#prince rogers nelson

goddesscru:

Starting this off properly, Happy 56^th Birthday to #Prince Rogers Nelson! Prince is the very inspiration behind every song I sing/write and he’s also responsible for much of the music I love. My obsession began during my childhood. I came out the same year as Sign ‘O’ The Times, so my parents definitely surrounded me with Prince. Everything about his artistry, his insane level of beauty and just his intense love of music fascinates me. I look at Prince as the definition of what I want to be as an artist. He’s so driven and his talent is comparable to none. There is no other artist like him in the world. On all days, and especially today, I can be heard (literally, at times) singing his praises. While I’m positive he has never seen any of my endless admiration posts, I continue because I love it. A day will not pass that I don’t thank God for Prince. Now I’m going to try to tell you why I love him so much. Do note that the songs in this post appear in alphabetical order. I could not type all of this and decide to rank it. (Just know, overall, “ADORE” is the greatest.)

1.      ADORE(Sign ‘O’ The Times, 1987) – What can be said about “ADORE” that hasn’t already been said? Hell, what can I say about ‘SOTT’ that hasn’t been said? “ADORE” is my all-time favorite song by Prince, and almost in life. (There’s a tie between this and “Love Ballad” by L.T.D.) Falling in love has never sounded so cool, yet strangely beautiful. It’s so refreshing to hear a love song that contains honest emotion, and no cliché lines. Prince manages to completely capture what I feel is how true love is supposed to be written. It’s selfless, it’s all consuming and it’s even funny. Nothing ranks higher in my book. I “ADORE” him for it. And I am still mad that he doesn’t even perform this during Sign ‘O’ The Times. That is a travesty.

2.      Alphabet St.(Lovesexy, 1988) – If Prince wasn’t so anti YouTube this would definitely be a separate video appreciation post. (His hair was LAID!) “Alphabet St.” is a really fun song to sing. The way Prince experiments with his voice and different sounds to record are never a bad thing. There’s actually rapping on this track that I don’t mind. As Prince fans, there are those questionable rap verses that either make us laugh or roll our eyes.

3.      Anna Stesia(Lovesexy, 1988) – I love when Prince talks about God in song. I think it’s some of his best work, and I think it’s just a creative way to be spiritual and secular. “Anna Stesia” is probably one of the sexiest songs I’ve ever heard about God.  Will I probably be going to hell for saying that? Eh, there’s a possibility. But it’s not a false statement. Prince makes praise sound hot. And I’m all too excited to hear the word from that perfect man’s mouth. Not only is this a well written song, the music is amazing. It’s one of those songs I could listen to throughout the day and not even care how many times it plays.

4.      Beautiful, Loved & Blessed ft. Tamar(3121, 2006) – Ha, I included another song about God. “Beautiful, Loved & Blessed” is another go-to feel good song for me. More than anything, I feel that music has the power to make you believe in something. Music is already closer to my religion than anything else in this world. I know that my faith in God doesn’t have to exist apart from my love of music, and I love that the music doesn’t get too preachy. This one also features one of many protégés, Tamar. I really dug their chemistry on songs. 3121 was an album meant to tour with, in my opinion. Prince, my love, get your ass back in the states and bring it to DC!

5.      The Beautiful Ones(Purple Rain, 1984) – I don’t know if I love this song so much because I love Purple Rain the film, or if I love it because of its brilliance. Nobody likes not being enough. Less than that, nobody likes to lose. Couple that with being completely smitten, and the other person still being apprehensive. We can’t all be Prince and have our revelations for the world to see, but we have our own bouts with it. The music is perfect for the lyrics, but of course I love the lyrics a little more. Plus, how can you not love this song’s climax? It’s everything.

6.      Billy Jack Bitch(The Gold Experience, 1995) – It’s widely speculated that Prince is an intense lover. Well on this one, he kinda confirms it, lol. Prince scorned is some of the best shit ever really. This one is not only funky, but it’s a song that I LOVE hearing. He holds nothing back. Nothing upsets me quite like people who just can’t be honest. Those people have to be cracked open just for them to tell you what they truly think or feel. And that’s a pain in my ass, bruh. Say what you mean or keep it to yourself. (By the way, did he not kill the AMA’s in 1995 with the “Purple Medley” dance routine?)

