Reviews (page 2 of 15)
★★★★☆ This is one of those albums I've known forever but somehow never actually rated. Going through it track by track reminded me just how consistent it is. Even the songs I like less are still good, and there really isn't much filler here. “Let's Go Crazy,” “Take Me with U,” “Darling Nikki,” and “When Doves Cry” are all great, and I had completely forgotten how much fun “Baby I'm a Star” is, even with all of its glorious 80s cheese. But “Purple Rain” is the masterpiece. **10/10.** This is how you close an album—eight minutes of buildup, emotion, guitar and payoff that makes the whole record feel like it was leading somewhere.
Yes
For me this is one of the greatest albums of the 80s and the best one by Prince. Extremely creative, great playing, great power, great singing. Every song good.
Absolutely monstruous record, belongs in the annals of history, completely groundbreaking and monumental. No words.
While I probably won't revisit the album soon, it's possible. Never realized this was made in 1984, ahead if it's time in so many ways
This album is a couple of months younger than my other half. What's the importance of this? Absolutely nothing. Something more related? I'm a firm believer thay just because you CAN sing in falsetto, doesn't mean you SHOULD.
Some genuine classic mixed with some soundtrack stuff
Classics are classics for a reason. And some really are that good
This is the first album I ever bought, at the ripe old age of 8. I loved it. I still love it. The way Computer Blue goes right into Darling Nikki...omg I could die. It's just so, so good. Everything on here is top notch. Not a single dud on the album. The movie is super dated and cringey has hell, but I know it word for word. Shout out to Morris Day! Nothing but 5 stars and a big f-you to Tipper Gore and the PMRC.
Booty shaking, hips grinding, smooth, fun, sexy, layered, psychedelic- all time stone cold classic.
Liked Take Me with U.
Para la fama que tiene creí que iba a ser mejor, pero la verdad pues si estaba bueno, sobre todo si lo pienso para la época
Prince's best album is an obvious five-star classic.
I couldn't quite get to 5 stars on this one, but there's plenty to like here.
Amazing! I would consider this one of those rare perfect albums. It starts strong and ends with one of the best closers ever and every song in between these is fantastic. Favorite songs: All of them:)
Amazing from start to finish. “Let’s Go Crazy” has to be one of the best album openers of all time. And “Purple Rain” is the perfect closer. The guitar playing on both tracks is just jaw-dropping. Prince is such a technically great guitarist and musician, but this album has some real pop gems as well. Of course “When Doves Cry” is one of them, but non-hits like “Take Me With U “ and “Baby I’m a Star” are such quality pop songs. This whole album is a delight.
Not ever liked prince much.
Sorry I’m not a fan of this. While When Doves Cry is good, and Purple Rain maybe. The rest is unlistenable.
Purple rain brought it up a star
I felt prince was never really for me and this album honestly confirmed it, in my opinion the lyrics don’t add much to the monotonous background noise. I just don’t know why everyone raves about him so much. Also his face kind of pisses me off I read a bit about prince and my opinion still didn’t change, but what did baffle me was the fact that he could play 27 instruments. One extra star for that
Purple rain is an outstanding song. The rest of this, even the hits, are just so average feeling to me. This is almost comically 80s (derogatory) and prince is only second to MJ in how annoyed I get when he makes his little vocal noises. Talented singer, talented (but overrated) guitarist, but he just doesn’t make music I like listening to.
He's just brilliant at those little fills between lines and the title track is so damn good. I don't know if I've ever quite got my head around Prince being on the Mount Rushmore for all time pop artists but this is a very good album.
What if Jimi Hendrix lived in the 80's and was super horny? The album feels a bit cluttered but all the elements work together well. It's excessive, and not my favorite era, but god damn could Prince make some music
I like the guitar, had a good time. Purple bananas?
Good album, he’s talented but I am not a prince fan
I enjoyed this a lot. The guy had some sort of magic. Even the stuff I didn't like had me bobbing my head.
The Minnesotan in me wants to rate this a 5. It’s so close. Mid to high 4
It was ok. The whole album I thought was over produced. Too much going on which spoilt it.
Perhaps the best closing track, and led directly to the best super bowl halftime show of all time. It's a great, fun album thru and thru.
One of the best. An absolute masterpiece, and one of those rare albums that somehow manages to be about five different things at once without ever losing its identity. It's a great party record, a dance record, a rock record, a new wave/synth-pop record, a showcase for guitar virtuosity, and an absolute pop phenomenon. And somehow, Prince makes all of those things coexist effortlessly. What really blows me away is the sheer range of it. "Let's Go Crazy" is a full-blown rock anthem, complete with one of the most ridiculous guitar outros ever committed to tape. "When Doves Cry" is this bizarre, minimalist, bass-less piece of electronic funk that somehow became an enormous pop hit. "I Would Die 4 U" and "Baby I'm a Star" are infectious, synth-driven dance tracks. "The Beautiful Ones" is practically musical theater, building from a delicate ballad into an absolutely unhinged vocal performance. And then there's the title track, which is just monumental. A sprawling, emotional, guitar-soaked power ballad that earns every second of its running time. And that's what makes Prince so extraordinary. He's not just a great songwriter or performer. He's a genuinely astonishing musician who can move between genres as though the boundaries don't even exist. The guy can write an irresistible pop hook, construct an intricate funk groove, sing his ass off, and then turn around and absolutely shred on guitar. There aren't many artists in popular music history who can credibly do all of those things at this level. Now, I'll admit that some of the production has aged a little. Those unmistakably 80s synthesizers, electronic drums, and occasionally brittle, artificial-sounding textures can make certain moments feel very much of their time. It's not always the warmest or most organic-sounding record, and there are places where I find myself wishing for a little more breathing room in the arrangements. But that's a relatively minor complaint, especially considering how much of this sound Prince helped define in the first place. And honestly, part of the album's greatness is precisely how unapologetically 1980s it is. This isn't some timeless record that exists outside its era. It's an album that practically embodies its era, while simultaneously sounding like nothing else being made at the time. It's sexy, theatrical, outrageous, emotional, funky, and occasionally completely ridiculous. All the things that make Prince Prince. What I especially appreciate is that beneath all the spectacle, the costumes, the sexuality, and the larger-than-life persona, the songs are just phenomenal. Strip away the mythology and you're still left with an extraordinary collection of melodies, grooves, performances, and guitar work. It's a pop album with the ambition of a progressive rock record and the energy of a live funk revue. There's a reason *Purple Rain* occupies the place it does in music history. It's the sound of an artist operating at an almost absurd level of confidence and creativity, making exactly the record he wants to make and somehow bringing the entire world along for the ride. A few dated production choices notwithstanding, this is an absolute triumph. 9/10. A masterpiece.
I loved it , the yeehaaas , sex in Bohemian style , I loved the first song . Well purple rain in og !
