This is a Random Album Generator.
One album a day.
From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Purple Rain

Prince

1984

Purple Rain
Album Summary

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. Much of the album had a grandiose, synthesized, and psychedelic sheen to the production and performances. The music on Purple Rain is generally regarded as the most pop-oriented of Prince's career, though a number of elements point towards the more experimental records Prince would release after Purple Rain. The music video for the album's lead single "When Doves Cry" sparked controversy among network executives, who thought its sexual nature was too explicit for television. The risqué lyrics of "Darling Nikki" raised complaints from Tipper Gore and the Parents Music Resource Center and contributed to the implementation of Parental Advisory stickers and imprints on album covers. Purple Rain became Prince's first album to reach number one on the Billboard 200. The album spent 24 consecutive weeks atop on the Billboard 200 and was present on the chart for a total of 122 weeks. "When Doves Cry" and "Let's Go Crazy" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, while "Purple Rain" peaked at number two and "I Would Die 4 U" peaked at number eight. In May 1996, the album was certified 13× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Its total sales stand at 25 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time. Prince and the Revolution won Grammy Awards for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media, while Prince also won the Academy Award for Best Original Song Score for the film Purple Rain. 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 significant".

Wikipedia

Rating

4.02

Votes

18844

Genres

  • Funk
  • Rock
  • Pop

Reviews

Like a review? Give it a thumb up to help us display relevant reviews!
Sort by: Top Date
Jun 09 2021
View Author
5

How does something sound simultaneously so excessive and so uncluttered all at once? That crisp, clean, joyfully exuberant sound with not a note out of place speaks of an artist working expertly in the easy-to-espouse-difficult-to-achieve mode of Serious Play. And so the entire album is suffused with a sense of delight and playfulness, whilst not-quite holding at bay the melancholic void that sits at the centre of all hedonistic partying. In short: tremendous.

👍
Jan 08 2024
View Author
5

That horny little man wrote some good tunes.

👍
May 27 2021
View Author
5

Its a shit film by word what an album (or soundtrack). The cover is horrendous. But the Music is glorious and the album flows between frenzied synth driven Lets go crazy through the eclectic fantasy of Darling Nikki all the way to the greatest closer of all time; the masterful Purple Rain, all which instantly became iconic. To this day the greatest live performer I've ever seen. Unbelievably he actually has a better album then this (Sign O'the Times) but this is a masterpiece in itself from one of the most complex song writing geniuses of his time. 5/5

👍
Jan 25 2021
View Author
5

Taken together, all of the stylistic experiments add up to a stunning statement of purpose that remains one of the most exciting rock & roll albums ever recorded.

👍
Jan 16 2021
View Author
5

prince is a strong contender for greatest musician of all time

👍
Jul 11 2023
View Author
2

I really want to like prince but most of this was samey 80s pop. Couple bangers and Prince is great on guitar but everything else is meh

👍
Mar 11 2021
View Author
5

There are a ton of major singles that came from this album; let alone the fact that it helped his win multiple awards including an Oscar. Prince's powers are firing on all cylinders as he is showing diverse influences in a tightly produced album.

👍
Jul 16 2024
View Author
4

Prince fucks so hard, i want to do cocaine and have SEX

👍
May 28 2022
View Author
2

another album from the little purple pervert. i wonder if prince writes the music or comes up with his sex words first? i'm pretty sure everything he says is about sex and even when it's not, it is really. it must have made life difficult when normal conversation and making small talk sounds like you're going to mount someone like some sort of sweaty 80s stallion. prince: excuse me, what aisle is the ketchup in? shelf stacker: i'm going to have to ask you to leave the store sir, that is not appropriate way to talk to staff. Prince: but i just need some red sauce. shelf stacker: * crumples to the floor suffering from a monstrous orgasm* to give it some credit its got his big ones on it. they're super 80s cheeseball and i still don't get why he's so famous. is he massive because he was big in the 80s and he somehow didn't get left behind?

👍
Jan 30 2021
View Author
5

What can possibly be said. It’s Prince. PURPLE FUCKIN RAIN!

👍
Jun 20 2021
View Author
5

One of my favorite albums of all time. I find it thoroughly enjoyable throughout and consider it a perfect album. Prince's absolute zenith with his greatest lineup. Love pretty much everything about this album.

