Purple Rain

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.

That horny little man wrote some good tunes.

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

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.

prince is a strong contender for greatest musician of all time

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

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

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

Pretty good album to juice celery to

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.

Sheesh. The goat

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.

Automatic 5 stars

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.

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.

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

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

fuck yah

Its Prince. Its spectacular. Obviously.

Real good!

if you have to ask.. GLORIOUS

Classic.

Excellent Album

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.

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.

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.

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”.

This album takes everything that's good about 80's over the top cheesy pop, rock music and soul and puts it all into a melting pot. Catchy hooks, melodies and earworms everywhere. But underneath that pop surface it's just really great music. I bet there will be more little bits and pieces I pick up on with multiple listens too. Prince oozes charisma when he sings and I absolutely love when he screams the really high notes. He can't half play a guitar solo either. It's just full of solid tracks. The opener 'Let's Go Crazy' is a fast foot tapper, 'The Beautiful Ones' slows things down and builds to the aforementioned trademark Prince screams and 'Computer Blues' is essentially a 90 second song followed by a 2 and a half minute guitar solo. It's metal as hell. Speaking of metal. 'Darling Nikki' has a really heavy and filthy guitar sound which matches the track's lyrics. 'I Would Die 4 U' is my personal favourite. It's got a hugely catchy chorus that I'll be humming for ages. Now for some blasphemy. I'd never heard the full 9 minute version of the title track before, or even the radio edit all the way through. It's a good song, with another catchy chorus but I'd argue it's one of the weaker tracks on a stacked album. At the four minute mark there's a two minute guitar solo and it's great, but there's two minutes left! What else is there? I really hoped it would build to a massive crescendo and wall of sound with a blisteringly in your face solo, something maybe along the lines of 'November Rain'. Unfortunately it was the opposite, it just kind of fizzled out into a fade out. Still, it's a cracking album and one that I definitely should have listened to sooner. Upon first listen I thought a four was fair. Nah. I gave it another spin and it's an easy five.

-Strong guitar and vocals throughout -A top 20-25 album of all time -Some weaker points which drag on slightly (not often though) -Best Song: Let's Go Crazy, Purple Rain -Worst Song: Take Me With U -Overall 9.6/10

Purple Rain 1999 and Sign ‘O’ the Times both got 4, but this is an easy 5; 9 excellent tracks, all done and dusted in a superbly crisp and enjoyable 42 minutes. Let’s Go Crazy is an absolute banger, one of my favourite Prince songs, and up there with When Doves Cry and Purple Rain, but the rest of the songs are great as well, with some superb hooks and melodies. I love the little acoustic guitar figure on Take Me With U, and it’s a brilliantly catchy song. I love the 80s power ballad vibes of The Beautiful Ones, culminating in some Macca-esque vamping. Computer Blue is another great song, the piano motif and drum machine rhythms excellently set up for the solo passage leading into Darling Nikki. I have some practical questions concerning the opening lines, but nonetheless it's a brilliantly smutty bit of 80 tiny sex man r’n’b. When Doves Cry always seems to be one of those songs that pre-existed the time I first heard it, the piano hook and whole construction of it just feels immediately right. I’ve always tended to overlook I Would Die 4 U, but listening properly now I realise what a great song it its, the shimmering drum machine/synth part and chorus melody picked out by the piano is super. I love Baby I’m A Star, a great bit of propulsive, energetic synthy disco funk, a great bit of sequencing before the brilliantly grandiose and widescreen Purple Rain. I do love Controversy, 1999 and Around The World In A Day, as well as Sign ‘O’ the Times, but this is probably his best, most consistently great album - every programmed drum beat, hook, melody and arrangement add up to a joyously great, undeniable disco-synth-pop-funk-rock classic. 🟪🟪🟪🟪🟪 Playlist submission: Let’s Go Crazy