Purple
I've always pretended like I listened to Prince so people would think I was cool, but in reality I've never actually listened to an album all the way through. Not sure if anybody's realized this before, but this album is really good! Taking one star off because the only album option available on Apple Music is the Deluxe Expanded Edition that's over 3 hours long and I have no idea when the album actually ends. That's not Prince's fault, but I also don't think Prince would care about how I rate this album on 1001albumgenerator.com
Great
#262/1001 🇺🇸🟪 After a mediocre week of albums, Prince rides in on his little purple Honda to save the day. This is a near perfect record, the obvious stand out tracks being When Doves Cry and the title track which is surely one of the best final tracks of any album ever. Best Tracks: Purple Rain, When Doves Cry, Darling Nikki, I Would Die For You, Lets Go Crazy.
Only after purifying myself in the waters of Lake Minnetonka could I fully appreciate Chocolate, er, Purple Rain. *Lifts fingers from keyboard to stretch.*
absolutely phenomenal. had to sit with this one for a few days because i really couldn't make up my mind if this was 4 or 5 stars. definitely a 4.5 for me, and since i am usually generous and round up to 5, we can say it's a 5 star with some minor, albeit forgivable, detractions. namely: i wasn't as enamored with the "non-hits" as i was with the "hits" - but considering this album is (almost) nothing but hits... yeah, it's pretty solid. great stuff!! highlights - let's go crazy, take me with u, when doves cry, i would die 4 u, baby i'm a star, purple rain
Um disco inconsistente. Gosto das partes e guitarras, mas não gosto dos "gritinhos" e dos teclados e baterias com timbres bem característicos dos anos 1980.
God I really just don't like Prince
Un álbum muy bueno, el mejor de su carrera, no era mucho mi estilo
Not really my taste but purple rain will always do it for me 5/10
It's quite busy isn't. He didn't want to leave anything out.
If the essential “When Doves Cry” won’t get you to four (or five?) stars, what will? And then there’s “Let’s Go Crazy,” “I Would Die 4 U,” and the title track. So, so good. If only the first half of the album could quite match the near-perfect second half….
Easy 5. The album that made him a superstar.
probably the greatest album of all time for a reason. It's wild and it's free, and I'm love with everything about it
Brilliant
אלבום מעולה. כל שיר עשיר ומתפתח ומשאיר טעם של עוד. מרגיש שהאלבום עומד כאלבום. קצת מתלבט עם ה5 כי אני לא בטוח שאחזור אליו הרבה, אבל זו יצירת מופת
Darling Nikki helps this album. There's a lot of shenanigans going on before and after it. All in all this is a decent album.
yeah it'sgood
Well, it's genius, isn't it? I was never a Prince fan as such, so if this project forces (or encourages) me to listen to whole albums, then it will have been worth it. Of course this has it's flaws - it's a soundtrack album, how could it not? The huge hit singles do overshadow the rest of it, and Prince, like many geniuses, didn't always know when to leave us wanting more. But no-one else sounds like this; no-one - even in the eighties - was effortlessly smashing all the genres together and making it sound like it was completely spontaneous, and no-one will ever be as cool as he was at this point, so it's getting full marks, although 4.5 might be more accurate.
고평가된앨범같은ㄷ
From start to finish so inspiring and challenging all at once.
Supremely ambitious and perfectly executed, this is as close as an exact vision of a musical genius as Ziggy Stardust or Pet Sounds, but 10 times funkier and 100 times hornier.
Prince out here getting all the huzz
I hate to say it but this was super disappointing. I didn’t hate it but I didn’t like it either.
5/5 https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/prince-and-the-revolution/purple-rain/ Was looking forward to this one. Knew it would have to be in there sometime. I have never really paid much attention to Prince; even his massive hits are not overplayed in my brain. But I knew the chances of me liking it were there. And indeed, this is fucking great. Of course the hits are fantastic, but there's so much more to the album. It's groovy and sexy, it rocks (come on, there's even blast drums!), and Prince is just all around freaky. Fuck yea, this will go in my rotation!
Purple Rain was amazing. Some other great songs too.
Great voice, great guitars, great grooves. Very big sound and it works.
2.67
It features one of my favourite songs...so this is good. Need to listen again.
Panic attack the album
Ok. Non il mio stile, molto anni 80 e invecchiato male secondo me
Maybe I’m just too demanding
One of the most talented and influential artists of my time. While his most popular, probably not my favorite or best album of his out there. Will influence others for centuries to come. 4+
Own on vinyl. Listen this weekend
When doves cry and purple rain are crackers. Easy enough listen. Very of its time and 80s.
music is love
Unforgetable
The best pop ever got.
Purple Rain PØRPUL REIN😫✊ Beste sang: Purple Rain
I am not the biggest Prince fan but this is certainly a classic album. I hear funk, rock, crazy colourful sounds, R&B beats.... still sounds like him all the way through. Surprised I hadnt heard all songs already. Its the highest of 4s and the lowest of 5s for me
Jeg er ikke over månen for Prince. Det er nok bare lidt for meget for mig. Han er lidt for optimistik og glad. Men det er jo godt, det kan jeg jo høre. Det er mere på en vibez-basis jeg giver 3 her og den er sgu også lidt hård, men jeg har ikke rigtig lyst til at sige 4.
Don't really know what happened, but I distinctly remember liking this album a lot. I don't think I do that anymore, not as much at least. Still some pretty good songs on it 3.7
Groovy
Once cutting edge, songs and moments still stand out - notably the Purple Rain guitar solos, however the album is of its era.
9.7/10 Fav track: Purple Rain
Weird and grating sounds. The drum machine and synths, as stylistic as they are, are very samey throughout. Some good songs here and there, but the filler in between freaks me out. 2/5
What a struggle. I was excited going in as 'popular' is an understatement for Prince and Purple Rain. Surprisingly though I found everything incredibly jarring on the first listen. Had I stopped there I would have thought about rating it a respectful 2 but I ended up listening through the album 4 more times. My opinion improved on each round and while I still wouldn't claim to be a fan of Prince's excentric singing style I'm happy to report that I ended up liking this album after all.
Enjoyed this a lot, some fun tunes, oozing with sex. Genuinely think Purple Rain is one of the best songs of all time, and I'm not even sure if that's a controversial statement
Ok album, preferred the second half of the album, a few songs I did really like
Classico
already listened to this
idk, it’s just not for me. if i rate the album, i can give only 2 stars. it’s just thanks to the song purple rain. i like this song but definitely not this whole album
masterpiece, no skips. the melodies, the instrumentals, the voice are right up my alley
Obviously purple rain is an elite track. Unfortunately, the rest of the album is a bit inconsistent. Some great highs like let’s go crazy and when doves cry, everyone else wasn’t memorable. The song was wasted on stranger things season 5.
Phenomenal album, such a good listen with some damn good guitar playing too. Not much else I can say that hasn't been said already, 10/10
Everything about this album is perfect. Nothing more to say.
