On April 21 the beloved music icon Prince passed away in his Minnesota home. I heard about it that afternoon and when my friends told me, I accused them of lying. I did not and would not believe it. But events like this cannot be reversed. So instead, I want to provide a list of Prince songs for people who never listened to him (you are missing out) or for those grieving (like me). I don't know every single Prince song, but if I did that would be quite a list.
1. When Doves Cry (1984)
You probably know this song. This psychedelic single has definitely graced your local throwback radio station. A #1 hit the U.S., the lack of a distinctive baseline and awesome synthesizer solo will hook you and make you play this song on repeat.
2. Batdance (1989)
Let it be known that I have only ever seen one Batman film: "The Dark Knight Rises". However, the entire soundtrack of Tim Burton's 1989 "Batman" is pretty spectacular. Who knew I would want to jam out to a "Batman" movie soundtrack?
3. Purple Rain (1984)
This is the one song people think of when they hear the name Prince. God bless this song for being over eight minutes. The song is an experience, and seeing the movie with the same title and listening to the song again makes "Purple Rain" that much more of a fantastic song.
4. How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore? (1993)
This song came out in the era where Prince went by unpronounceable symbol "
." This Gospel-esque ballad is accompanied beautiful piano and gives a great showcase of the kind of notes Prince can hit. You may have heard this song before, just not by him. Alicia Keys covered this song in 2001.
5. Raspberry Beret (1985)
A funky intro and a pop beat, "Raspberry Beret" is an enjoyable listen for all. I find the song to be sweet and lighthearted. How can you not like a song that has the line "Now, overcast days never turned me on / but somethin' 'bout the clouds and her mixed"?
6. I Wanna Be Your Lover (1979)
This is my favorite song by Prince. Prince does not leave anything out in his lyrics. His message is clear: he really, really wants to make love to you. "I Wanna Be Your Lover" manages to be sultry, sexy song while including a funk and pop fused beat. Also, that falsetto though? Sign me up.
7. 1999 (1982)
This is another one of Prince's hits that you have probably heard. I always hear it played around New Year's Eve. How do you not want to clap your hands to this song? To me, "1999" is a "scream-out-of-the-window-of-your-car" kind of jam. The song may be called "1999," but its popularity is going to be around for a long time.
8. U Got the Look (1987)
He may be called Prince, but he is the king of singing multiple genres in one song. This funk, R&B and rock fusion song just makes me want to dance.
9. Sign o' the Times (1987)
I do not listen to a large amount of rock music, unless it is a Prince song. I do not know what it is with him, but I love his songs that mix rock, funk, R&B and pop, especially "Sign o' the Times." Definitely a must listen for anyone who enjoys listening to any of the genres I mentioned.
10. Let's Go Crazy (1984)
It was hard for me to decide which songs from his album "Purple Rain" I should add to the list because honestly I would have included every single song. What I like about "Let's Go Crazy" is its somewhat grim lyrics with such an awesome classic 80s electronic beat, not to mention the guitar solo that goes crazy a little more than halfway through the song.
11. Controversy (1981)
A mix of my two favorite genres: synthpop and funk, "Controversy" is most certainly my second favorite (see #6). The song addresses a multitude of topics Prince was questioning himself about such as religion, sexuality and race. He includes the prayer "Our Father" in his lyrics, and it surprisingly (or not surprisingly because it's Prince), works. He also mentions that he wishes for no black or white and that there were no rules. I feel you, Prince.
A singer who not only revolutionized the music industry but turned the definition of masculinity on its head at the same time, we will always remember you. Rest in peace, Prince.