One of my Top 5 favourite albums. Prince at his finest

Great album some filler but great hits and cool unique sound

It’s hard for me to *not* get emotional here. I’ll start upfront with the important acknowledgment: I know Prince was not always a good person. He elevated women on stage and behind the scenes, but treated some of them, including Sinéad O’Connor, like shit. But, on a gut level, it’s hard for me not to see Prince’s music as a symbol both for a very particular time in my life and the apex of an entire culture I lived and breathed. It started when I lived in Minnesota and a friend gave me a flash drive that opened my mind to a whole world of music I hadn’t give much thought about before, from Bob Dylan to Prince Nelson Rogers. And in the blink of an eye, I was still in Minnesota when he died, and overnight the symbol became a synecdoche. Every billboard was purple. But there’s a reason six million people, from the masses gathered outside the First Avenue in April 2016 (myself included) to the conservative dads I talked to around bluetooth speakers at their lake houses later that summer. let this represent them: it’s impossible to deny how good the music is. Let’s ignore the legend. How many albums have you heard before that open with anything more purposeful than “Let’s Go Crazy”? How many albums have you heard before that have as popular *and* weird a single as “When Doves Cry”? How many albums have you heard before that has a song that still lifts your soul out your body no matter how many times you hear it like “Purple Rain”? Prince used his insane guitar guitar skills, yalping vocals, and Linn LM-1 to make an album that I’d like to think would still be a favorite of mine - or anybody with any sense’s - all time favorite albums in spite of any larger than life personal significance. I know I’m being hyperbolic. Let me be hyperbolic once more: sometimes whenever I listen to just about any popular music I think “what’s the point in getting opinionated on this, treating this like high art?” Well, Prince wrote a song about a woman jerking off in a hotel lobby and it only reinforces my belief in pop music as high art every time.

Dig if you will the picture.

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

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

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

Desert island disc for me.

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

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

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.

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!)

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

It’s Prince. At his finest and most creative. This man could play everything and his mind was a fountainhead of some of the best pop material of all time.

Amazing

Come on, Tipper! Live a little. 4.5.

★★★★★★

Had to change my trousers twice during the playthrough

Timeless. Purple Rain & When the doves cry

💜💜💜

hard to argue against 5 stars

El gran éxito de Prince llega con “Purple Rain”, este álbum no es tan solo una banda sonora ganadora de un Oscar y Grammy; es mucho más, es un estándar del pop rock de los 80 y uno de los álbumes más influyentes de la historia de la música pop. “Purple Rain” es un viaje sonoro de guitarras eléctricas, sintetizadores, baterías, teclados y la desgarradora voz de Prince. El álbum comienza con un grito a la felicidad, a la locura. “Let's Go Crazy” es un canto a levantarse y no rendirse cuando la vida se vuelve difícil, “Are we gonna let the elevator bring us down? Oh no, Let’s go”. Acompañada musicalmente de un ritmo rock bailable y de un solo de guitarra impecable, este tema es una magnífica apertura de álbum. “The Beautiful Ones” es uno de los puntos más fuertes del álbum, una balada de amor, desamor e incertidumbre que va “in crescendo” sonoramente hasta llegar al clímax en el puente de la canción, donde interpreta desgarradamente. Uno de los momentos más memorables y poderosos del álbum, que me hace conectar con este tema por encima del resto. Todas las canciones del álbum son dignas de ser destacadas. El amor desde diferentes puntos de vista, la necesidad de estar junto a una persona en “Take Me with U”, la demostración de ser diferente a los demás, de ofrecer algo nuevo en el amor en “I Would Die For U”, la pasión y atracción en la bailable “When Doves Cry” o el sexo y erotismo en “Darling Nikki”. Todas ellas con brillantes instrumentales y la personal voz de Prince. En “Computer Blue” encontramos una canción instrumental en su gran mayoría, y que cuenta con un magistral cambio de sonido a mitad de canción. Hacia el final del álbum encontramos “Baby I'm a Star” donde Prince se muestra repleto de personalidad, de identidad y de ambición por llegar al top. Sin duda un tema muy motivador. Pero si hay algo que destaca por encima de todo en este álbum, es la canción que le da título al proyecto. La legendaria “Purple Rain” desde su inconfundible inicio suena a hit atemporal y calidad. En la letra, Prince se muestra vulnerable y melancólico, es hora de despedirse, de cambios y de introducirse a la lluvia púrpura a encontrar el amor. El tema finaliza con cinco minutos de instrumental, de nuevo, sintetizadores, guitarras y batería hacen de los últimos minutos del álbum una delicia musical. Este álbum es un viaje por la música de la década de los ochenta. Baladas, temas rock, canciones dance, sintetizadores, guitarras eléctricas… Un auténtico imprescindible y clásico de la historia de la música.

Amazing album with such a variety of sounds and hits. Always nice to listen to this album again.

