Because I’ve grown up in Minnesota my whole life and am very interested in music, Prince’s name was bound to come up eventually. When I was around ten years old, my dad gave me his old boombox for my room and a box of CD’s to explore through. The first CD I grabbed from the box was Prince’s 1986 album Parade. I listened to that album for hours on end as a ten year old, it was one of the key soundtracks to my childhood. As I got older, I dove deeper and deeper into Prince’s discography and fell in love with all of his work. He is so talented in every aspect of music and to think all of this happened so close to where I live. Today I will be reviewing Prince’s 1984 album Purple Rain.

Let’s Go Crazy – 10/10 

There’s only one word to describe this song. Masterpiece. The intro is so iconic. You play this intro anywhere and someone will recognize it. In a way it is like Prince’s anthem.  When the beat drops you literally have to dance, it is like this song controls you. The creativity and energy within this track is unmatched. The guitar solo later in the song is also one of the best. Prince is such an underrated guitarist in my opinion. He is one of the best to do it. This song is just pure art, and to start an album off with a track this good is a statement only Prince could make. I give this song a 10/10.

Take Me With You – 9.5/10

The drum solo to begin this song is so brilliant. It is a big time drum solo that leads into a more mellowed out love anthem. I just love the balance so far within this album. His vocals are so interesting as well. He gets his point across not only through his words, but through his actual voice. He uses it like a tool to invoke emotions from the listener. I love this track so much. I give it a 9.5/10. 

The Beautiful Ones – 9/10  

This has always been a special song to me. It was like the first “slow” song other than “Purple Rain” that I fell in love with. The way the keys bounce throughout the entire track is kind of just relaxing to listen to. His voice is just perfect in this as well, he has so much control over his vocals. I give this song a 9/10. 

Computer Blue – 8.5/10 

I love the creativity and heavy rock aspects behind this song. This is a more hardcore funky song and I am all here for it. When the guitar solo hits, it is the best part of the entire song. The way he can create so many emotions with his guitar, and change the whole direction of the song is so impressive. I give this song an 8.5/10.

Darling Nikki – 8.5/10 

This is also such a creative track and is so much different from everything else on the album. You can easily understand the lyrics and the story he is trying to convey. This is one of Prince’s pure rock songs, and it’s just cool how his music doesn;t really fit into one specific genre. The drum break along with the guitar into the chorus is so well put together. He also really displays his vocal ability within this track. I give this song a 8.5/10.

When Doves Cry – 10/10 

This is one of Prince’s most popular tracks. I really enjoy the harmonies within the first verses of the song. He keeps adding more on, and it just gets better and better. This is such a catchy song, and the keys in the main riff are perfect in my opinion. Like I said with Let’s Go Crazy, this is just kind of a Prince anthem. It is so unique to him as an artist. I give this song a 10/10.

I Would Die 4 U – 10/10 

This is one of my favorite Prince songs of all time. I just love the way the keyboard is incorporated into the tune. The lyrics are perfect, and the harmonies within the vocals are just amazing too. There is a bridge in the middle of the song where he usually does a dance break in live shows. This is the one part of the song that just keeps me coming back. It is so addicting to listen to. I give this song a 10/10 as well. 

Baby I’m A Star – 10/10

Quite possibly the most energetic Prince song of all time. It is just so bouncy and full of energy. When you listen to this song you can’t sit still, it is impossible. Whenever I listen I can just imagine him performing it. At the end there are like three instrumental breaks in a row. They are just like pure jam sessions at the end of the song and they are nothing short of incredible. I love this song so much. I give it a 10/10.

Purple Rain – 10/10 

Arguably one of the greatest songs of all time, and one of my favorite songs of all time. I love the soft guitar and drums within it. My favorite part about this song is the fact that it builds up through the whole track until we get to the guitar solo. Once that solo hits, Prince just lets loose. In my opinion, this is one of the best guitar solos of all time. He put his whole heart and soul into this piece of music. I give it a 10/10, only because that is the highest rating available. If i could go higher I would.