Šo mākslinieku man parādīja kolēģis Svens 2021 gadā, kur viņš stāstīja pa savu mīļāko koncertu kuru viņš bija apmeklējis. Precīzi neatceros, bet tas stāsts balstījās uz to ka bija noslēgts Briseles centrs un visa pilsētā atradās korķī. Un mākslinieks Prince ar Policijas konvoju tika pavadīts līdz arēnai. Klausoties šo albūmu pēc nesen noskatītās Michael Jackson films liekas Prince ir ne tik, līdz perfekcionisma nostrādāts Michael Jacksons.
First prince album. New music to me. Impressed by the solo production.
10/10 Favorites: Let’s Go Crazy Take Me with U The Beautiful Ones When Doves Cry I Would Die 4 U Purple Rain
Standouts Let's Go Crazy When Doves Cry I Would Die 4 U Purple Rain
A little over-the-top emotionally at times, but a solid 5-star piece nonetheless.
To my aunt Carmel, thanks for making us listen to so much Prince when we were young. Love you forever. 💜
This one is easy, this is already a perfect album where I like all the songs. I was in college when this came out and I already knew a few Prince songs - basically just the ones that made their way through to rock radio stations and pop radio stations - like "Little Red Corvette" and "1999". But I didn't really know too much about him. Then this came out and I distinctly remember hearing "When Doves Cry" and really liked it - I thought the guitar and overall sound (drums, keyboard, vocals) was really different and really good. Then this album had so many hit singles that you couldn't miss if you were living under a rock - just heard them everywhere. So I started paying attention more and ended up digging this whole album and then I also started to go back and listen to the whole 1999 album and realized that had a bunch of great deep cuts too. Twas fun listening to this in one sitting today and knowing all of it. Since I have all of the songs "liked" on Spotify, I hear them popping up on my various playlists regularly but was cool to listen to it front to back. Fun fact - as Wikipedia states, he originally wrote the song "Purple Rain" as a country song and wanted Steve Nicks to write the lyrics and sing it with him - but she felt she couldn't do it. Years later (in 2016) his version was covered by Dwight Yoakam as a country song - pretty cool. Dolly Parton then did a version too in 2024. Springsteen has also played this song in concert as a tribute to Prince right after he died. Tis cool that 2 legends who were duking it out on the charts in the 80's had a huge mutual respect for each other. They actually had a lot in common in terms of their approach to being the band leader and principle song writer and being known for great live shows - so they each recognized that in each other. This still holds up 40+ years later. Good job Prince! Liked songs on Spotify: 9/9 Rating: 5/5
75
Prince was a fucking genius
Honestly one of my first times really listening to Prince. This album is amazing
One of the best albums ever released. Such an experimental, genre-bending masterpiece. Prince did his big one here.
Some absolute bangers on here
esta bueno, medio vibra michael jackson
Prince really shows exactly why he became such an icon on Purple Rain. This album is such a great mix of rock, pop, R&B, and funk, all mashed together into something that somehow feels completely natural. You get fun songs, emotional songs, funky songs, huge arena-ready moments, and that unmistakable ’80s sound. But even with how much it represents its era, Prince still feels like he was a few steps ahead of everybody else. Obviously, the big singles are classics, but I was pleasantly surprised by some of the deeper cuts too. Computer Blue was probably the biggest surprise for me. That song is just incredibly fun, and Baby I’m a Star has that same kind of energy. There’s so much personality throughout this album, and you can really hear how much creativity and care went into it. I wasn’t completely sold on every track, and there were a couple that felt a little more like filler compared to the highlights. But when Purple Rain is at its best, it is really hard to argue with. Prince sounds confident, ambitious, weird, emotional, and ridiculously talented all at once. It was also nice hearing the full album versions of songs I’m used to hearing on the radio. Radio edits can chop things down quite a bit, so hearing some of these tracks actually stretch out gives them a different feel. Purple Rain especially benefits from that. Letting that song fully play out makes it feel enormous, and it works perfectly as the album’s closing statement. Yeah, this one deserves the reputation. Great album.
One of the greatest moments in cinema history is when Prince points at Apollonia while singing “do you want him or do you want me, cause I want you!” during The Beautiful Ones
Even though there are a couple of slightly weaker tracks, this has to be 5 for nonbinary rep and the opportunity to reread my favourite article: What's In Prince's Fridge? (if I ever get married I want to enter to I would Die 4 U)
Not much to say here, a great pop album with loads of hits that have stood the test of time backed by album tracks that stand alongside them no problem. Purple Rain is the greatest song he ever wrote and one of the best tunes of all time. 9/10
Dober dober
I appreciate it’s relatively varied and “purple rain” is a timeless track but I wouldn’t rlly listen to any of the other songs on daily basis so high 3
This album slaps! So many mega hits - Let's Go Crazy, When Doves Cry, I Would Die 4 U, Purple Rain - and the remainder of the songs were very listenable, Baby I'm a Star is a standout there, and Darling Nikki made me blush, LOL. (5)
Time to watch the Prince halftime show again Let’s Go Crazy is such an awesome opener. I’m a Vikings fan and at US Bank Stadium they always play it when they score, so my brain’s hardwired to dispense dopamine when I hear it, not to mention it being a great high energy song that opens the album with a bang. Take Me With U, When Doves Cry, and I Would Die 4 U are also great, with the latter have such a cool transition into the next track, Baby I’m a Star, which is another one that’s criminally underrated and just lets Prince convey so much personality. And I haven’t even mentioned the title track, which might just be the closing track on an album of all time. Hard not to get emotional on that one and you just never want that solo to end. Prince does a great job throughout the whole album blending those synths and all those layered instruments; try listening to the instrumental part of any song and see how much is going on I do think the first half outside of Let’s Go Crazy is a bit weak in places, though that’s probably more of a symptom of it ending so strong. I don’t have a whole lot else to complain about; if I had to come up with something I guess it’d have to be that it’s a bit shallow thematically, but I think the depth of emotion Prince conveys make up for it a bit I think it’s easy to overlook the rest of this album considering the gravity Purple Rain (the song) has, but this is an already great album that happens to have one of the greatest songs of all time as an exclamation point. Prince is absolutely one of the most interesting artists of all time, and I think this album does an amazing job of showcasing the full range of emotions behind the man. Easy 5 stars
Oof, I feel bad but I just don't think I get it? Like, Purple Rain is a fantastic song, Let's get crazy is fun, but there's something a little too rinky-dink about the rest of the music for me to get into.
Not gonna lie, this was kind of generic. I guess by 80s pop music standards it's great, but damn, that just makes me think that 80s pop music sucks. In hindsight, it probably does. It’s not bad, of course, but my mind can’t connect to anything here. The instrumentation is so 80s it becomes almost funny. The instruments are all not doing much; everything is kind of straightforward, and not in a good way. God, the drums are awful — not because of the plastic sound, but because of how programmed and boring they are. It actually sounds like Prince just did everything here by himself, which might be the case. The songwriting is not that bad, I guess, but again, pretty much typical for the 80s. This album sounds a lot like Tonight by David Bowie and that is not a good sign at all. Anyway, the existence of Let’s Dance and Some Great Reward makes this album insignificant in every way, I’m afraid.
Yes, yes, yes. This is a masterpiece.