Super Dope

Prince is a blind spot for me so this is my first time with this album. It’s like the first time I saw the Grand Canyon - lives up to the hype and then some. Phenomenal.

I’d never been able to turn the corner on Prince until this listen. Glad I kept trying though - this rips!

Yes, Lisa.

I mean common, it's Purple Rain. I almost listened to this yesterday, but even if I did I would be fine listening to it again today. I think Prince's guitar playing is massively underrated on this album Let's Go Crazy, Computer Blue, and Purple Rain all have masterful guitar solos. High 5.

Prince – Purple Rain (1984) Score: 9/10 Favorite Track: “Purple Rain” This album is incredible from start to finish. Prince just oozes charisma here. Even when he is pushing boundaries with something like “Darling Nikki,” it never feels forced or edgy for the sake of it. He sounds completely in control, joyful one second, soulful the next. It is so hard not to fall in love with what he is doing on this record. “Purple Rain” is an obvious standout, but honestly, everything hits. I still need more time to really lock in with some of the deeper cuts like “The Beautiful Ones,” but even those already show signs of greatness. This could easily end up being a perfect score for me down the line. For now, it is just short of that, but still one of the most vibrant, passionate albums I have heard in a long time.

## In-Depth Review of *Purple Rain* by Prince Prince’s *Purple Rain* (1984) stands as a towering achievement in popular music, blending genres, pushing lyrical boundaries, and redefining the sound and image of mainstream pop and rock. Below is a comprehensive review of the album, focusing on its lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, along with a balanced assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. ## **Lyrics** **Emotional Range and Storytelling** *Purple Rain*’s lyrics traverse a spectrum of emotions—ecstasy, longing, pain, and hope. Prince’s songwriting is marked by its duality: deeply personal yet universally resonant. He explores themes of love, sexuality, faith, and self-acceptance. Tracks like “The Beautiful Ones” and “When Doves Cry” articulate vulnerability and heartbreak, while “I Would Die 4 U” and “Baby I’m a Star” are affirmations of identity and self-worth[1][2]. **Symbolism and Imagery** The album’s titular track, “Purple Rain,” is rich in metaphor. The color purple, blending the calm of blue and the passion of red, becomes a symbol for transformation, spirituality, and renewal. Rain, often a metaphor for cleansing or sorrow, here suggests both grief and catharsis. The lyrics, “I never meant to cause you any sorrow / I never meant to cause you any pain,” are a plea for reconciliation and peace, both personal and societal[3][4]. **Provocation and Gender Fluidity** Prince’s lyrics are notable for their sexual frankness and gender ambiguity, especially in “Darling Nikki,” which was controversial for its explicit content. His androgynous persona and refusal to conform to gender norms are woven throughout the album, sending a message of self-acceptance and challenging mainstream ideas about sexuality and identity[5][1]. ## **Music** **Genre Fusion and Innovation** Musically, *Purple Rain* is a genre-bending masterpiece. Prince fuses rock, pop, R&B, funk, gospel, and even orchestral elements, creating a sound that is both eclectic and cohesive. “Let’s Go Crazy” opens with a gospel-inspired sermon and explodes into a rock anthem, while “When Doves Cry” famously omits a bass line, relying on synths and drum machines to create its stark, urgent sound[3][2][4]. **Instrumentation and Arrangements** Prince’s musicianship is on full display: he handles most instruments himself, with The Revolution providing crucial support. The guitar work, especially on “Purple Rain,” is virtuosic, blending bluesy bends with soaring solos. Synths and drum machines are used not just as rhythm tools but as textural elements that define the album’s sonic palette. The arrangements are tight yet adventurous, with dynamic shifts and unexpected turns—“Computer Blue” morphs from a funk workout into a psychedelic jam, while “The Beautiful Ones” builds from a fragile ballad to a cathartic climax[1][2][4]. **Vocals** Prince’s vocal performances are as varied as the music itself. He moves from falsetto croons to raw screams, often within the same song, imbuing each track with emotional immediacy. The harmonies and layered backing vocals, especially on “When Doves Cry” and “I Would Die 4 U,” add depth and complexity[2]. ## **Production** **Live Energy and Studio Precision** *Purple Rain*’s production is a blend of live spontaneity and meticulous studio craft. The title track was recorded live at Minneapolis’ First Avenue, capturing the energy of a real audience, then enhanced with studio overdubs and orchestration. This hybrid approach gives the album both immediacy and polish[3][4]. **Innovative Techniques** Prince’s use of drum machines (notably the Linn LM-1), synthesizers, and unconventional song structures set new standards for pop production. “When Doves Cry,” for instance, is striking for its lack of bass, a bold move that heightens the song’s tension. The