👍
Feb 04 2021
View Author
5

I didn't see this one and I don't have to listen to this because I know every word and every guitar riff, Prince will remain a wonder always.

👍
Sep 10 2024
View Author
4

Pretty good album to juice celery to

👍
Jun 09 2021
View Author
3

His mission is transcendence, and as a what-you-see-is-what-you-get performance he succeeds. Everything is oversized, virtuoso. No drum beat is permitted unless it's the biggest, baddest motherfucker of them all. No emotion expressed if not in extremis. It coheres too, mostly around the concept of ALBUM AS EVENT. Or maybe ARTIST AS EVENT. And on that level I enjoy the shit out of it in the same way I enjoy a fireworks show. Turn up, happily gawp for however long it lasts, retire home. EVENT over. As for the aftertaste, I'm not so sure.

👍
Jun 22 2021
View Author
5

Brilliant funky pop. Possibly Prince's best and cohesive standard length LP (Sign 'O' the times being a double!). Not too long, superb "backing" band in The Revolution.

👍
Feb 15 2025
View Author
5

Listened to it twice, then went back to 1999 and then found a live recording from the tour promoting Purple Rain. Turned into a Prince day, and it was a better day for it! I think either this or MJ's Thriller have to be the #1 album of the 1980s, and while Michael arguably came out of the gate harder, P.Y.T. just doesn't sound the same anymore. And Thriller was borderline schlocky and cool kids were dismissive. But nobody dismissed Prince and Purple Rain. When MJ wanted ripping guitar on Beat It he called Eddie Van Halen. When Prince wanted some shredding on When Doves Cry or the title track, he just grabbed his axe. MJ wanted hits, whereas Prince had a vision and it was so distinctive and so fully realized that it sucked you in. MJ went to the mountain, but Prince made the mountain come to him.

👍
Jun 20 2021
View Author
5

I happen to really like Prince; liked him when I heard him all the time in the 80s, and now as I re-listen to him, I'm blown away by the musicianship. Because there is so much to Prince that his guitar playing (he played more instruments than I can list, and he was a phenomenal guitarist) gets overlooked, but he belongs in the Pantheon of all-time great guitarists. Quite a bit of his music can be too dance-pop for me, but that's just a matter of taste. Prince rocked.

👍
Jun 20 2021
View Author
5

I approached this album with some preconcieved notions, even some trepidation, being an MN native and resident but not a huge Prince fan. I realized very quickly though that I had never listened to this album as a whole, and I really thought it was exceptional. The songs are well written, they hold together well, and his raw talent is showcased throughout, both his musicianship and his vocals. Purple Rain as the album finale is just epic.

👍
Jan 21 2021
View Author
5

Top 5 Guitar Player EVER. Sorry I never saw him perform live. OUTSTANDING collection of songs on this album!

👍
Apr 11 2021
View Author
5

Dearly beloved. God. Euphoria on this one. I like the little one.

👍
Jan 22 2021
View Author
5

Its Prince. Its spectacular. Obviously.

👍
Mar 15 2025
View Author
5

There are great albums, there are legendary albums, and then there’s Purple Rain. From the moment "Let’s Go Crazy" opens with its electrifying sermon-like intro, you know you’re in for something special. The energy is frantic & raw. The fusion of rock, funk, pop, and R&B is seamless - and Prince doesn’t just play within genres, he bends them to his will. More than an album, Purple Rain is a moment in time, an artistic statement, and a revolution all at once. It’s Prince at his absolute peak.

👍
May 23 2024
View Author
3

There was a lad in our class at school who was obsessed with Prince. We always thought that was a bit weird. Even though it was only 10 years prior, it always felt like it had come from a completely different era. A sound so defintitively 80s. A sound that just felt ... old, and not very good. I can't say my opinion has changed very much. There's no denying that some of his music absolutely slaps ... but I just don't think it has aged very well. It's not organic enough to sound cool like 70s funk, and the technology wasn't there to keep up with the sounds that came in the 90s. It all comes with a very plastic, 80's edge. So I've always found it hard to get on the Prince hype train.