7.      Colonized Mind(LOtUSFLOW3R, 2009) – Introspective music is a big plus in my book. Prince is analyzing society as he sees it on this one. I’m mad, though. Prince was not nominated for a Grammy with this particular song. He was actually nominated for “Dreamer” from the same album. Not that it didn’t rock, but when you think of what deserved the nomination, c’mon son. “Colonized Mind” had that on lock. In my opinion, it would have secured the win for him. It’s a beautiful song, as well. His voice on this one really does it for me towards the end. Check it out if you haven’t heard it.

8.      Come(Come, 1994) – Who doesn’t love an 11 minute masterpiece about oral sex? Oh, perhaps that’s an overshare. Hell, I love this song. Come has some of the rawest instrumentation I’ve ever enjoyed. This one is a masterpiece as far as production is concerned. The lyrics are the lyrics. That’s not a bad or good thing. Sometimes this one comes on and I’m not exactly in the proper setting for it to be played. I just kinda let it rock and hope no one pays attention to what’s being said or done, lol.

9.      Controversy(Controversy, 1981) – Isn’t it funny that this record was recorded over 30 years ago and people still ask the same basic ass questions that Prince addressed? Be easy, folks. Your curiosities should be satisfied. Prince isn’t ever one to back down from a challenge, and he surely isn’t going to slow down because he’s ruffling feathers. If you have any other questions, reference the music. Otherwise, I suggest you mind your business!

10.  D.M.S.R.(1999, 1982) – “Dance, Music, Sex, Romance” aka four things that I love when done right. Prince kept it entertaining in the 80s. My man would say the most outlandish things on a song, and have us singing along with him. This is a song where you have to sing it loud if you sing it at all. I love when he’s doing the call and response portion, lol.

11.  The Dance(3121, 2006) – Prince in love is interesting, but Prince frustrated by love is a completely different monster. “The Dance” is this slow, somewhat somber, cat and mouse song. It expresses the difficulty in putting yourself out there, and only being met part of the way. What’s crazy, he admits to being further invested than his partner, but sometimes we fall victim to our own convictions. We commit to things that we should really walk away from, because we’re too caught up. It’s not supposed to be like that, but we find ourselves in that trap at some point or another.

12.  Darling Nikki(Purple Rain, 1984) – Another one of those, “if it plays in public, I just face forward and act like I’m focused on something” jams. Nikki was a super freak, though. Invited him to the crib, made him sign a waiver, and then they got busy. Wow, Nikki wasn’t fuckin’ around either. Then she smooth rolled out and left her number for him to call. Nikki is one of the baddest female characters written by Prince.

13.  Diamonds and Pearls with Rosie Gaines(Diamonds and Pearls, 1991) – God, this song is beautiful. The video is amazing too. “Diamonds and Pearls”, for the music alone, is one of the all-time greatest Prince songs.  I know people who don’t really dig New Power Generation like that, but listen to the difference in the production for songs he performed with this band. It sounds fuller. And Rosie Gaines will always be one of my favorite vocalists. I get chills whenever I hear this song. It’s crazy how I still feel so strongly about it. Earlier today I watched the video, and I got really emotional out of nowhere. Lyrically, it’s perfection. People don’t give it enough credit, in my eyes.

14.  Erotic City (B-side to “Let’s Go Crazy”, 1984) – The “funk” or “fuck” argument is the one of the main reasons I can’t stop loving this song. When I worked for a music retailer, I played a lot of Prince. One of my many rivals walked in and said, “You can’t play this in here. He says ‘fuck’.” I was playing naïve. I did my best “Noooo. He’s saying funk.” Those were some funny times. Having to explain what Prince isn’t saying so you get to keep partying is always hilarious. Plus, it does jam.

15.  Forever In My Life(Sign ‘O’ The Times, 1987) – If you’ve done your research, you know Sign ‘O’ The Times is my favorite album by Prince. “Forever In My Life” is so simple and another honestly written love song. It’s nothing over the top, but just coming to a point where you feel good saying you need someone and you see them in your future. Love it.

16.  Fury(3121, 2006) – This is a modern Prince jam that I love. “Fury” is some more of that big, funky, scorned music. Resentment is what it is. As intense as love can be, finding out that the feeling isn’t reciprocated, or not as freely given, is enough to make somebody not like your ass. And when you feel slighted you don’t take it in stride. You need a way to get it off your chest. Unleashing that fury isn’t always the best way, but it gets the job done.