mix is crisp, with each instrument occupying its own space, allowing the complexity of the arrangements to shine through[3][2]. **Timeless Yet Dated** While the album’s production is undeniably of its time—synths, gated drums, and digital reverb abound—it remains fresh due to Prince’s inventiveness and the strength of the songwriting. Some elements may sound “dated” to modern ears, but the overall impact is undiminished[5][1]. ## **Themes** **Love, Loss, and Redemption** At its core, *Purple Rain* is about the search for love and meaning in a chaotic world. The album moves from the ecstasy of new love (“Take Me With U”) through the agony of heartbreak (“The Beautiful Ones,” “When Doves Cry”) to the hope of spiritual renewal (“Purple Rain”)[3][4]. **Identity and Self-Acceptance** Prince’s embrace of androgyny, sexual fluidity, and racial ambiguity is woven into the album’s fabric. Songs like “I Would Die 4 U” and “Baby I’m a Star” are anthems of self-affirmation, encouraging listeners to embrace their uniqueness and defy societal expectations[5][1]. **Spirituality and Transcendence** Religious imagery recurs throughout the album. “Let’s Go Crazy” opens with a sermon about the afterlife, while “Purple Rain” has been interpreted as an apocalyptic vision or a plea for salvation. The blending of sacred and profane themes is quintessential Prince, reflecting his lifelong struggle to reconcile sexuality and spirituality[3][4]. **Social and Cultural Context** Released during a period of social and political tension in the U.S., the album’s themes of hope, faith, and resilience resonated widely. Prince’s challenge to gender and racial norms made the album especially significant for marginalized communities, including Black and LGBTQ+ listeners[5][1]. ## **Influence** **Impact on Music and Culture** *Purple Rain* is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, influencing countless artists across genres. Its success broke down barriers for Black artists in rock and pop, and its fusion of styles paved the way for genre fluidity in mainstream music[6][4]. **Visual and Cinematic Legacy** The album’s release alongside the *Purple Rain* film amplified its impact, creating an iconic audiovisual experience. Prince’s flamboyant style, fashion, and stagecraft became templates for future generations of performers[6]. **Enduring Relevance** Decades later, *Purple Rain* continues to inspire. Its songs are frequently covered, sampled, and referenced, and its themes of love, identity, and resilience remain as relevant as ever[5][1][4]. ## **Track-by-Track Highlights** | Track | Key Features & Themes | |----------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Let’s Go Crazy | Gospel intro, rock anthem, message of transcendence over adversity | | Take Me With U | Upbeat duet, escapist romance | | The Beautiful Ones | Vulnerability, emotional crescendo, heartbreak | | Computer Blue | Funk/rock fusion, existential confusion | | Darling Nikki | Sexual liberation, controversy, explicit content | | When Doves Cry | Stark arrangement, familial and romantic strife, no bass line, iconic synth riff | | I Would Die 4 U | Self-sacrifice, spiritual undertones, affirmation of identity | | Baby I’m a Star | Upbeat, self-confidence, celebration of uniqueness | | Purple Rain | Epic ballad, spiritual longing, reconciliation, iconic guitar solo | ## **Pros and Cons** **Pros** - **Genre Innovation:** Seamlessly blends rock, pop, funk, R&B, and gospel, breaking genre boundaries[3][2][4]. - **Lyrical Depth:** Explores complex themes—love, loss, faith, sexuality, and identity—with poetic nuance[3][1][4]. - **Musicianship:** Virtuosic performances, especially Prince’s guitar work and vocals[2][4]. - **Production:** Innovative use of technology and live recording, creating a dynamic and immersive sound[3][4]. - **Cultural Impact:** Broke racial and gender barriers, influenced fashion, film, and future generations of artists[5][6][1]. - **Timelessness:** Despite some dated sounds, the songwriting and emotional power remain undiminished[5][1]. **Cons** - **Dated Production Elements:** Some synths and drum sounds are unmistakably 1980s, which may not appeal to all listeners[5][1]. - **Uneven Track Flow:** The album’s eclecticism, while a strength, can also make for a jarring listening experience for some[6]. - **Self-Indulgence:** Certain tracks, especially “Purple Rain,” are long and may be perceived as overblown or excessive by some listeners[6]. - **Explicit Content:** Lyrics in songs like “Darling Nikki” led to controversy and may alienate more conservative audiences[1]. ## **Conclusion** *Purple Rain* is a landmark album that captures Prince at the height of his creative powers. Its fusion of genres, emotional depth, and fearless exploration of identity and spirituality make it a timeless work. While some production choices root it firmly in the 1980s, its influence and resonance are undiminished. The album’s only real flaws—occasional excess and dated sounds—are far outweighed by its innovation, artistry, and cultural significance. *Purple Rain* is not just an album; it is a statement of individuality, a celebration of difference, and a blueprint for artistic freedom.