👍
Feb 18 2025
View Author
5

Computer Blue was awesome and I was unaware of its existence — radio songs are all all-time bangers. Easy 5

👍
Feb 17 2025
View Author
5

Honestly one of my favourite albums, by one of my favourite artists. I think he’s the most complete musician and performer there’s ever been. Sexy as fuck. Charismatic beyond belief. Writes it all. Plays it all. Sings it all. The movie to this album is so of its time, but adds some great context to songs that I probably liked out of nostalgia as much as I liked them because they were him. I honestly can’t speak highly enough of him or or this album. The album is 5/5. And then there are moments on it that are beyond that. Lets Go Crazy is the perfect way to kick this off. Darling Nikki is mad sex crazed. When Doves Cry is one of the exceptional songs that goes beyond a 5 for me. It also kicks off the second half of the album which is flawless. I Would Die 4 U is incredible and gets me emotional. Baby I’m A Star is actually one I prefer the live version of, especially at the superbowl. Then Purple Rain is one of the greatest songs of all time. Words cannot do this justice, nor can 5 measly stars. Deserves more.

👍
Dec 16 2024
View Author
5

Let's Go Crazy The Beautiful Ones Darling Nikki When Doves Cry I Would Die 4 U Purple Rain

👍
Nov 18 2024
View Author
5

Full disclosure: I’m a Minnesota girl and Purple Rain came out when I was a sophomore in high school. My friends and I saw the movie in the theater and shouted every time we saw a MN license plate and sang along to all the songs. First Avenue was my favorite hang in the 90s and I used to see shows at Glam Slam. I’ve been to the place where Apollonia jumped into the water (spoiler alert: it’s not Lake Minnetonka) and I’ve toured Paisley Park. I didn’t really need to listen to this to give it 5 stars, but I did anyway and still love it.

👍
Jul 17 2024
View Author
5

Masterpiece of a pop album from start to finish. His Royal Purpleness crossed genres like no one before him and pushed the envelope at every turn. It’s one of the few albums worthy of listening to front to back without skipping songs, but of course there are standouts like “Take Me With You” and the driving “I Would Die 4 U”. Saying the song Purple Rain is Prince’s greatest is like saying Skynrds best work is Freebird or Zepplins best work is Stairway to Heaven. Prince kept everyone guessing and wanting more. Fun fact: play the end of “Darling Nikki” backwards to hear the message “hello how are you, fine, fine cause the Lord is coming soon, coming, coming soon”.

👍
May 28 2024
View Author
5

An amazing iconic album - proud b raking of its time and solidified Prince's place in Rock/pop. A joy.. even if it is heavy 80's beat. You can dance to this, even if you don't - your feet will tap. (Miss you, Jody!)

👍
May 27 2024
View Author
5

A certified classic. The movie is bizarre but the songs are all non stop bangers front to back. With maybe the best song being the title track an undeniably rock anthem. Sexy, energetic and a complete beautiful vision of a rocker who was a one of a kind.

👍
May 15 2024
View Author
5

Incredible opener and mind blowing closer. Everything in between rocks out too. Not a miss on the whole thing. Everything works hard and works well. Not an ounce of fat. Love this album and love to listen. Beautiful beautiful beautiful. 5/5

👍
Apr 11 2023
View Author
5

I don't think this album is a 10, but 4 stars seemed too low. This album was solid, even great until the last track. If not for the title track, it would definitely be a 4. Purple Rain. What a song. 8 minutes of pure catharsis and beauty. Possibly my favorite album closer OAT. Without it this album would be good, but nothing special, but the title track just brings it that extra mile.

👍
Aug 20 2021
View Author
5

This album was shorter than I remembered. There is little to be said that hasn't been said though. A ton of hits came off this thing, most notably the title track. That song is timeless. At just 44 minutes, the only complaint is that I wish there was more. The movie is a weird one, but the music is pretty much perfect. Prince was stylistic, an influencer, and a true artist.

👍
May 28 2024
View Author
4

Let's Go Crazy Darling Nikki When Doves Cry I Would Die 4 U Purple Rain

👍
May 27 2024
View Author
4

It’s a classic isn’t it! Funky, funky and funky! Opening three or four tracks are as good as it gets! Hell yes!

👍
Sep 20 2021
View Author
4

Never listened to Prince before as I'd assume it would be cheesy 80s. Despite some outdated production, I was proven wrong. It has 3 great singles on here and the album cuts were good too. It has made me look forward to watch the movie just to see how the songs are featured. Only a 4 because a couple of songs were average.