17.  Gett Off(Diamonds and Pearls, 1991) – Purple people are freaks, but we’re proud to be freaks. “Gett Off” is the shit. From the moment you hear the beginning, you know it’s about to get real. Prince hits the nail on the head with this. “How can I put this in a way so as not to offend or unnerve”. Keep your prudish ways away from this man because they do not stand a chance. I don’t even mind Prince rapping on this one. It kinda makes the song.

18.  The Greatest Romance Ever Sold(Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic, 1999) – I’m just a sucker for a beautiful love song. Originality in songs about love is not a problem for Prince. Cliché writing makes me want to punch people in the face. Because if you’re not going to express your true feelings in a way that is unique to the love you’re in, why bother writing at all? The way he writes about love has me yearning to feel it for myself. I know that’s a little weird, but it’s true. I either want to write love songs because of the brilliance of his love songs, or I want the love he’s describing so wonderfully.

19.  I Can’t Make U Love Me(Emancipation, 1996) – I love Prince covers. (That’s not to be confused with me loving songs by Prince covered by other artists. They can stop.) Prince changed the soundscape of this song. He turned it into this sexy slow jam. It’s less sad than I normally hear it. Still the sentiment isn’t lost. You want to be wanted, and when that person doesn’t want you like you want them, a piece of them seems better than none. Again, we’re not taught love as a formula or something that has a certain outcome. We’re learning it as we go.  All we can do is offer the most honest interpretation of love we know. Sometimes it pays off and sometimes… Well, it doesn’t.

20.  I Could Never Take The Place of Your Man(Sign ‘O’ The Times, 1987) – There’s that album I can’t stay away from again, lol. Prince tells a story about a heartbroken girl, looking to forget about the hurt with him. Now Prince surprised me with his decision not to indulge, but I understand. She’s looking to replace that man, and Prince isn’t really trying to fill that spot. Going back to the concert film, Prince was adorable performing this one.

21.  I Hate U(The Gold Experience, 1995) – Why am I attracted to music like this? I’m emotional as hell in terms of the music I enjoy. If I can’t play a song that perfectly describes my mood, it hasn’t been written. This is the greatest piece of Prince scorned. The Gold Experience has some gems. “I Hate U” is the finished product of “Why U Wanna Treat Me So Bad” if you ask me. Taking my love for you for granted will definitely lead to me hating you. Ignoring how I feel about you and purposely trying to hurt me will also make me hate you. She stepped out on him, and he was PISSED! And it only hurt so much because he really loved her. Of course this is just how I interpret these lyrics. Not saying this is gospel.

22.  I Wanna Be Your Lover(Prince, 1979) – Again, if this were a video appreciation post, HIS HAIR WAS LAID! This is a just a cute number stating that he wants to be it for you. Who doesn’t want to hear that? He’s volunteering to be everything. Now if Prince ever wanted to extend that offer my way, I wouldn’t hesitate to say yaaaaaaassssssss. Because I already love him, it would be easier than breathing.

23.  I’m Yours(For You, 1978) – Finally, some debut album Prince. The guitar solo on this joint is INSANE! Testing out his skills as an engineer, you hear Prince doing quite a number on this track. Prince goes from 0 to 60 in record timing on some songs. He’s never really tentative about love. It’s either this immediate life changing thing, or it’s heartbreaking and devastating. The good thing is, you always get something dope out of it.

24.  If I Was Your Girlfriend(Sign ‘O’ the Times, 1987) – Camille was out there killing it. This is another great love song. You want to be this in love. I’m an intense person; this type of love wouldn’t bother me. I’m probably not always going to be up for this, but I will find it extremely endearing.  Friendship can only strengthen any love you feel. The best part of this song is how desperately he wants her to confide in him the way she does her girlfriends. And the end is especially entertaining. If at all possible, avoid listening to the short version of this song. Always play the album version.

