Purple Rain Songs Ranked
Purple Rain is the sixth studio album by American recording artist Prince, released on June 25, 1984, by Warner Bros. Records and the soundtrack to the 1984 film of the same name. Purple Rain was musically denser than Prince’s previous albums, emphasizing full band performances, and multiple layers of guitars, keyboards, electronic synthesizer effects, drum machines, and other instruments. Music critics noted the innovative and experimental aspects of the soundtrack’s music, most famously on the spare, bass-less “When Doves Cry”. Other aspects of the music, especially its synthesis of electronic elements with organic instrumentation and full-band performances along with its consolidation of rock and R&B, were identified by critics as distinguishing, even experimental factors. Purple Rain is regularly ranked among the greatest albums of all time. Rolling Stone ranked the album number eight on its list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry list of sound recordings that “are culturally, historically, or aesthetically important”. Here are all of Purple Rain’s songs ranked.
Don’t miss out on the TIMELESS music of Prince. Click below and listen to the songs of one of the greatest artists of all time!
9. Take Me With U
“The strings are phenomenally mixed being as psychedelic as it is anthemic. The acoustic guitar is an amazing switch while the track still sounds Prince as fuck. With a typical Prince topic, the instrumental makes it more adventurous and anthemic. Apollonias performance is a nice addition too. Overall, another one of my favorites and is a continuation of a strong run.”
8. Computer Blue
“Probably the funkiest track on the album. It’s like a mixture of the first two tracks with the aesthetic of a 1999 track. The synths are quirky and the drums are very artificial and playful. There is not that much involved with this track but the song is still funky and the guitar solo is my second favorite guitar part on this album. Overall, another amazing track. It’s super funky and an underrated track on the album to say the least.”
7. Baby I’m a Star
“It’s probably the least impactful track but it’s still an adventurous track. It kind of reminds me of something off of a Mariokart soundtrack around the hard level. the chorus is anthemic and the production is nice. Overall, this is really the only track on the album that I would consider…filler.”
See more: Prince Albums Ranked
6. Darling Nikki
“Prince writes a song about sex. The story is Prince meeting a girl masturbating with a porno-mag and since she was horny, they had a good time in the bedroom. Prince woke up with her number which makes it a happy ending I guess? overall, the track is insanely raunchy but I don’t mind. It’s probably my least favorite track on the album but its still good.”
5. The Beautiful Ones
“The ballad on the album. Prince at the time was interested in a girl who was already taken and he is trying to turn her over. It’s easily the most powerful song on the first song. All 3 tracks are totally different from one another and have totally different moods and this one is probably the biggest outlier. Overall, one hell of a song and I love it a lot.”
4. Let’s Go Crazy
“The optimistic opener starts off with a eulogy like spoken word which is too this point is nothing but iconic. The very iconic Prince style drums than appear. It’s a Prince-styled rock song to say the least. It’s a mixture of multiple genres. It had elements of Hard Rock, New Wave and Funk. Overall, it’s iconic and an amazing intro”
See more: Prince Songs Ranked
3. I Would Die 4 U
“The High energy dance beat. It’s a lot like an alternative dance track. The lyrics is still about love and how Prince is in love with a girl that he would die for. The band is back after the previous tracks were all Prince. The beat is chaotic with a very desperate track that is super fitting. Overall, another highlight on the album.”
2. Purple Rain
“The funkadelic inspired anthem is the Prince track everyone knows. One of the most known light shiners. Made specifically for the soundtrack, it sounds like it. It’s a very live sounding track without sounding like concert quality music. Overall, it’s nothing but epic.”
1. When Doves Cry
“The second longest track on the album is probably the best. Yes I think this is the superior track to Purple Rain.There is no bass which gives it endless tension. The whole song is heartbreaking with a sad topic about how peace is ruined and saying that this is what it sounds like when the symbol of peace cry. The instrumental is still funky although it’s still causing endless tension. It’s one of “those” anthems. It’s very similar to what Andre 3000 did on Hey Ya. Overall, one of the best songs of all time. Easily the best Prince song in my opinion.”