Lets go crazy - fun intro and lyrics, catchy hook and bridge, gets you in the mood for the rest of the album, fun swingy riffs and synths, intro whilst long is enjoyable (4) take me with U - nice female vocals, interesting contrast to the first song sounding completely different, odd drumming, synth near the end adds an interesting change (7) the beautiful ones - interesting vocals, nice slower tempo, spoken words add an interesting element, quite bland, picks up towards the end as princes vocals harshen yet is not worth the build up (9) computer blue - nice guitar, interesting intro, fun rhythm (8) darling Nikki - fun instrumental, 'memorable' lyrics, guitar sounds great, very dance-able (5) When doves cry - amazing vocals with great backup, Michael Jackson vibes, nice drums, fun outro but slightly too long (6) i would die 4 U - fun vocals, bouncy rhythm, beautiful lyrics yet kinda basic (3) baby im a star - nice jazzy piano, best vocals on the album, nice guitar licks, backup vocals are great (1) purple rain - one of the saddest songs oat, lovely guitar, classic, massive whiplash from the previous track, beautiful piano (2)
Absolute bangers throughout
First of all I never saw the movie. So I don't if the movie is any good. But I enjoyed the soundtrack. Great songs. Great music. Oh well, it's Prince of course! So: 4/5
hot take, this album is kinda good fav: The Beautiful Ones, When Doves Cry, Purple Rain
3.5
I recognize it takes a unique genius to make this stuff, but do I always love listening to it? Not really.
fabulous & funky
Now this is an album!
Id plug in this album on the ski slopes and would tear up the black diamond runs.. thank you Prince for all the good times.
This album is laced with the divine. A spiritual collection of melodies, lyrics, riffs and more from a spiritually gifted artist. No skips!
When this one popped up on the schedule, I genuinely thought this would be an easy 4 stars, but I have to say I was a bit disappointed by this after a lot of years away from it. I didn’t get Prince at all when this was originally released, but I rediscovered it in my late teens and had a period where I devoured his stuff. Listening to this one now, the highs are very high, but there’s a lot that feels too experimental and indulgent, leaving the whole album a little too patchy. Nonetheless, the title track is an all-timer and lifts the whole thing above that 4-star bar, just.
Not much to say that hasn't already been said. An amazing album that repeatedly hammers you with great hooks. The incredible showcase of vocal mastery is the cherry on top and a personal highlight. Favourite track: Let's Go Crazy
Great record, very unique sound - drums especially. The hits are fantastic, but the album tracks are interesting and quite good as well.
Great album start to finish. Amazing blend of electronic synth pop with big band & heavy guitar riffs. High energy theatrical rock.
A perfect encapsulation of pop music as defined by the second half of the 20th century. It does not get any better than this.
Probably said this my other reviews of Prince, but I was a 12-13 year old white boy from the middle of red neck Indiana when I moved to Ann Arbor. A good friends older brother was playing music that changed me from the very first time I heard it. My introduction to Prince, one of the greatest musicians of all time. Opened my mind. Opened my heart. The love was instant and remains as strong as ever today. Purple Rain came out in the summer of 1984. Right before the start of my senior year at Ann Arbor Pioneer. Primary color of our school is purple Shortly after Prince concluded a 7 night string of concerts at Joe Louis Arena in November, our football team win the state championship. Headline of local newspaper (remember newspapers?), "Purple Reigns". I attended of the shows and needless to say it was a pretty incredible time during my final year of high school. IMO, this is one Prince's best albums. As a big fan, that may change depending on my mood, but certainly a top 3 for me. A no skip album that starts with of my all time favorite songs, Let's Go Crazy. As soon as it starts, goosebumps and the desire to sing at the top of my lungs. Take Me With You has a few of my favorite lines, " I don't care where we go. I don't care what we do. I don't care pretty baby. Just take me with you." Pretty sure I used those lines on a few girls back in the day, but today it means a lot more and are truthful as I say them to my wife. The Beautiful Ones, damn I feel this song. The emotions of pouring your heart out to the girl you love. Computer Blue - the most underrated banger off the album. "Must be something wrong with the machinery" Darling Nikki - there's the raunchy Prince I expect to hear from time to time. Wife hated it when I called her Darling Mindy, but Dave Grohl loved it enough to cover. When Doves Cry - pretty sure I've used the line, "dig if you will the picture of you and I engaged in a kiss". Don't laugh, that shit worked in the 80's. Actually, I reworked or stole a lot of Prince's lyrics into pickup lines. I Would Die 4 U rolling into Baby I'm a Star - and this is how the movie ended. Baby I'm a Star another underrated song off the album. My neighbors occasionally hear me singing this in my backyard as I dance around pretend I'm Prince. Did I mention, I'm a 60 year dude? Yea, I still pretend to be Prince and I'm not embarrassed. Purple Rain - just a beautiful end to a beautiful album. Some of the lyrics really hit home. Another song the will really give me goosebumps when I sit back and just absorb the song. This world would be a helluva lot better place if we all spent some time laughing in the purple rain. I love this man. I love his music. This is album is one of the best. Ever.
4 Boy, where to begin with this one. My first thought is of my dad, Prince’s biggest fan. I know this isn’t actually his favorite (shoutout to Sign 'O' The Times), but I still associate most of these songs with him - Let’s Go Crazy especially, which has developed into his signature bar karaoke performance (shoutout to Tenth Street Saloon). My second thought is of this CD circulating between the cars of my sibling and me. Tbh, I don’t know exactly how that ended up being - my Dad probably just borrowed them at some point and brought the album with him - either way, while I’m not quite the Prince fan he is, I used to let it play in the background on a few occasions, so a part of me associates this with driving around my hometown. My third thought - anyone who’s taken the Warner Bros Studio Tour is probably aware of this fact, but the photo for the album cover was taken on the lot, in the exact “alleyway” that the famous upside-down kiss from the original Tobey Maguire Spider-Man would later take place. I know that seems like a weird initial thought for an album like this, but it honestly pops into my head more often than not when I glance at it. I digress, if you ask me or most music listeners I would suspect, this is Prince’s finest hour. Like, come on, half of this album is considered among some of the best works of his entire career, and honestly, they really are that good. Let’s Go Crazy and Purple Rain in particular form the kind of opener/closer combination that most artists only dream of having, with the former being one of the most fun, “welcome to the party”-type tracks I’ve ever heard, and the latter being an absolutely beautiful, anthemic ballad that not only defines the spirit of this album, but arguably Prince’s entire career. I’m sure my dad is aware of this fact, but it was originally envisioned as a country duet with Stevie Nicks, which is wild to me - to be honest, I really can’t imagine the song any other way. However, my actual favorite song on the album, and possibly across Prince’s entire catalog, is Take Me With U, though I actually don’t have a strong reason as to why - I guess I just find it catchy, the strings cool, and I suppose when you have someone that makes you feel the sentiment of the lyrics, it resonates a little more. That said, Darling Nikki and When Doves Cry are also favorites despite not being especially relatable, and even a bit crude in the case of Nikki, but I still think they’re really well put together pop songs (the minimalist musical approach to Doves works wonders). Unfortunately, I don’t feel quite the same about I Would Die 4 U, which is probably my least favorite on the album. As diverse and lush as the overall package is, IWD4U feels safe and formulaic. As for the rest of this album (The Beautiful Ones, Computer Blue, Baby I’m a Star), while I can’t say I love the tracks, I can’t say I hate them either. I think my dad has a soft spot for Computer Blue, but it doesn't really do much for me. Sorry, Dad. I’ll admit The Beautiful Ones has a nice buildup to it, though I also find it a bit long and slow, and as for Baby I’m a Star, I mostly consider it an extension of I Would Die 4 U. Still, I really think the tour de force this album is is felt through and through, and combined with the sentimental value it holds with me, I can’t go any lower than a 4. Plus, come on, that production is incredible. While I can’t say it’s my favorite album from a Minneapolis-based artist this past week, it’s certainly #2. I look forward to seeing what my dad has to say about it.