25.  Joy In Repetition(Graffiti Bridge, 1990) – I was singing this one last week. Lawd, the beauty of this one is unreal. Graffiti Bridge as a film is not my favorite thing, but the soundtrack is epic. “Joy In Repetition” is such a good groove. I love the way it’s paced. The buildup is smooth. Prince allows this story to unfold very well. I’m in love with the way he sings this song. ”Up on the mic repeating two words, over and over again…” I feel this song on me as it plays. Incredible track.

26.  Just As Long As We’re Together(For You, 1978) – This is my favorite song on For You. He’s such a love-struck dork on it. And it’s really sweet. I sing this one and I automatically start grinning like a fool. You can’t play this song and not fall in love with it. He’s so giving on this one too. If you’re like me, you just love how it plays because it’s such a fun record.

27.  Letitgo(Come, 1992) – Funk is in full effect. All I’m going to say about this: YOU CAN’T TELL ME HE DOESN’T KILL THIS. Prince hits the nail on the head with this one. Not only is this a cold groove, but it stands out as the only record that sounds like this on Come. It’s hard hitting, funky, and full of energy. People sleep on this album, but he took some risks that really worked in his favor on here.

28.  Love(3121, 2006) – Majority of these songs are either love songs, or they’re just discussing love. Love is another modern era Prince jam. It’s about trying to make peace in a relationship where one party is a little less willing to compromise. You can’t set ridiculous terms and expect someone not to object to more than a few of them. In order to love, you have to be willing to give. If it’s just a bunch of arguments and pointless sacrifices, you’re better off alone.

29.  Love Sign ft. Nona Gaye(1-800 New Funk, 1994) – Prince was stone cold pimpin’ in this stage. (By the way, shout outs to Ice Cube for directing this music video.) Nona Gaye is assisting on this one. Prince has a very simple message, make some love and let your problems fall. I support this just because I’m not a person who gets all into fights and needless conflict. The most confrontation you get from me is a debate. And even then, it’s probably not that serious. Make love, y’all.

30.  The Marrying Kind(Musicology, 2004) – This joint is MEAN! It’s also short. Prince is just out there scooping up chicks fresh off their breakups. And he’s doing it masterfully too. He told baby girl that he warned her man that she was worth marrying. Now, that’s an easy way to look good in her eyes, but I’m still judging my baby for that move. She is fragile, and he’s out there putting the moves on her. I dig it because it jams so hard, though.

31.  A Million Days(Musicology, 2004) – Loneliness in Prince’s music is explored in ways you wouldn’t believe. For someone who has had his share of women, you see how that isn’t exactly the most rewarding feat in the long run. Not being able to tell the only person you want to talk to how you feel sucks. Hell, not seeing that person, knowing whether they’re alright or just knowing they still care enough to come around is some crushing shit to experience. And that’s not to say that they don’t have their reasons, but it still doesn’t make it hurt less.

32.  The Most Beautiful Girl In The World(The Gold Experience, 1995) – Prince in love is everything. He’s pretty much always everything if you ask me. But this one is really sweet. And have you seen the video? Oh my God, it’s so beautiful. I know, when would you see the video, but if you can find it, sit down and watch it. I love music videos and this one if definitely worth the watch.

33.  My Name is Prince(O(+>, 1994) – “In the beginning, God made the sea, but on the 7^th day, he made ME”. No lies were told. I’m not okay with Prince rapping all the time. But I am here for Prince’s love of Prince. Hell, I share that love, lol. This song is HILARIOUS! And even the video cracks me up. Prince was out there getting down. NPG was out there acting a fool too. I can dig it, though.

34.  New Power Generation(Graffiti Bridge, 1990) – Bruh, this song goes hard. I know I talk about everything like that’s my jam, but trust me. THIS IS MY JAM! As soon as this song starts on my iPod, I get my life. Yet another time where I must point out his hair being laid. God, Prince has some incredible hair. I’d hate it if I didn’t absolutely love it. I didn’t even mind him having a beard. So you know it’s real. You gotta get up and shake something when this comes on. And there’s a good message in here too.

35.  New Power Soul(New Power Soul, 1998) – Mid-tempo groove. I’m here for it. Why wouldn’t I love a song where you get to chant “get freaky”? Played this one a couple of days ago. Talk about getting my life. I know people were passing me like, “what the hell is she listening to?” That’s most days, though. I get really involved when I’m listening to my iPod. So when you add Prince to the mix, it’s a wrap.