👍
May 10 2021
View Author
4

Calkiem niedawno przesluchalem purple raina poza listowym chalengem, bo jesli artysta/albumik zawiera w sobie tyle referencji bizarnych, to cos musi byc na rzeczy, i dokladnie tak bylo, dziwne ze opis albumiku nie wspomina, ze nagrany zostal on za banda the revolution, jako ze nie mialem okazji poznac sie wczesniej na poprzednich albumikach princowych i jego karierze, to aspekty autobiograficzne zawarte w tym albumiku dla mnie nie istnieja, ale podobno sa, bo sama plyta jest soundtrackiem do filmu o takim samym tytule, co wyroznia albumik, charyzma i energia princowata ktora sie z niego wrecz wylewa, zwlaszcza na 3 ostatkich trakach, ktore byly nagrywane live, wiec tytulowy purple rain jest to wersja koncertowa, oczywiscie edytowana i overdubowana, ale jednak czuc zycie w tym co slychac, mimo ze to prince byl glowna sila sprawcza za konceptami, to jednak tutaj banda revolutionowa dala mu dobry backup do tych pomyslow zapewniaja silidne gransko, nieprzesadzana ilosc synthow, co tak bardzo boli pop tamtego okresu, co do strony lirycznej, to jest tak szczera, ze w niektorych momentach az obsceniczna, jak na traku darling nikki , wiec nie bez powodu byl demonizowany jako spiewany zbereznik, nie moge sie przyczepic nawet do wycia na the beutiful ones, jak zazwyczaj bym zrobil, bo jest to tak ekspresyjnie wyjcowane, nie wiem gdzie slyszalem take me with u, ale wydaje mi sie ze musiala to byc jakas giera lub hinska bajka, ewentualne kompozycja oparta na tym traku, bo sluchajac tego mam lekkie deja vu, leci na plejke, kolejny trak to when doves cry, no i tytulowy purple rain, ktory jako najdluzszy trak albumiku, 8 minut, jest spokojnym kloserem niespokojnego albumu, jesli jackson byl krolem czarnego popowego granska, tak prince niech bedzie princem w moim rankingu popowych legend