Is Prince a fraud??? There’s a couple of bangers but some of the others are pretty hard work.
A masterpiece! No skips! Instantly in a great mood listening. Thank you Prince! Top Songs: The Beautiful Ones, Computer Blue, When Doves Cry, I Would Die 4 U, Purple Rain
This is probably a harsh mark and it was mostly enjoyable, When Doves Cry alone should make it a 4. But overall it just didn't connect with me massively.
Goat
This album was fierce. Purple Rain has to be in the top 5 greatest songs of the ‘80s. 3.75 Top tracks: Baby I’m a Star, Purple Rain
Purple Rain on varmasti yksi 80-luvun parhaista pop-levyistä ja se on myös osoittautunut kestävämmäksi kuin Princen tähdittämä samanniminen elokuva. Levyn soundit ovat superkasaria, mutta se ei haittaa, kun biisimateriaali on näin laadukasta. Kaikista kuulemistani Princen levyistä Purple Rain on selkeästi paras.
It's Prince!
a party in an album
The greatest movie soundtrack that everyone knows, from a movie nobody remembers
This album is 5 stars all the way. Even the fact that I don't like the title track all that much (I do like it, but it's probably not in my top 50 Prince songs...maybe even Top 100) doesn't detract enough from this being just a brilliant record. I miss Prince more every day.
This is a freaking weird album. I'm decidedly not a huge Prince fan. The man can absolutely shred a guitar and is crazy talented, but I always feel like his albums leave so much to be desired. There's so much cheesy synth and the vocals are pushed to the background, like the mixing is completely wonky. Let your guitar shine through more! I just don't get it, man. Standout tracks are "Darking Nikki" "Purple Rain." This album gave us some classics, but the rest is extremely overrated. My hottest of takes: this is a mid album and it's a 3 at best.
I wanted to like this and it was mediocre. The title track is great, everyone else fell flat.
I'm just not a fan of the shrieking. I think a few songs were good, When Doves Cry is great, but most of the album isn't for me.
Pretty good, only song bringing it down in my opinion is Darling Nikki, not sure why but I just don't really like that one.
This may be a vinyl pickup, 5 star album all day.
Not a bad song on the album, phenomenal.
when i refreshed and this album appeared, i immediately jumped up in my seat. i'd been wanting to check out this record for a very long time, but i never got to actually listening until now. safe to say, it definitely lives up to the masterpiece title that many people give it. the energy on this thing is incredible, prince's vocals most definitely live up to the hype, and the instrumentation compliments them outstandingly. i really should've gotten to this sooner!!
wish i was getting a divorce so i could listen to purple rain the way god intended
By far my favorite Prince album. So many good songs and a good movie too. When Doves Cry is probably his best written song.
I owned this album.
All hail
The piano solo towards the end of "Purple Rain" sounds similar to the piano hook in Alicia Keys' song "Like You'll Never See Me Again" (but not quite the same!) and a quick Google search tells me that Alicia asked Prince for permission to sample his song and he said no. Interesting. Anyway: this album was not my favorite from Prince.
(5/7) I thought 1999 was the better album
Yeah, definitely a classic, revered album. I appreciate it, but I don't know if I love love love it as much as a lot of other people, and I do think there's a filler track or two in here. But still, I definitely appreciate it.
Love
I had never listened to this whole album before. I expected the three usual suspects and a remainder that couldn’t be as good. Not quite matching the big three, but no notes.
Just learned that these reviews are public, if not individually identifiable, so I might take a bit more care with them lol. Never actually listened to this one all the way through before, nor have I seen the movie yet. The musicianship and arrangements are immaculate, notably the seamless transitions between tracks; the songwriting is very good; I have some trouble with the extremely 80s production, which I realize is a skill issue on my part. Everything kind of sounds like it was tracked on a cheap synth or recorded inside a tin can, or both, as was the fashion at the time, and I can't quite get over that. It all just sounds a little thin somehow, despite its tremendous punch and tightness. I wonder if some kind of different listening setup (vinyl? FLACs?) would help. 4 stars for now.
2nd Prince album i enjoyed this more. Must say he's was a horny little chap.
Virtuosity is sexy
Somehow this album gets better and better with age
Not a fan of the dragged out ending, but stellar otherwise.
10/10 One of my favourite albums ever! Every single song is perfection.
Overblown nonsense, but when it hits the mark, it's such good fun. Let's Go Crazy, Take Me With U, I Would Die 4 U are joyous.
A prodigious talent <<clunk>> A great songwriter <<clunk>> Multi-instrumentalist <<clunk>> Particularly a magnificent guitarist <<clunk>> But maybe not such a good <<clunk>> Producer <<clunk>> Since every song seems to have <<clunk>> The same sound <<clunk>> Reverb and <<clunk>> That goddam annoying drum machine <<clunk>>
I know it’s considered a classic. And it’s got a couple great tracks. I don’t think it’s aged very well. Some of the songs sound a bit rushed like they didn’t take their time. But maybe that’s just me. 2.8/5.0
Decent album. Before my time.
ごめんなさい。声があまり好みではない のれるかんじでたのしいが
Ok, it's got "When Doves Cry." It's got "Purple Rain"! It kicks off with "Let's Go Crazy" and "Take Me with U" and it's got "I Would Die 4 U." It's not on my personal list of top 20 80s albums, but it's probably the absolute apex of mainstream 80s pop. Maybe I'll revisit that when Michael Jackson comes up, but listening to this now, I'm fairly confident "Purple Rain" is it.