36.  Nothing Compares 2 U with Rosie Gaines(The Hits + B-Sides, 1993) – Been a minute since I discussed a ballad. Prince and Rosie Gaines perform this live at an after show. That has to be incredible rewarding and very intimate to witness. I love this version of this song. Their chemistry on anything is unreal, but on this song, I believe this love story. I’m so grateful that this is the only version my mom played. Sinead is cool, but Prince is King. His version always wins. No competition.

37.  Old Friends 4 Sale(The Vault: Old Friends 4 Sale, 1999) – Last year Questlove made me so jealous when he said Prince performed this joint with a full horn section. I nearly shit myself just from scrolling my timeline. Prince does jazz. And he handles it with such skill. I actually love this one because it’s a little dark. It’s my “leave me alone, I’m brooding” song. There’s a pain to his voice that you never really hear on his other songs about loneliness. There’s something weird about how much I identify with this song. But I really love it.

38.  The One(New Power Soul, 1998) – The fact that this song still puts me in a trance is everything. I first heard this song as a cashier in a music store. My manager was nearly as obsessed with Prince as I am. So he had a leg up on me with the age difference and better access to music. I wasn’t hip to this album. But I soon learned. He wrote this for his then wife, but we don’t talk about that. Prince can write the hell out of a love song. I just need to keep bringing that fact up.

39.  Pop Life(Around The World In A Day, 1985) – “What’s the matter with your life?” Prince, you got a minute? Because there’s a lot wrong at the moment. On a serious note, Prince just has a quirky way of making something relatable into something you can jam to. The extended mix to this one, though. When he asks, “What the matter with your sex? Is 15 minutes your best?” Bruh, I died! He was out here giving no type of fucks.

40.  Private Joy(Controversy, 1981) – What do you think this song is about? I’m only asking because I really love it, but I know it’s not just about getting a kick out of something that no one knows about.  It’s an adorable tune, though. I love the way he laid this one down. You just have to love a man who knows how to have fun recording. Music is the sexiest thing ever, so when you combine his handsome ass and all of that talent, sheesh. He’s a walking orgasm.

41.  Purple Rain(Purple Rain, 1984) – “Purple Rain” doesn’t make this list just for being “Purple Rain”. I really do love this song. Recently it’s made me tear up whenever I watch the film. I just like the fact that the song is so emotional for Prince. Last year some awesome person put the footage of the first time he played it at First Avenue, and I watched it like my life depended on it. I got chills. It’s even cooler knowing just how much of the recorded version contains elements from that performance. I felt like everything else in the world was of no consequence, because I just watched history.

42.  Right Back Here In My Arms(Emancipation, 1996) – Emancipation was epic. They were all over Prince when he did that run. Hell, I was all over Prince during that run. Loved his goatee something fierce. Whoo lawd. He was fine. Anyway, “Right Back Here In My Arms” is one of those grooves that I put on when I’m feeling nostalgic. Again, Prince makes epic songs about loneliness. Perhaps I am confessing something with how much I enjoy songs about loneliness. I don’t even mind the rapping on this one.

43.  She’s Always In My Hair (B-Side to “Raspberry Beret”, 1985) – Can you blame anyone for always being in Prince’s hair? Oh my God, his mane is gorgeous. It frames such a beautiful face. Who wouldn’t want to be in his hair? What I love about this one is how hard he jams. That unconditional level of love someone expresses for their significant other is what I love. Everything about them does it for you. No matter whether they’re up or down, having you in their corner is enough to keep them going.

44.  Shhh(The Gold Experience, 1995) – Tevin Campbell’s version ain’t got shit on the man’s. It’s bigger, it’s badder and it’s sexier. The entire tone is set after he does that killer opener. Those drums bring it to life. Plus he has this guitar solo on it. My God. I am more in love with him with every guitar solo. Sometimes I just crank the volume on this one just to get lost in the music. By the way, Prince had his best engineering phase in the 90s. There is no debating this with me. Listen to how tight these mixes were. Give the man his props.

45.  Shoo-Bed-Ooh(New Power Soul, 1998) – Prince offers this cautionary tale to women who might be entirely too giving of themselves to the underserving. I only wish more people jammed these records from him too. Ultimately, it’s a groove, but it’s just kicking some game to people who need to learn it. Hell, I’m glad I know it by heart. Preventing myself from learning another hard lesson in the future. Thanks, P!

