Released as a successful single from the monumental Purple Rain soundtrack by Prince and The Revolution, this song showcased their infectious synth-funk sound. Its upbeat tempo, layered keyboards, LinnDrum beat, and Prince's passionate vocal delivery made it another major international hit from the iconic album.

This vibrant 1984 track blends synth-pop accessibility with undeniable funk rhythm. With lyrics expressing ultimate, almost spiritual devotion, "I Would Die 4 U" stands as a powerful anthem and a key component of Prince's revolutionary sound during his commercial peak.

SONG MEANING: The song is an intense declaration of unconditional love and devotion, elevating the singer's commitment to a spiritual or messianic level ("I'm not a woman / I'm not a man / I am something that you'll never understand"). The repeated promise, "I would die for you," signifies ultimate self-sacrifice for the object of their profound affection.

Featured on the monumental soundtrack Purple Rain, "Darling Nikki" showcased Prince's fearless approach to music and subject matter. Its atmospheric verses build to a powerful hard rock climax, driven by Prince's dynamic vocals and blistering guitar work, creating an unforgettable musical statement.

This famous 1984 rock track became a focal point of controversy due to its explicit content, contributing directly to the creation of Parental Advisory labels. Its raw energy, bold narrative, and blend of hard rock power make "Darling Nikki" a significant and unforgettable piece in Prince's vast catalog.

SONG MEANING: The song explicitly details a sexual encounter between the narrator and a provocative woman named Nikki ("I guess you could say she was a sex fiend"). The lyrics describe meeting her in a hotel lobby while she was masturbating and their subsequent time together, presenting a raw and uninhibited portrayal of sexuality.

Released as the first single from the monumental Purple Rain soundtrack album, "When Doves Cry" became Prince's first US number one hit and a global phenomenon. Its revolutionary soundscape, featuring layered keyboards, a distinctive LinnDrum pattern, searing guitar work, and Prince's virtuosic multi-instrumental talent, broke all conventions of pop and rock music.

This legendary 1984 track explores complex themes over an innovative blend of experimental pop, neo-psychedelia, funk, soul, avant-pop, and synth-pop. "When Doves Cry," with its haunting melody and emotional depth, remains one of Prince's most acclaimed and influential signature songs, a true landmark recording.

SONG MEANING: The song delves into the complexities of a tumultuous romantic relationship, exploring how parental dynamics and inherited traits might influence it ("Maybe I'm just like my father," "Maybe you're just like my mother"). The imagery of doves crying symbolizes innocence lost or the sound of profound sadness and conflict within the relationship.

Released as the lead single from Prince and The Revolution's chart-topping 1985 album Around the World in a Day, "Raspberry Beret" showcased a stylistic evolution. Its breezy pop melody, infused with psychedelic pop flourishes like finger cymbals and string arrangements, created an unforgettable sound.

This beloved 1985 classic tells a sweet story of young romance with Prince's signature flair. Its memorable hooks, gentle rhythm, and unique blend of pop accessibility with neo-psychedelic textures make "Raspberry Beret" one of his most enduring and joyful hits.

SONG MEANING: The song narrates a charming story about meeting a girl wearing the titular "raspberry beret" while working at a five-and-dime store. It recounts their quirky initial encounter and subsequent first romantic experience ("riding down by old man Johnson's farm"), capturing the innocence, awkwardness, and excitement of young love.

Released as the second single from Prince's breakthrough album 1999, "Little Red Corvette" soared into the Top 10, solidifying his superstar status. Its sophisticated production combined LinnDrum beats, atmospheric synthesizers, searing rock guitar, and Prince's dynamic vocals into a unique post-disco/funk/pop/rock fusion.

This classic 1983 track masterfully uses automotive metaphors to describe an intense, fleeting sexual encounter. From its slow-burn verses to the powerful chorus, "Little Red Corvette," with its blend of synth-pop cool and dance-rock energy, remains one of Prince's most enduring signature songs.

SONG MEANING: The song uses the "Little Red Corvette" as an extended metaphor for a fast, intense, and ultimately temporary sexual relationship with an experienced woman ("I guess I should've known / By the way you parked your car sideways / That it wouldn't last"). The lyrics detail the passionate encounter while acknowledging its fleeting nature.

Released as a chart-topping single by Prince and The Revolution from the monumental Purple Rain soundtrack, "Let's Go Crazy" became an instant classic. Its powerful combination of driving guitars, prominent synthesizers, a relentless beat, and Prince's dynamic vocals defined the ambitious funk rock sound of the era.

From its sermon-like spoken intro to the blistering guitar solo finale, this 1984 hard rock masterpiece is pure energy. "Let's Go Crazy" encourages listeners to embrace life and overcome negativity, solidifying its place as one of Prince's most iconic and enduring signature songs.

SONG MEANING: The song serves as an exuberant call to celebrate life and overcome negativity ("Let's go crazy / Let's get nuts"). Starting with a mock eulogy about navigating "this thing called life," it urges listeners to make the most of their existence and resist forces that bring them down ("the de-elevator"), embracing joy and excitement before reaching the "afterworld."

Released as the final single from the monumental Purple Rain album, "Take Me With U" showcased Prince's versatility, charting successfully in 1985. Its rich blend of psychedelic pop, rock, and soul elements, featuring shared vocals and ornate orchestration, offered a contrast to the album's funkier hits.

Credited to Prince and The Revolution, this 1985 track captivates with its swirling keyboards, layered harmonies, and romantic plea. Representing the more psychedelic pop/rock side of the Purple Rain era, "Take Me With U" remains a beloved, atmospheric deep cut from Prince's legendary catalog.

SONG MEANING: This duet between Prince and Apollonia expresses a mutual desire for companionship and shared experience. The lyrics are a simple, earnest plea to join the other person on their journey, wherever it may lead ("Take me with U / Don't care where U R goin'"), emphasizing a wish to face life together rather than alone.

This masterpiece from the album and film of the same name showcases Prince's extraordinary talent and musical vision. "Purple Rain" transcends genre boundaries, fusing elements of funk-pop with stirring gospel undertones, creating an unforgettable anthem. The track is particularly renowned for Prince's passionate delivery and a truly great guitar solo that resonates with raw emotion.

As a defining song of the 1980s, "Purple Rain" highlights Prince's innovative artistry and his ability to connect with listeners on a profound level. Its blend of pop rock sensibility, R&B soul, funk-pop groove, and psychedelic atmosphere, crowned by an epic guitar solo, ensures its timeless appeal and enduring legacy in music history.

SONG MEANING: "Purple Rain" is often interpreted as a metaphor for the end of the world, a new beginning, or finding divine guidance in a time of confusion. Prince himself explained that "purple rain" pertains to being with the one you love and letting your faith in God guide you through the purple rain, or the end times. It’s a song about survival, love, and seeking solace.

Released as a successful Top 10 single from Prince's breakthrough album 1999, "Delirious" showcased his unique fusion sound. Its blend of funk rock attitude, new wave synth layers, and irresistible pop sensibility, powered by a LinnDrum machine beat, captivated audiences worldwide.

This energetic 1983 track features Prince's distinctive falsetto describing the dizzying effects of infatuation over a minimalist yet driving arrangement. "Delirious," with its high-pitched synth riff and playful vibe, remains a prime example of Prince's early 80s innovative funk rock style.

SONG MEANING: The song describes the overwhelming and disorienting feeling of intense infatuation or lust ("I get delirious whenever you're near"). The singer details losing control, feeling nervous, and acting foolishly simply due to the powerful effect the object of their affection has on them, capturing the intoxicating "delirium" of strong attraction.