5/5. It’s interesting, I usually hate 80’s pop production, and Princes Purple Rain is an 80’s ass album, yet this is a rare case where it really works for me. That is largely because Prince is an insanely good songwriter and performer and this album showcases him at the peak of his powers. Whether that be the banger opener “Let’s go Crazy” or the almost disco-ish “Baby I’m a star.” And of course there’s the closer and title track which is straight up one of the best songs of its decade, that guitar solo still goes insanely hard. An album of pop perfection. As for the movie that this album soundtracks, I have never seen it so I don’t have a take there. Also as a fun fact, this album is largely responsible for the creation of the “Parental Advisory” sticker. The story goes that Tipper Gore heard her young daughter listening to “Darling Nikki” and flipped out after hearing the lyrics about masturbating to a magazine, so she set up a lobbying group which led to the creation of that sticker you see on explicit albums.
uma lenda esse prince aí
Clearly a talented Dude, the songwriting is peak. So perhaps it’s just something about that 80s synthesiser Beverly Hills Cop sound I just don’t gel with. Few songs from five out of five album, half to about maybe 2/3 just not quite there for me.
It’s so wild to me that Darling Nikki, a raw, experimental thing that triggered the first album content ratings, is followed by When Doves Cry, which might be the most quintessential 80s pop hit. This album isn’t boring for a second, but I could use less of Prince’s shrieking high notes.
Great stuff. I'll admit that i've slept on this album for far too long and only ever listened to Prince's first 4 albums. I see now why *this* is the one everyone takes their musical inspiration from, hearing all the cool guitars, drumming and synth programming packed into each track. Darling Nikki in particular is a really funny song, just for the contrast between the sexual lyrics and then giving you heavy metal double kick drums out of nowhere. 9/10.
rurple pain
incredible album. top 20 album of all time. better than any michael jackson album. strong 9 to a 10. first listen tracklist ranking: 1. Purple Rain 2. When Doves Cry 3. Computer Blue 4. Let's Go Crazy 5. Baby I'm A Star 6. The Beautiful Ones 7. I Would Die 4 U 8. Take Me With U 9. Darling Nikki
I think my ears are pregnant after this.
Some good songs, some that felt so 9ut of place, and I don't get the love for Purple Rain.
I really considered giving this 5 but some of the non hit songs being the rating down just enough. It’s still a really good album.
Fun album
Five purple stars. A treasure.
I've heard half of these so often on the radio that I don't really think much of them. They're just part of pop culture. It's a fun pop album.
7/10
God, pop music used to be so good. This might not be Prince's most daring album, or his most comprehensive, but it rightfully earns its place as his most definitive. His singular blend of pop-R&B-funk-disco-dance-soul is perfectly distilled into nine of the coolest, catchiest, and original tracks to come out of the 80s. Fav Tracks: Let's Go Crazy, Take Me With U, The Beautiful Ones, Computer Blue, When Doves Cry, I Would Die 4 U, Purple Rain Least Fav: Darling Nikki Score: 9.5
What an incredible album. One banger after another.
388/1089 birthday no.2 on this project, makes a change from last year’s leonard cohen liked the first two tracks but the screechy vocals in The Beautiful Ones was REALLY not for me when doves cry is tooo iconic overall i liked this album a fair bit but maybe less than sign o the times faves: when doves cry, i would die 4 u, take me with u 70/100
An all-time album opener with "Dearly Beloved, We are gathered here..." and it's just pure pop rock bliss from there. I'm not over the moon about prince, although you don't need to be over the moon to know the man is a goddamn genius/wizard/genie/sexgod. Not every track is perfect, which is no sin. The highs are so high, and the title track to close kicks ass. This reminds me to rewatch his Super Bowl halftime show (in the rain!). Best ever, IMO.
Is this my favorite album of all time? Top ten at very least. I also love the movie. I remember watching Prince’s Super Bowl performance live and being blown away by how great that was. Also, if you’re a fan of Prince, it is worth it going to Paisley Park and doing the tour.
I mean, it’s perfect, yeah? Perfect.
A straight up masterpiece.
Se dejó la garganta el tipazo Purple rain toptier
couldn't finish it
Oh my GOD the fates! For my final day before leaving for Washington, I’ve been gifted an album that transcends space and time, through the everlasting impact of “Purple Chips,” sung to the tune of Purple Rain. A man outside a Bed Stuy bodega joined me in song on the streets, lyrics were added on a campsite on the Pacific Ocean (eg, “I just want to see you with a chip in your hand”). /// Aside from that nonsense, this mfin album is so good. Thrilled bc last week I listened to Questlove’s take on a Prince song and learned more about his brilliance. Giggling that Purple Rain was initially written as a country song for Stevie Nicks and she simply could not cope 😂 Imagine we didn’t get this song in its current form?! Even if I didn’t love it, five stars may have been warranted for housing the song that’s been in my head for 10+ years
I do like a lot of Prince, but I really don’t like this album, apart from “ when doves cry”
5*. I was 8 in 1984 when I first heard this record, and I fell in love instantly. It’s definitely a product of its time, and it sounds pretty 80s to this day, but it’s still held up remarkably well. A true classic.
Untouchable classic!!! The whole album is a no skip album. Crazy amounts of talent and skill on display. Crystal clear production and instrumentals. Wildly iconic album cover. Pretty great to pretty good movie. Wildly iconic intro on let’s go crazy which also might be one of the best opening tracks ever! Wildly underrated classic with computer blue. Huge massive hit songs with “let’s go crazy” “when doves cry” “I would die 4 U” and “purple rain”. And honestly what a ballsy move to put the title track at the END of the album cause you are THAT confident in it. It’s not an exaggeration to say Prince is one of the greatest and most influential artists of all time. And it’s doubly true for me personally because my favorite band of all time(Ween) has said on record that their biggest influence was Prince. So thank you Prince for being one of my favorite but also basically creating and inspiring my actual favorite artist ever!!
This is probably the only artist, I immediately turn off when I hear one of his tunes. In the interest of being more open minded, I tried to listen to the album. I found myself thinking of the Pub Singer before I gave up and switched off. 25 minutes of my life given up and I still haven't changed my mind.
While technically a soundtrack, Purple Rain is so cohesively consistent that it feels more like a full album experience that just so happens to be in a movie. I never think of it in the soundtrack category, it's just too good. Everything about this works, be that the sensual, sexy production, the smooth and heart warming ballads or the dance'able bops. Vocally he gets a bit wild like at the end of The Beautiful Ones or on the breathy shouts of the opener. That makes the album stand out above your average pop/r&b album, his vocals are absolutely next level. Let's Go Crazy is such a fire song, straight from the opening keys to the buzzing electric guitars to that amazing solo towards the end that explodes into this massive finish, the song is a burst of creativity and fresh air. Computer Blue has a crazy rhythm section. Starts off with a straightforward, almost mechanical groove, and the second half makes it advance into something unbelievably cool, with all these funky guitar solos flying around. The A-side of the record is amazing, but the second half is absolutely flawless. I mean, c'mon. When Doves Cry, I would Die For You, Baby I'm a Star AND Purple Rain to close it off? Talk about a crazy song run. This album is wonderfully written, handled with so much care and detail and on top of that delivering one amazing super memorable banger after another.
This album is pretty good and very iconic! Purple rain (song) is one of the best songs of all time! Good listen!