👍
Apr 12 2024
View Author
3

Ik ga even serieus huiswerk maken, want tot nu toe snap ik Prince niet (Sign 'O' The Times gaf ik een 2) en dit album scoort gemiddeld bizar hoog. Track 1: Lelijke 80's winkelcentrum popmuziek, maar het einde (de laatste 50 seconden ofzo) is wel gaaf. Bij dit soort tracks vraag ik me altijd af wat mensen zo geweldig vinden aan de muziek van Prince, maar bij die laatste 50 seconden wordt een tipje van de sluier opgelicht van wat Prince stiekem in z'n mars heeft. Waarom die eerste 4 minuten die goedkope 80's sound met die neppe drums en vieze synthjes? Track 2: Ook wat 80's, wel een stuk minder pijnlijke 80's. Dit nummer vind ik catchy en hoewel het op mij ook weer wat kitscherig overkomt vind ik deze wel tof. Ik weet alleen niet of ik heel blij ben met die vrouw die ook vrij veel meezingt. Prima nummer. Track 3: De verplichte ballad. Beginnen met een kopstem, daarna even een soort praat-/fluisterstukje om de vrouwtjes net dat beetje extra nat te krijgen, stukje instrumentaal, daarna nog iets gevoeliger en nog hoger zingen. Ik vind hier de synths wel leuk gedaan moet ik zeggen, al is dit niet helemaal mijn nummer verder. Bij dit nummer krijg je ook voor de eerste keer zo'n pig squeal waaraan ik letterlijk* kapot kan gaan (einde track 1 zat ie ook maar daar heb ik hem kunnen parkeren, ik wilde het rant-monster niet bij track 1 al van de ketting halen). Ik trek dat zo slecht. Ik zie nu al op tegen Purple Rain want ik weet dat ik daar nog een enorme hengst ga krijgen. Track 4: Ik denk het meest generieke nummer van het album. Ik heb hier weinig mee of tegen, behalve dat dit ook weer erg 80's is. De hairmetal-achtige schreeuw op het einde had voor mij niet gehoeven. Dat is een thema voor me. Track 5: Het gitaarwerk is heerlijk, de dubbele bassdrum is dik, maar het zit verstopt achter een laag drek. Ik voel me inmiddels al flink vies en vettig. Weer dat geschreeuw wat ik bij Prince slecht trek. Op het einde ontdekt Prince dat je dingen ook achteruit kan afspelen. Ja oke, mag. Track 6: When Doves Cry, één van de bekendere. Begint met een gitaarinleiding waardoor je even rechtop schiet. Gaan we daadwerkelijk echt genieten? Het enthousiasme wordt echter vrijwel meteen weer de kop ingedrukt met die Cyndi Lauper kutsynth en die neppe kutdrums met reverb. Voelt met vlagen als een George Michael track en dat bedoel ik zeker niet als compliment. Er gebeuren (zoals bij eigenlijk vrijwel alle tracks op dit album) op de achtergrond wel echt leuke dingen. Ook die gitaarsolo: dikke prima. De gelaagdheid is geniaal, maar ik vind het zo jammer dat ik door een laag drek heen moet om erbij te komen. Ik snap wel waarom dit één van de hits is. Track 7: Begint als een Mario Kart of F-Zero (SNES) nummer. Eigenlijk jammer dat er gezongen wordt. Relatief eenvoudig nummer, wel aardig. Duurt ook niet te lang. Voelt een heel klein beetje als filler maar dat is geen probleem, het is een redelijk compact album verder. Dat compact houden kan ook makkelijk als je 39 studioalbums uitpoept. Ik heb gegoogled. Track 8: We are family, I got all my sisters with me. Ik heb je wel door, Prince. Deze track wordt iets te schreeuwerig, een voorbode voor wat komen gaat. Fuck ik haat Purple Rain en ik hoor dat die inmiddels uit het magazijn wordt doorgeladen. Klik klak. Track 9: En daar is ie. Purple Rain. Voor 80% de reden waarom ik eigenlijk een hekel heb aan Prince. Het begint prachtig, misschien wel het beste nummer van heel het album. Het is meer als rock (wel met die vieze 80's snare maar vooruit). Op 2:34 gaat het voor mij mis en begint de haat. Het valt me nu wel op hoe kort dat I KNOW I KNOW momentje eigenlijk duurt, in m'n hoofd zingt dat altijd een paar minuten door en ga ik letterlijk* kapot namelijk. Daarna kan ik er nog maar moeilijk van genieten, ik blijf erin hangen, enigszins boos. Diepe hekel aan dit nummer, ondanks het serieus heerlijke gitaarwerk en verder prachtige outro. Conclusie: Een goed album, maar niet mijn album. Elk nummer heeft fascinerende dingen, maar helaas gebeuren die fascinerende dingen 9 van de 10 keer op de achtergrond, verstopt achter een heel lelijk, kitscherig en vettig gordijn. Prince had 10-15 jaar eerder deze muziek moeten maken, dan waren het stuk voor stuk geniale nummers geweest, niet verpest door jaren 80 techniek en trends. Ik ga wel een 3 geven. Ik heb er weer een keer wat bij gevoeld en dat had ik bij de voorgeschotelde keuzes van de laatste anderhalve week wat minder. * figuurlijk

👍
Oct 18 2023
View Author
2

It's funny for this album to pop up now; I was thinking a couple days ago about how I have literally never listened to Prince and was curious what makes him such a popular artist. I've always assumed it had more to do with his persona and showmanship than his actual music. While I knew he was considered a good guitar player, I was not expecting virtuoso-esque licks in his songs. Regardless, I am definitely still not vibing with it. I have never been a fan of 80's synth/pop, and this is pretty much fits the bill. Weird to me that Foo Fighters covered a prince song. Not really a fan of either, just interesting. I do not understand how Purple Rain is a popular song. I want to give this a 2 star rating because of my own personal tastes, but this leads me to the thought of how my rating system is going to operate across these albums..... I have to also consider cultural significance and , so I'll probably give it a 3 instead.

👍
May 04 2025
View Author
5

i had a prince phase at around this time last year (prompted by this album’s 40th birthday), which means that i watched all of his movies, too. i can’t believe that purple rain was introduced to the world as a fkn montage track. more shitty movies as vehicles for monumental albums PLEASE!!!!