46.  Sign ‘O’ The Times(Sign ‘O’ The Times, 1987) – Do you want to know my favorite part of this song? “Sign of the times, mess with your mind, hurry before it’s too late. Let’s fall in love, get married, have a baby. We’ll call him Nate— If it’s a boy.” I have loved that part since I was a child. Prince was clearly trolling, but I don’t mind. He’s my heart. I’ll let him troll.

47.  Slave(Emancipation, 1996) – “Everybody keeps trying to break my heart, everybody except for me.” Prince wrote the angst filled soundtrack to my 20s. Now I was nowhere near 20 when this came out, but this was epic foreshadowing. Yaaaasssss, tell my life, boo. Seriously, though, Prince pretty much had enough of people trying him. Warner Bros. was trippin’. Media kept trying it. “Slave” always gets airtime with me.

48.  Slow Love(Sign ‘O’ The Times, 1987) – Man, I dig this one. The way he performed it during the concert film was EVERYTHING! Pretty conservative of him too. He didn’t get raw on it at all. It’s beautiful, though. My baby was over there crooning. I was here for it too. Yes I was.

49.  Somebody’s Somebody(Emancipation, 1996) – Oh, my love. This song right here is probably my favorite out of all three discs of Emancipation. It’s another groove about loneliness. Although Prince is insanely popular and in love at the time this is released, it’s still my jam. (Sidenote: The Love Symbol jacket with the Gemini sign on the arm [worn in the video] is BAD ASS! I want that coat so damn bad.) My love for this song is a combination of my being antisocial and entirely over being told I shouldn’t be single by random men, yet not being worth the effort to date. What is that shit? You just want to belong to someone. It wouldn’t be the worst thing that’s happened to me.

50.  Somewhere Here On Earth(Planet Earth, 2007) – His fashion in this video, lawd. This is my little secret admirer jam. So when I get to that point where I’m just longing for no damn reason, I remind myself that that someone is somewhere on this planet. Call it corny, whatever. And that someone most of the time is Prince, lol. I love him and that is not a secret. Why do you think I openly refer to him as my baby?

51.  Starfish and Coffee(Sign ‘O’ The Times, 1987) – This song is the absolute cutest. You can really tell he enjoyed himself writing this one when you listen to it. Funny story, I was actually being interviewed for a job, and the man considering me for the position was a HUGE Prince fan. In the middle of the interview he definitely asked me had I heard this song. Now not only is it one of my favorite songs ever, I’m always reminded of that job interview. (By the way, I did get the job. Prince fans rock.)

52.  Strange Relationship(Sign ‘O’ The Times, 1987) – I’m going to take time to really discuss my love of this song. No anecdote will accompany this one, but listen to me when I tell you, it is my SHIT. “Strange Relationship” is kinda petty, but I 100% identify with those emotions. You’re so in love with someone, that despite that love, you cannot stand seeing them too happy about something, but would never want to see them too down. You don’t treat them like crap on purpose, yet you know how to push their buttons. It’s not abusing their love for you; it’s kinda just reminding yourself that you always have them, even where you’re at your worst or being the worst. It would be horrible to face life without them, yet you know how to get rid of them when you need time alone. The title fits. Strange relationship indeed.

53.  Strollin’(Diamonds and Pearls, (1991) – I like when Prince makes cute songs about nothing in particular because it gives me a reason to be inexplicably happy. There’s no better way for me to explain “Strollin’”. It’s honestly an insanely cute song about absolutely nothing. They’re just enjoying good weather by taking a drive. Kinda like the “Take Me With You” of Diamonds and Pearls. I love it.

54.  (There’ll Never B) Another Like Me(MPLSound, 2009) – Do I care that this is super self-indulgent and narcissistic? Nope. He’s 100% correct. There will never be another like him. Prince is one of a kind. I am always quick to say there will never be another one. People imitate and do what they feel is their best impression, but they can’t even come close. Plus, it’s a groove. I get my life to this one as well.

