Losing Prince doesn’t seem possible. Forces of nature don’t just leave us. They resonate in our core; they leave a mark on our world.
Hearing the news that Prince Rogers Nelson has expired from our mortal world leaves many of us Prince fans shaken to our foundations. Where do I turn when another rock icon leaves us? The comfort of my headphones to enjoy and appreciate a true artist and visionary that brought the world so much song and dance.
Herein is my Prince top 5 songs of all time list. I hope you agree, but I suspect you have some favorites of your own. Check out our entertainment reporter Charles Runnells’ awesome list as well. Share your Top 5 list in the comments.
The artist known as Prince has died at 57
5. ‘Gett Off’
My only submission after 1986. Old Prince has always been where the groundbreaking work would lie, and Prince entered a period where I felt like he was taking himself a little too seriously. “Gett Off” felt like one of the few exceptions, a song that captured the essence of the Sexy MF that we remembered from the early 80s. My favorite line: “Tonight, you’re a star – and I’m the Big Dipper”.
4. ‘I Wanna Be Your Lover’
It still amazes me to this day that Prince’s true debut LP to America came out in 1979. It was so far ahead of its time, breathing into us all that is sexy and mysterious about this man and his music. The pop hooks on the album are slick and addictive, and ‘Lover’ to me as pure and catchy a pop song as you’ll find.
My top 10 Prince songs
3. ‘1999’
The title track of Prince’s fifth album is the closest thing to unlocking the genius he would unleash on the world with his amazing sixth album, “Purple Rain.” This magnum opus is a staple of any party to end the world that you were attending. Mr. DJ: If you wanted the night to feel memorable, make sure you play this track and let loose.
2. ‘Kiss’
For me, I like extremes in music. Either a symphony of sound like you get on 1999, or just a drum track, Prince’s unmistakable guitar licks and a little bit of synth with Prince’s falsetto will do the trick. In the case of “Kiss,” simplicity reigns supreme, and pop perfection isn’t far away.
1. Purple Rain (The entire album)
I stole this from my buddy Charles Runnells, who wrote a Prince Top Songs list of his own. Let’s face it: This is his masterpiece: An album beyond compare, and although the film is as cheesy as they come, the sonic work that drives it is otherworldy, and a sound that still holds today. Instead, I’ll do a top 6 from Purple Rain and leave it at that:
6. “Darling Nikki”
5. “Baby, I’m a Star”
4. “Computer Blue”
3. “When Doves Cry”
2. “Let’s Go Crazy”
1. “Purple Rain”
Every song is a star.
What’s your top 5 song list by the Purple One, Prince?
Share them with us in the comments — or on Facebook.
Cory O’Donnell is Digital Engagement Editor for The News-Press and news-press.com. You can connect with him via Twitter: @CoryODonnell.