Having listened to a few Prince albums during the 1001 I’ve become of the opinion that he’s an incredible musician but lacking as a curator. Every album has some filler, even concise so-called classics like this one. The lows here are not so low, but there are a lot of uninspiring moments. On the other hand, When Doves Cry and Purple Rain exist, so there’s that. Purple Rain first chord really hits different. One of the most simply powerful starts to a song I can think of. This track really towers head and shoulders above the rest of the album. Fave Tracks: Take Me With U, When Doves Cry, I Would Die 4 U, Purple Rain 3.6/5
I like it, had a good enough time listening to it, but I don't quite "get it". Why is this album so highly regarded other than the title track?
hard to give this anything other than a 5, so full of life and emotion and featuring a prince who was at the peak of his powers, his sensitivity, his sexuality, his everything! the best to ever do it, thank you to my girlfriend for putting me on!
those who know me know about my love for prince..... ugh purple rain did Nawt disappoint! my favorite song is i would die 4 u! period!!!!!!!!
thats a solid 9/10 album right here
There is not one enjoyable thing about the song Darling Nikki. The rest of this album is OK but so overrated. Yes, I listened as a complete album while cruising down the highway, trying to give it a chance, even after 40 years of meh! hearing the singles. Ugh, Prince.
Had a great time listening after I woke up from passing out over how awesome prince is ☺️
look i like when doves cry but i wanted so much more from this album than it actually gave me
1) Computer Blue 2) Purple Rain 3) Take Me with U Least Favourite: Darling Nikki
The album perfectly fits the visual of Prince on the motorcylce. Production is very fast-paced, giving me the feeling of a rush driving my motorcycle at top speed, thinking of my passionate feelings. Prince's high-energy singing of high energy helps as well; I think it carries in some songs where the production feels a little minimal, but the project is very creative and rock heavy.
Nunca será mejor que Michael Jackson, pero que pedazo de artista era. Purple Rain es un temazo
An all time great
no puedo ser objetiva cuando se trata de este hombre le AMO
Incredible audio quality.
What more can be said?
If Purple Rain was the only good song on this album it’d still be a 5/5 album for me. Luckily that isn’t the case because this one is incredible.
Masterpiece. Despite being Gen X, I only heard this all the way through once before, about a year ago. This time, it was twice on consecutive days. I can’t believe what a cohesive statement piece this is and Prince’s ungodly talent as a vocalist, a guitarist, and builder of layers, teasing us until the crescendo. Much has been written of what a sex freak he is in his songs, but damn he nails the exquisite yearning of “The Beautiful Ones” and the filthy, horny fun on “Darling Nikki.” The singles and the movie always loomed larger for me, to this point so ubiquitous to my generation, that the soaring achievement of the album-as-album escaped me until now. Definition of a 5 album you must hear before you die.
I was debating between a 4 and a 5 for this one but the title track sealed the deal. It really is a tremendous song. Apart from that, Let’s Go Crazy is always a fun listen. Top Track - Purple Rain
True classic!
A fun Prince album. It’s his brilliant blend of pop, funk, r&b, rock and instrumental composition throughout. There’s something about the album that doesn’t let me fall in love when listening to it. But if I’m trying to be objective then I would still class it as an all timer album and if I had to remake this list based on what I would categorise as must listen, then this would be on there no doubt.
Good music. Nothing stood out too crazy
album is not bad I knew only one song from there purple rain now I. listening to the whole thing for the first time but there is something I don't really like about it maybe its the electronic in the background ,im not big fan of a electronic music the lyrics are fine just the music is not realy resonating with me
Not every song reaches the highs of the classics, but it's still a remarkable album from Prince.
What can be said that hasn't been said already? Just a proper all-timer that can be listened to again and again, filled with infectious pop grooves and classic riffs. Prince's voice is truly something else here, brimming with power even in the most quiet moments. That final track hits me like a ton of bricks every time anyway, but I never paid attention to the string section before. Sheer genius from beginning to end that has seldom been matched since.
okay
Good album.
Is there a better opening song to an album than Let’s Go Crazy? What an incredible listen every time. Since we were generated this album I’ve probably listened to it at least 10 times. This is the kind of album I put on to dance in the kitchen to. Or to try to make doing laundry less painful. Season: Early Summer Favorite Song: Let’s Go Crazy
There are no words I can add to the discourse that haven't already been said. A masterpiece
Non è nemmeno così bello ma c’è purple rain
good album but kinda too long for me ngl
come onnnn, excuisite
Somewhat overrated, just the one decent track really, the rest slide into mediocrity.
Legendary
i understand why the goofy movie music hits so hard now highlights: computer blue when doves cry baby i'm a star purple rain
Fantastic album and song by the same name
Den har allt! Lets go crazy är en rökare och ”Dearly beloved”-snacket i början kanske den bästa öppningen på ett album någonsin. Outrot i the beautiful ones är total jävla gåshud varje gång. Även outrot i darling nikki med dubbeltrampet ska nämnas, jag ryser bara jag tänker på det. Att det var den låten som ledde till ”parental advisory”-stickern pga för durrrrty text tillför en extra krydda. I would die 4 u är låten som all electropop som nånsin gjorts efteråt har strävat mot. When doves cry är världens bästa låt utan bas. Wailningen 06:03 i Purple rain är ett av historiens bästa musikögonblick. Jag hävdar bestämt att det, objektivt sett, inte finns en enda dålig sekund på den här skivan. Det känns futtigt att ge den en 5a. Avslutningsvis: se filmen. Värdelös, ja, men också världens bästa film.
Otroligt sexerligt album.
👑
Allt förutom spår 3,4,5 (Beautiful ones, Computer Blue och Darling Nikki) är fem av fem klackskor. Då landar betyget på 4,49 och ett stort hjärta.
I just don't get it. I just don't.
It is alright, there are a few big hits in here. The rest of the album average or not to my taste.
The man can play the guitar
One of the greatest to ever do it. Has multiple songs that are some of the most iconic and great of all time 5/5
Prince provides a 9 track thriller. With a peppering of confusing backwards tracks. This must be when recording things in reverse was popular. Never heard Nikki before, sex dungeon waterbed weirdness. Purp rain to finish me off.
Starts well and ends well … and has ok bits in between 🤷♀️
This might be his Purple Badness at his absolute peak, it was number one forever in 1984 (a year with only 5 #1 albums BTW) and had more hot hits than you've had hot dinners. Listening to it now, it's impossible to deny the sheer, unadulterated genius on display. The album is an absolute riot of genre-blending... Seamlessly fusing rock, funk, pop, and R&B into a slick, synth-heavy masterpiece. Sure, some might find the production a bit firmly trapped in its 80s time capsule or find the excessive, sex-crazed screeching a bit over the top, but the raw musicianship and electrifying charisma completely overshadow those critiques. From the frantic, sermon-like energy of "Let's Go Crazy" to the sparse, bass-less perfection of "When Doves Cry," the entire record is dripping with grandiose, oversized ambition. What really gets me is how people overlook Prince’s insane guitar skills just because he had that flashy pop persona. The title track is an eight-minute masterpiece, and that final guitar solo is honestly one of the best, most soulful things I've ever heard. The whole record is just dripping with cheesy, over-the-top, and super sexual energy, but Prince is so talented that he totally makes it work. It’s wild, it’s excessive, and it’s absolute perfection.