👍
May 01 2025
View Author
5

Fucking masterpiece. Very strong 5/5

👍
May 01 2025
View Author
5

Easy 5/5 Geen slecht nummer in het hele album en verschillende geweldige nummers. Er zijn goede redenen dat dit gezien wordt als een van de beste albums ooit.

👍
Apr 29 2025
View Author
5

Great album, feels like you know every song on it

👍
Apr 26 2025
View Author
5

aw let's fucking go. we all know this album. but instead of being a trek because i have to write about things i already know (tbh it only felt like that for the wall because it's like 30 tracks), i can't wait to talk about this. TRACK BY TRACK 1 LET'S GO CRAZY. this is absolutely everything an opener should be. an epic intro to get you hooked, iconic lines, packed full of energy and it shows you what to expect (but with plenty of more not yet shown). this song is actual crack in music form. 10/10 also am i the only one who thinks those opening synths need to be sampled in some hypnagogic pop 2 TAKE ME WITH U. such gorgeous production and composition, how does this sound so crisp. the strings are so alive and the snare is so good. i don't really have anything to say about this song but it's absolutely incredible and no steam has been lost. 10/10 3 THE BEAUTIFUL ONES. yes. this song shouldn't work after those two energetic ones but it just does. beautiful keys and probably the best vocal performance by prince bar maybe only the title track. so gorgeous, so lush and so smooth until he goes absolutely crazy. the best example of those insane screaming vocals he is so good at. oh man. 10/10 4 COMPUTER LOVE. is the song good? yes lisa. is it as good as the first three? no but that was some bar to cross. groovy and the progression is great, such amazing production. this song actually grew on me hugely this time around. 9/10 5 DARLING NIKKI. this album is just so glamorous. amazing production, when this song gets going it really gets going, those synths are everything. i really like that weird ass sound collage ending too, it sounds like something bowie would tack on to the end of his songs, it's probably the most experimental part of a top billboard album. 6 WHEN DOVES CRY. i don't even know if this needs a bass anymore. it's so minimalistic yet so great, and when those synths finally come in it's so glorious. such a catchy and flawless song. it's perfect and to think it isn't the best song on the album is crazy. 10/10 7 I WOULD DIE 4 U. this is another one that just grows on me everytime i listen to it. i always liked it but i never felt like listening to it but it's just great too. peak production, catchy, amazing composition and instrumentation. 10/10 8 BABY I'M A STAR. he is. i've always been of the opinion that this sounds like every other song on the album, and it kind of does, but every song is the shit. this is packed with energy and it's just so fun, and it drives the album forward. it drives it so forward that we're really gonna need a hell of a powerful ending but idk if he has it in him. 9/10 9 PURPLE RAIN. what the fuck do i even say about this. if for even one second i remember this as being a bit cheesy or overblown i can just listen to it and get totally floored by it everytime. one of the greatest songs of all time. everything about it is perfect. the buildup especially to the best guitar solo ever, it genuinely sounds like ascending to heaven despite how fucking cheesy that sounds. guy sounds like an angel over the guitar. i can't believe this song exists. 10/10 an outright classic in every regard. there was no way this wouldn't be beloved by absolutely everybody, and i hate to think that it mightn't were it released now. sure it's probably the poppiest thing prince released but for most artists that isn't also their magnum opus because this album is the shit. everything about it is perfect and you can pretty much play it at any occasion for any mood at all. there is never a time where i don't feel like listening to it, when it popped up as my next album a huge dumb fucking grin grew across my face. absolutely stunning. 10/10