A masterpiece.

I now know why people live Prince so much, great album fp.

Another excellent Prince album that cross genres from song to song. Just about everything on here is fantastic but the opening and closing tracks Let's Go Crazy and Purple Rain are my favourites. The album does sound a bit dated due to the amount of reverb and very 80s synth sounds, and for that reason I think I still like Sign 'O' The Times a bit better. But it's close!

One of the best film soundtracks of all time. Hell, one of the best albums of all time!

My mom loved Prince. And I respected his talent, but i didn't realize how great he was. As I have gotten older, I am starting to realize how many songs he performed that I didn't realize were his. All of that demonstrates how much talent he had, and how wide of a musical net he cast. Let's Go Crazy- how many other albums are bookended by tracks this good? Off the top of my head- Born to Run and What's Going On. Take Me With U- a Ballad that is not power at all The Beautiful Ones- electric power Ballad, with a good dose of funk in it Computer Blue Darling Nikki- I don't go to strip clubs, but this feels like it could be a strip club classic When Doves Cry I Would Die For Baby I'm a Star Purple Rain - to my earlier point- isnt this right there with the operatic glory of Inner City Blues and Jungleland?

Literally one of my favorites of all time that has stood the test of time.

Peak Prince and one of his best albums - showcasing his talent as a songwriter, guitarist, and arranger across a blistering fusion of styles including funk, R&D, hard rock, and pop. This record made Prince a tier one star, and deservedly so.

We are gathered here today to get through this thing called “life.”

Truly pop royalty 👑

Banger

While no doubt Purple Rain was produced in the 1980s and as such would keep lesser albums from getting a perfect score the music is so gorgeous, so perfect that it not only overcomes the nightmare that is often 1980s production values, but Prince (with his cracker jack band, The Revolution) works it to his/their full advantage making Purple Rain a definitive work of sonic art & then some. The music is everywhere from pop to heavy metal to psychedelia to funk to rock to just "Prince Music" which at one time meant some of the most innovative sounds to ever land at the very top of the Billboard's charts. Purple Rain is a panty dropper, a religious experience, a journey into the heart & soul of a man at his creative & spiritual peak. It's church music if your body was the religion & Prince, was its God. Purple Rain is without a single misstep with some of the absolute greatest songs of the 20th century. You need it. Come my fanatics.

Man who the fuck is gonna give the title track anything under a 9/10!? Favourite Songs: Let's Go Crazy, The Beautiful Ones, Darling Nikki, When Doves Cry, Purple Rain. Least Favourite Songs: I Would Die 4 U.

Classic - interesting tidbit, i got this recommended on the 41st anniversary of the album. Favorite track: when doves cry other picks: lets go crazy, take me with u, the beautiful ones, purple rain

One of my favorite albums from Prince.

banger after banger 5/5

LOVE

ended up adding 4 (!) songs to my monthly list

'Are we gonna let de-elevator bring us down?' The greatest musician in popular music, at least post-1970, is at his obvious peak on Purple Rain, a nine-track record that feels more like a greatest hits compilation than a soundtrack. Prince's vocals and guitar playing are more rock-centric than on either 1999 or Sign o' the Times, but it's no less locatable in the 1980s. He's still sex-before-all-else, but he's not cumbersomely horny: 'I met her in a hotel lobby / Masturbating with a magazine.' It'd be inaccurate to say that this record achieves its grandeur in the mode of vulnerability, Prince being too aloof to achieve genius thru confession. It's therapy as climax: we all know how it's gonna end, but it hits w/ the same power every time.