55.  Thieves In The Temple(Graffiti Bridge, 1990) – Bruh, “Thieves In The Temple” has been my shit since Sega Genesis was poppin’. (My parents honestly played a lot of Prince when I was a child. It’s really the foundation of my completely healthy obsession with him.) This jam is real. You hear the anger at the betrayal. Prince was not here for that shit. Yung, you know when I actually realized he wasn’t wearing pants during the dance sequence in this video? I was super late. That was like 5 years ago, lol. I didn’t even care, though. This is Prince, we’re talking about. We’ve all seen his ass before.

56.  Thunder(Diamonds and Pearls, 1991) – Prince makes sexy gospel. I’m okay with going to hell for saying this. Trust me, I’ve come to terms with my deviant ways. But the fact still remains; this man has some sexy songs about God. This one is epic too. Way to open Diamonds and Pearls in incredible fashion. Album openers are really tough for some people. But since the Nude Tour accompanied this run, he needed something he could take on the road. Boy did he deliver. He sang the hell out of this. I love it,

57.  Uptown(Dirty Mind, 1980) – Baby girl tried it. My baby was minding his business when this woman stopped him. He thought this was about to turn into some action, then she went reaching and questioning about his sexuality. Prince being the bad ass motherfucker he is, set her straight real quick. He even took pity on the child for being confined to the ideals set by society. Life lessons got delivered on that track. None of that speculative shit really matters. Just live a good life and don’t worry about those things.

58.  Wasted Kisses(New Power Soul, 1998) – I call this a hindsight jam. One of my biggest pet peeves is knowing I wasted time caring about people who ultimately weren’t worth it. I figured that shit out too late, but at least I have an appropriate soundtrack whenever it happens again. Except that shit ain’t happening again on my watch. Fuck that, lol.

59.  We Can Funk with George Clinton(Graffiti Bridge, 1990) – Prince said he could rewrite the Kama Sutra “in half as many words”. Not only does that pique my curiosity, it has me volunteering for the shit. The things this man does with his voice. I don’t care what anyone says, that man turns those screams all the way out. I’m completely in love with his voice no matter what he does with it.

60.  When Doves Cry(Purple Rain, 1984) – It’s here for the epic video and because it’s the jam. Even though there’s no performance of it in Purple Rain, you don’t forget its place in that film. There’s no way you can tell me it’s not one of the biggest songs of the 80s. Hell, Purple Rain was one of the biggest events of the 80s. For anyone who thinks Prince happened under a rock, think again. Prince rivaled the sun as the brightest star during his Purple Reign. Recognize, fool.

61.  When You Were Mine(Prince, 1979) – A regret jam. Prince has a lot of feelings, clearly. My boo wasn’t winning at love in a lot of his early works. People were either using him or weren’t fully appreciating him. He clearly needed to pick better company. She was doing him dirty too. And he stayed down. Probably staring at her with adorable puppy eyes. It’s okay, boo. You don’t need her. I’m here for you. Oops. Sorry, I got caught up.

62.  The Word(3121, 2006) – One more sexy gospel song. I swear to you, it is. I don’t know what it is about this one. I just want to get closer to God when I hear it. That’s not a metaphor, but I’ve heard it used as one. Don’t ask where. There are people who—never mind. You heard nothing. But I really do dig it. Definitely used to play this on Sunday mornings when I was heading to work. Because someone had to pray for the fools I would encounter.

63.  17 Days (B-Side to “When Doves Cry”, 1984) – Last but not least, yet another jam about loneliness. I can’t stress how much I love these songs. Perhaps because I’m a loner, so I really shouldn’t be bothered by loneliness. Yet there are times when you aren’t choosing to be alone, it’s just that the people you want to be around, don’t care to come around. So you learn to deal. Eventually you want them around less. And you learn to enjoy your own company. It’s how I got over missing folks.

Well that took way longer than expected. Damn, the entire day passed while I typed this thing up. Sheesh! Take that, 25 songs. I gave you 63 this time around. This is the last time too. I’ll repost this bitch annually. Prince really does mean quite a lot to me. I honestly cannot express it in a way better than gushing. He’s exceptional. I know that I will never love an artist more. Thank you for enduring the length of this post. Let me know if you have any favorite songs I didn’t mention. I’ll be sure to check them out. I’m going to continue watching Vh1Soul because this Prince Soul Story is giving me life.

Peace, Hip Hop & Purple Rain

Prince lyrics

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6 years ago today. I’ll never stop missing him.