👍
Apr 23 2025
View Author
5

This album is incredible on a couple of levels. First, it is an actually great pop rock record (which is akin to a unicorn sighting already considering how oversaturated and unimaginative this genre is). And second, this little man made me care about vocals, which only a select few albums could do. You know, it's surprising to me how little fun music a genre that is supposedly all about catchiness produces. Most pop rock bands focus so much on trying to produce something that as inoffensive as possible that they forget to make it interesting. And unfortunately, considering how many successful pop rock bands there are, this strategy seems to work. Some of the most catchy music I've heard unironically comes from prog rock, which has the opposite of pop rock's philosophy of simplicity. Why? Because there’s a lot more artistic expression in that genre. Instead of following the norms, they break them if that means creating better art. I don't know, maybe 4/4 songs mathematically engineered to be the most basic shit ever because statistics tell that that's what an average Joe likes is not that fun for someone who listens to more music than just what comes up on radio. I'm not trying to be snobby, but it's just frustrating to me how little effort some popular bands put into their music and still remain successful. This album, however, is nothing alike. This is some of the most fun and exciting music I've ever heard. This is what the genre is supposed to be like but unfortunately isn't. I also don't find vocals all that fun, which is another huge discrepancy between me and an average listener. But Prince's singing is just so good on this record that I couldn't not pay attention to it. Such horny writing usually makes me cringe a bit, but Prince delivers it with such electrifying passion that it almost makes me believe that he's actually straight. Even through I have no interest in the subject matter this album presents, there's so much energy seeping through Prince's vocals that it's nothing short of contagious. There's a couple of laid back songs on this album that are not quite on the same level with the best bangers here, in my opinion, but even they have something to love about them, like that incredible screaming part in The Beautiful Ones, which a pretty mediocre track outside of that (yes, actual extreme vocals on a pop album). Honestly, what a ride. 9/10

👍
Apr 23 2025
View Author
5

There's a 'died too young' veneer attached to the Purple Pixie that gains him many unjustified superlatives; 'top 5 guitar player'? Hardly. Not even close in fact. However, anyone who wasn't around in 1984 will struggle to understand just how huge this album was. Still an enjoyable listen and one of only two Prince albums I regularly choose to listen to. Not a bad song on here and some great ones. It gets a rare 5/5 for me.

👍
Apr 23 2025
View Author
5

Absolute banger! Every song a classic.

👍
Apr 22 2025
View Author
5

Although it's an obvious classic record and artist, I've never actually stopped to listen to Prince. No regrets after I did it for this project. It's brilliant! Very distinctive approach to pop music. I'd classify it as spacial, dancing, high on acid rock and roll. I'm loving it so far and will surely listen to it more.

👍
Apr 22 2025
View Author
5

Possibly the best album of the generation, and one of the best of all time. Masterpiece start to finish.

👍
Apr 21 2025
View Author
5

Just a great listen from front to back. Don't think I've ever skipped a track on this. There's a reason why this album (and so many of its songs) are iconic

👍
Apr 19 2025
View Author
5

This album was a nice discovery, as I only knew the title Purple Rain. It's coherent, the title order is perfect, it is so pleasant to hear, a true gem I know I'll find myself listening again for sure.

👍
Apr 19 2025
View Author
5

I remember seeing a cardboard cutout of prince on his moto outside the record store at my local mall when I was just a kid over 40 years ago. Somehow in the span of time from that day to this day, I had never listed to this start to finish. Man... it's all good.

👍
Apr 18 2025
View Author
5

great album all the way through.

👍
Apr 18 2025
View Author
5

Stone-cold classic from top to bottom.

👍
Apr 17 2025
View Author
5

C'mon. You can't even argue this one.

👍
Apr 17 2025
View Author
5

Very good! Timeless. Great vocals. Catchy tunes.

👍
Apr 16 2025
View Author
5

Why had I never heard Darling Nikki before. This whole album is killer.

👍
Apr 15 2025
View Author
5

Legendary. Still amazing all these years later.

👍
Apr 15 2025
View Author
5

I'm a Minnesotan, so Purple Rain is obligatory around here. What a classic and what a way to start off my 1001 Albums journey! Every song on this album is incredible, it's Prince's masterpiece and leaves a legacy.

👍
Apr 11 2025
View Author
5

What can be written that hasn't been already.... music changing masterpiece, still fresh after all these years

👍
Apr 10 2025
View Author
5

An all-time classic and one of my favorite albums of all time!

👍
Apr 08 2025
View Author
5

Legend. One of my faves. So happy I got to see him a couple times. Coachella 2008 was wild, baby.

👍
Apr 08 2025
View Author
5

Honestly one of my top 25 albums of all time

👍
Apr 08 2025
View Author
5

Classic album, full of bangers. Nearly every song is a standout and Prince is really at the height of his powers here. Highlights are "Let's Go Crazy", "Darling Nikki", "When Doves Cry", "I Would Die 4 U", and the amazing title track. 5 stars.

