A year ago today the world lost one of its most iconic and influential performers; the legendary and extremely talented Prince. Best known for hit songs including Purple Rain, Raspberry Beret, 1999 and Kiss to name a few, there is no denying just how much of an impact Prince’s music has made in music history. Despite the endless number of hits residing in Prince’s music catalogue there is equally just as many unknown gems that somehow have gone unnoticed by the world.
So today in tribute to Prince let’s celebrate some of the incredible songs that you might not know. Perhaps one might even be your new favourite!
Starfish & Coffee (Sign ‘O’ The Times)
A track from the 1987 album Sign O The Times, Starfish & Coffee can only be described as complete and utter genius. Despite not being counted as one of Prince’s most popular recordings it is an underrated gem. Proving that inspiration for a good song can come from the simplest of things Starfish & Coffee shows just how unique, quirky and fun Prince was!
Breakdown (Art Official Age)
When asked in a rare interview with Arsenio Hall back in 2014 what was his favourite of all his songs Prince answered that usually he’d always say the next one but instead spoke of a newly written song titled Breakdown. This the very song later appeared on his 2014 album release Art Official Age which came as a surprise to fans alongside the release of the highly anticipated 3rd Eye Girl PLECTRUMELECTRUM.
She’s Always In My Hair
An incredible B side from the Around The World In A Day album era She’s Always In My Hair somehow went unnoticed by the world? The track exhibits a much rockier sound in comparision to many of Prince’s releases from around this time which often featured that iconic funk/pop sound that dominated some of his biggest hits throughout the decades. A psychedelic funk rock number with a slight Jimi Hendrix flare; this song is a must!
Sometimes It Snows In April (Parade)
A fitting yet beautiful ballad for today as it marks a year since Prince’s tragic passing. When planning my recent Prince radio special one song that was requested from fans time and time again was Sometimes It Snows In April yet this incredible piece of work is often forgotten about. The emotions within the song are raw and simply stunning to listen to!
Funk n’ Roll (PLECTRUMELECTRUM)
One of Prince’s newer numbers released on the 2014 PLECTRUMELECTRUM album alongside his fabulous band 3rd Eye Girl who Prince worked extensively with in recent years in both the studio and out on the road touring. A groovy funk number that soon became a personal favourite of mine! Alternatively Prince released the same track on his Art Official Age album with what can only be described as a more modern hip-hop track. It’s interesting to compare both versions of the track and how different they are in style.
Jukebox Rhapsody 