Rewind: Prince (Singles Discography)

The 21st of April 2026 will mark the ten (10) year anniversary of the untimely death of The Purple One. Who is The Purple One who may ask? It is none other than Prince Rogers Nelson known mononymously as Prince. He earned this nickname because of his strong association with the color purple, primarily established by his highly successful 1984 album and film, Purple Rain. He died at the age of 57. He was found dead at his home, Paisley Park Studios, in Chanhassen, Minnesota following an accidental fentanyl overdose. That's enough sad stuff! This post is a celebration of his life and time as a legendary musical artist. Prince was a pioneer as he is often credited as having a monumental influence on modern music and being a trailblazer who established the Minneapolis sound and just being the greatest musicians of his generation and among the greatest of all time. 

Many artists have cited Prince as an influence and inspiration, including Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Usher, Janelle Monáe, the Weeknd, Lady Gaga, Lorde, Marilyn Manson, Lenny Kravitz, André 3000, Mark Speer, Jamie Lidell, Dua Lipa, Frank Ocean, Miguel, Mya, Robyn, D'Angelo, H.E.R., Ciara, The-Dream, St. Vincent, Ween, and Beck. As a performer, he was known for his flamboyant style and showmanship. He came to be regarded as a sex symbol for his androgynous, amorphous sexuality, play with signifiers of gender, and defiance of racial stereotypes. Prince has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His awards include the Grammy President's Merit Award, the American Music Awards for Achievement and of Merit, the Billboard Icon Award, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2016, the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2024, and twice into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame in 2022.

Excerpt taken from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_(musician)#

So with that mind I have decided to share my top 12 favourite tracks from his iconic discography throughout his distinguished career. The tunes that were chosen represent singles which are songs that were released to multiple formats to promote his various albums. The songs are listed in chronological order based on the release date of her albums and is not ranked in terms of personal favourability.

Here is the list of my top 12 favourite singles from Prince:

1. When Doves Cry from Purple Rain (1984)

2. Let's Go Crazy from Purple Rain (1984)

3. Purple Rain from Purple Rain (1984)

4. I Would Die 4 U from Purple Rain (1984)

5. Kiss from Parade (1986)

6. Batdance from Batman

7. Get Off from Diamonds and Pearls (1991)

8. Cream from Diamonds and Pearls (1991)

9. Diamonds and Pearls from Diamonds and Pearls (1991)

10. Black Sweat from 3121 (2006)

11. Breakfast Can Wait from Art Official Age (2013)

12. Nothing Compares 2 U from Originals (2018)

Honourable Mentions:

1999 from 1999 (1982)

Little Red Corvette from 1999 (1983)

Raspberry Beret from Around the World in a Day (1985)

What are your favourite singles from Prince?

Let me know in the comment section!