👍
Apr 08 2025
View Author
5

If today’s album was an episode of Friends it would be called “The One Where Prince Becomes Even More Of A Rock God And Records The Greatest Album Of All Time”. Not to overstate the point but this is simply the greatest album of all time. 5 stars plus a billion more stars.

👍
Apr 08 2025
View Author
5

Not a bad cut on this album. A perfect encapsulation of an artist truly at the top of their game. Impeccable.

👍
Apr 08 2025
View Author
5

Not much to say that hasn’t been said.

👍
Apr 07 2025
View Author
5

I accidentally deleted my first review. This album blew my head off in 1984 and still does today.

👍
Apr 03 2025
View Author
5

This one is top 10 for sure. It's a master class in composing, arranging, producing, mastering and musicianship. Prince is like rock, blues, disco, gospel, and pop all smashed together.

👍
Apr 02 2025
View Author
5

Really nice album can keep listening to it over and over

👍
Apr 02 2025
View Author
5

So so so good. Never listened to the full album, had some metal elements almost on some tracks (like heavy drums) and thematically flowed really well

👍
Apr 01 2025
View Author
5

Prince was een geweldig artiest... Alleen niet mijn smaak, alhoewel in de begin jaren 90 wel Purple Rain gezongen met de band van toen.. Echt lang geleden.

👍
Mar 31 2025
View Author
5

I mean, it is Prince! A massive talent - a brilliant musician, lyricist, and workaholic. 'Purple Rain' is definitely one of my all-time favorite songs. The album itself is pure majesty. And how could it not be? It’s wonderfully unique—purple, crazy, and melancholic ☂️💜🎵

👍
Mar 31 2025
View Author
5

# 400 and it's one of my all-timers. What's insane about this album is he just decided one day to make an all-time pop album. Literally was like, "how do I do arena rock ballad? Here." "Oh, a bunch of classic 80s dance grooves? No prob." A no skip, makes me weep like a dove, incredible artist at the peak of their powers album. And then never went back to a pure pop well ever again for a full album. A world beater. Baby, he's a star. I could go on and on. See you all in the purple rain.

👍
Mar 27 2025
View Author
5

Always wanted to hear a Prince album, I’m glad I got this one early on I’ve had it rotting in my library on Apple Music for a while now. This right here is something to remember, it has absolutely zero skips, it’s banger after banger, the synths, guitar, and vocals, everything just comes together so, so nicely. I wouldn’t call this a concept album but there is a cohesiveness here between the tracks that could make out to be a narrative which is really nice it makes it feel like an album and not a playlist, I like that a lot. I was so immersed in this album, the Dolby Atmos mix I have on Apple Music is one of the best mixes I’ve heard in a long time and it only made the album so much better. I need to make a section just for Purple Rain, oh my god it’s so amazing, it may go on for 8 minutes but that doesn’t even feel long enough, it is such a beautiful track. Everything comes together perfectly, the introspection, the vocals drowning in the synths and the long guitar solo at the end, I love every second of it, genuinely might be one of the best tracks I think I’ve ever heard. I could go on and on. Amazing album. Rating: Masterpiece (Strong ☆☆☆☆☆) Favorite Tracks: Lets Go Crazy, When Doves Cry, Computer Blues, Would Die 4 You, and obviously PURPLE RAIN. (I can list the entire album)

👍
Mar 27 2025
View Author
5

Easy 5. Generational talent, one of a kind, and best album by him. All I can say is, "Game, blouses."

👍
Mar 27 2025
View Author
5

A masterpiece. I remember listening to album in its entirety and being blown away. Every song is memorable. The whole album takes you through a journey. Keep in mind Prince had just turned 25 when this came out Everything on this album just seems to work well. Take Me With You is one of my all time favorite Prince songs. Jimi Hendrix, Little Richard and James Brown all thrown into a stew. A very easy 5 for me.

👍
Mar 26 2025
View Author
5

I don’t know man. It’s purple rain. What do you want me to say? It’s perfect.

👍
Mar 26 2025
View Author
5

Absolutely fantastic. One of the most classic and genre defining rock records of all time.

👍
Load more reviews