince, every time.
7: 
- Warner Brothers (1992)
This track possibly contains the greatest chorus ever written by Prince. Which, frankly, no even one knows exactly what is even about, but equally no one would care, one of his last great anthems of the Warner Brothers era will sweep you away. The hardest challenge is not to be drawn into singing your heart out to it. If you can though, grabbing a copy of the extended version is highly recommended.
The Sacrifice Of Victor: - Warner Brothers (1992)
Turning to the Book of Victor, Prince's biographical song about his early life. Who else could tell you through song that they were born on a table covered in blood, strangled by an umbilical chord and epileptic until the age of 7, and such with an incredible thumping beat. The lyrics produce Prince's version of Bohemian Rhapsody, an awesome song and fascinating listening through to its flawless conclusion to an outstanding album.
Gett Off: Diamonds And Pearls - Warner Brothers (1991)
Prince’s sexual appetite is explored fully in this groove. Who else can promise you 23 positions in a one night stand? A song you literally beg to hear in concert, no one alive will be sitting still when this is being played.
Joy In Repetition: Graffiti Bridge - Warner Brothers (1990)
"He likes to frequent this club, down up on 36th, pimps and thangs like to hang outside and cuss for kicks". This song controls your attention and rightly so, its seedy story of love ends up with some mind blowing guitar. Strangely missed off all Prince-related compilation albums - considering also it was originally an outtake from Sign O' The Times - in which misses out on the joy of playing this in repetition.
I Wish U Heaven (Part 1, 2 and 3): Lovesexy - Warner Brothers (1988)
Don't get this confused with the album version, there are three parts to this song of which only the first part actually made it to the album, which is funny, because it gets far better in Parts 2 and 3, there is a great chugging rhythm throughout, taken full advantage in extending the song to three parts. There are some great lyrics too "take this beat, I don't mind, got plenty of 'em" you tell'em Prince.
Anna Stesia: Lovesexy - Warner Brothers (1988)
Like Sign O’ The Times you can right a book on the lyrics of this song. It reaches out to you like no other absolutely superb. Its haunting and well, immensely soulful. This is a man gifted by god and he thanks him unashamedly on this. For me this song comes second only to the mighty Purple Rain. Put it on, play it loud, this is Prince (the lyricist) at his best its more than a treat, you will listen to every note leaving you absolutely breathless.
If I Was Your Girlfriend: Sign O' The Times - Warner Brothers (1987)
One reporter said play this late at night and you will see how marvelous this tune this is. The beat takes you, and although The Most Beautiful Girl In The World was the larger hit, that song lacked the real power this 1987 classic that can far more of us can hold to. Closely, very closely, followed by Adore.
Anotherloverholonyohead: Parade - Warner Brothers (1986)
Great beat, and even better live. This is the song to play for your girlfriend when you've just split up. Lyrics are great you can sing at your loudest on this one. The chorus knocks Kiss out of the building, this is Parade's cherry on the moon and utterly superior to everything on the album.
America: Around The World In A Day - Warner Brothers (1985)
Lets be honest, if we ever hear one Prince song live again, please let it be this one, get hold of the 21 minute version and you will see what I mean. One of his strongest performances of his guitar skills put to record. Check out the extended version if you can lay your hands on it, it will hit you in the socket.
Purple Rain: Purple Rain - Warner Brothers (1984)
Whilst When Doves Cry is regarded as his best composed song, lets face it, just put on track 9 of Purple Rain at night with the volume up on your headphones then tell me that this is not the greatest song ever written. Prince's pain is laid bare and he lets is out through his guitar. At 6 minutes the song just commands every inch of your attention, your drawn into every bar, every note, every syllable all the way to the haunting end. Prince turned the rest of his career into a quest to find a song to top this and he will never achieve it. Purple Rain leaves the all his other songs, and your mind, out in the rain. The quintessential song in music.
1999: 1999 - Warner Brothers (1982)
What can I say, the Millennial song, but dare I say whilst The New Master gives it a welcome reboot, the original will stand the test of time. 1999 is a song that I have heard so much I now play less often, but its all about Prince just wants to have fun, even during an apocalypse. Orwell was thinking of 1984, but Prince was on to a thing about the end of the world and even more relevant with facing the unknowns in what was the Millennium Bug. Who won't list this in their personal hall of fame?
1999: D.M.S.R. - Warner Brothers (1982)
In my view this is and remains the ultimate club song. This is a cool 8-minute road trip of funk which gets Prince fans singing at the drop of a hat. Prince lists relationships in priority - Dance, Music, Sex, only then to be followed by the Romance. "Screw the masses - we only want to have some fun" and that's what this track is all about, no politics, just pure groove.
Bambi: Prince - Warner Brothers (1979)
Not a cute Disney number as the song title would suggest, this track boasts perhaps his greatest raw-edged guitar play showcasing his ability as one of the best guitarists of his time, a talent he unfortunately exhibits all too rarely except in concert.