Prince's first masterpiece was Purple Rain, which was his sixth studio album and the soundtrack to the biographical motion picture. Prince was known for his funk/soul/R&B/rock fusion and his incredible presence. Purple Rain made him into a superstar. The title track, "When Doves Cry," and "Let's Go Crazy" all became hits as iconic 80s anthems. Prince's range is always evident, with his soulful funk in "The Beautiful Ones" and "Take Me With You"

Funky and cool

Classic album.

Another favorite album and probably the best Prince album. Amazing song writing playing and singing

***** A classic one, love it

I mean, come on, it's Prince! You've got awesome vocals, some fantastic guitar, and lyrics that, while controversial at the time, are still great to this day. I've heard Purple Rain and When Doves Cry before, and it was such a joy to relive them after not hearing them in so long. I felt like I'd been missing out on the others as well! Prince has legend status for a reason, and this album proves exactly why.

It's Purple Rain. Kinda impossible not to love. Don't even need to expect anything else. There's a reason for why it's as acclaimed as it is. Let's Go Crazy Amazing iconic intro. Fast and fun with lovely synths, a blazing guitar solo and a catchy chorus. Great vocal performance with a lot of style and feeling. Great. 4.5/5 Take Me with You Love the group vocals. Has some cinematic qualities (in a cheesy 80's way). Love the drama and the exaggartion. Great strings. Good. 4/5 The Beautiful Ones Great production. Love the subtle piano. Very of the time, but still quite charming. Impressive vocals. Powerful ascension to the climax. Great. 4.5/5 Computer Blue Interesting structure. Love the guitar solo. Very interesting instrumentation overall. Really like the bounciness of the drum beat. Prince delivers his usual strange but impressive performance. Good. 4/5 Darling Nikki Weird lyrics. I like the more rock oriented instrumentation. The keys almost have an orchestral quality to them, due to their loudness and intensity. Good. 4/5 When Doves Cry Classic. Love the synths. Iconic vocal melody. Extremely catchy chorus. Overall just an inescapable song with a lot of energy abd charisma. One of those songs that get stuck in you head for hours after. Fantastic. 5/5 I Would Die 4 U Great atmospheric instrumental. Love the electronics. The almost rap like vocal sections are quite different from anything else on this album. Varied vocal performance showing a lot of control and creativity. Great. 4.5/5 Baby I'm A Star Danceable and fast. Fantastic energy. Feels sort of triumphant, especially with the indescribably fun vocal performance. Great. 4.5/5 Purple Rain Opus. There's very little to say about this that hasn't been said. One of the most iconic songs of the era, yet still timeless. Magnificent. 5/5 It's rare for an album to live up to its reputation. Purple Rain is one of them, providing great entertainment from start to finish. While the title track is the definite highlight, each track comes with its own style and personality. It's produced and performed immaculately without a single hiccup. Its consistency and flow is almost unmatched. There's very little to say about it as it is almost flawless. 5/5

By June 25, 1984, Prince was no longer with Denise Matthews, a woman whose history and eyes would seemingly aid in shaping all of his creative output until his untimely passing. Before its release he had already moved on from Purple Rain by January of that very year, beginning Around the World In A Day long before his most mainstream work went platinum. It almost seems like everything to Prince-- the music, the fashion, the people-- was a project he needed to expunge from his system the moment it stuck around too long. If you couldn't tell it almost feels impossible at times for me to listen to Purple Rain (or any Prince album for the matter) without thinking of the context within which it was fashioned, but I figured today was a good opportunity to take Purple Rain for what it was; no film plot, no drama, nothing but the music. It is far from my favorite Prince album. There are many songs (and iterations of those placed on this final track listing) created during this stretch of time that I would have preferred to see the (official) light of day while he was still with us. It makes me terribly sad that this album, reflective of such a singular and easily consumable period in Prince's life, is what most people think of when they hear his name. For this reason Purple Rain is most often reserved for putting on the CD during a long car ride. This time around I put on my nice headphones, set the EQ to something neutral, closed my eyes, and rode the purple wave for its entire duration. Nothing exciting revealed itself in this ~100th listen, beyond some sneaky little giggles and finger snaps that give the impression that Prince indeed was a human being. But what it did impart upon me was this infectious positivity. You cannot listen to any song off of Purple Rain without feeling some level of whimsy tickling your soul, even if you don't particularly like this brand of cheesy pop music. Thank u P for all the love you poured into these perfectly imperfect albums