Classic album with the following bangers: "When Doves Cry" and "Purple Rain".
Ok
Undeniable masterpiece from start to finish by my adopted hometown hero.
Nah im good but gotta respect the artistry
no strong opinions. very neutral-positive about this one.
Listening notes: Funny that this is the song that comes next after Liv complained about obnoxious guitar solos in Black Sabbath Wow this second song is considerably less good than the first one I would never have thought of recruiting a rabid cat off the street to provide vocals. But I guess I'm not a visionary I can't tell if that noise was prince or his guitar There should be more piano in rock songs Despite what my listening notes might suggest, I really enjoyed this album. Loved the blend of piano and synth with more conventional electric guitar, and the bouncy rhythms. Would be pushing 5 stars if I didn't find some of prince's lyrical delivery a bit annoying. Also Take Me with U. That song is mid as hell. 4.3/5
It was good, haven’t listened to much of this type of music but i might in the future.
Back a long time ago I used Grooveshark to make a ten-track setlist as my contribution to a three-way set swap with a couple other maniacs. This set swap was notable for many reasons. Not only was it the first set swap between the three of us, and not only did it introduce the unimpeachable concept that ten-tracks, no more and no less, is the perfect number of tracks for any setlist, and not only was one participant an epic musical degenerate, and another the most ricktangular of project partners, it was the first opportunity for me to share a sweet Prince track with these two individuals. Prince had already been my #1 for a couple decades and no other musical entity even came close, so I wanted to represent well. Not wanting to pick something too much from the “hit-single” bucket, I decided to select one of my absolute favourites: The Beautiful Ones. This is truly a track operating at another level. In order to write this song, one needs to be an absolute lunatic. It was a perfect pick. I was especially keen to hear the feedback, given how badly I wanted to be a well-liked contributor. As we gathered at the pub a week after the set swap to discuss, and the time came to chat about my set I asked about their reaction to The Beautiful Ones. There was a pause as the other two looked at each other. The musical degenerate said “I kind of thought you’d put a Prince song on the set, but I thought you’d pick something a little more…ummmmm. ….upbeat.” The ricktangular one added, “I was a bit surprised you picked THAT song.” Not a diss, but definitely a carefully tended reaction. I advocated they listen again, but didn’t push. I really was fine with the feedback as it stood. Some things just get better and better with time and repeated listens, and I was satisfied I’d provided a first baby-step. At another party with the same maniacs I was put on the spot to list my top-5 albums. I’m sure I fumbled through 5-2 somehow, but #1 was easy. How to review and rate the best album of all time? My desert island album. My easy #1 for over 35 years. An album I’ve listened to and pored over so much I almost didn’t need to play it for this, I could’ve sang the whole thing to myself. But instead I played it loud and sang along. It still rules. There are lots of 5-star albums, but Purple Rain stands alone.
there's something else
7.5 This is my first album in the challenge and I liked it. I'm not sure how to rate it, I want to set it more but it's not rock so I have my doubts
2026.07.22.
ok
Prince has the expert ability of making really complex instrumentation sound really, really easy. Same with the way he writes songs. The more you listen, the more you find. Highlights: Darling Nikki, I Would Die 4 U
I’m not usually a Prince fan but this is by far his best album. It’s lush, sultry without getting obscene, varied but not TOO varied. It’s probably the closest I’ll get to actually wanting to listen to Prince outside of the major hits.
Flashy, but a good pop album
i’ve listened to this album once before and was happy to be able to listen to it again. my whole family LOVES prince and i can see why, he does make great music and i enjoyed the album greatly. only four stars because it’s not my usual stuff but for something i wouldn’t normally put on it was great
not as good as I expected. I don't like rock 'n' roll. saved 1/9 (purple rain, but I'll probably shelve it), shelved 2/9.
You could stick Purple Rain the song at the end of 2 hrs of recordings of wet farts and still have a decent album. I am not arsed about the beautiful ones, computer blue and darling Nikki but the rest fucks. 4.5
An utterly incredible record.
Alt for poppet
Really unique sounding, jazzy and catchy with some amazing guitar playing. Purple Rain is an all time song, but I feel like some of the songs here aren't as memorable.
Super fun record! I didn’t realize how many hits it had.
its okay
Funky greatness
What more is there to say about this, the best soundtrack album of all time? These are 9 classic songs and not a moment of filler. Take Me With U, the album's worst track, would be the best track on 90% of all other albums. Darling Nikki got Tipper Gore so bothered she made albums come with warning labels. I Would Die 4 U segues perfectly into Baby I'm A Star. Computer Blue starts like a standard R&B tune then turns into a instrumental groove. All the guitar solos are absolute bangers. Prince's magnum opus and still an inspiration to so many artists over 40 years later. I would have gladly let the man kick my ass in hoops. Standouts: Let's Go Crazy, The Beautiful Ones, When Doves Cry, Purple Rain
Glorious. Outstanding. Purple.
Stellar. I don't know how I haven't listened before but, although not as prominent as other works, he shows his guitar skills off and its awesome when he does.
very cool one
incrrrreible 5/5. i never wanted to be your wicked loverrrrr
An easy 5.
Had it on all day on repeat
I was really excited to open up today and get this album, but honestly was underwhelmed. It feels really, really busy and maybe that's taking away from what I was hoping to be hearing.
That ending… oh my goodness me
Love Prince
Never really got Prince and nothing on this convinces me of his genius although it’s listenable enough
A masterpiece
7/10
so overblown, and there’s so much going on in each section, but it always works. doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard or lacks an understanding of the music. really good
I'm sure I must've listened to this before, but it hit really hard today. Incredible licks, incredible singing, an absolute riot of an album. I listened to it twice through in one sitting.
I am a sucker for that tastefully bitcrunched sound of a downtuned LinnDrum ... but that alone can't save this album from being quite vanilla and boring. The single hit for me isn't even Purple Rain but When Doves Cry.
Muy bueno escuchar al purple guy
Awesome surprise of an album
Oh, Prince. An absolutely undeniable talent that I just don’t care for. Let’s Go Crazy finally sounded decent to me after years of exposure. The rest were varying degrees of dislike to indifference. When Prince’s guitar playing is heavily featured it’s amazing. He’s a generational talent. His little solos and licks are incredible. Everything else is just unpleasant though. It really detracts from the overall experience.
Chelou
Meilenstein der 80er!
Twas supsrisingly good
Best soundtrack album ever.
Purple rain song is a legend!
I respect the shit out of Prince, consider him a genius, and honestly believe he's the greatest guitarist since Hendrix. His untimely death is criminal and an absolute tragedy. THAT SAID...I like Purple Rain but it's not as significant to me as it is to many others. I respect it and I do like a lot of it, but just admittedly not as deeply connected to it as many are. But I do like it! Take Me with U and I Would Die 4 U are my faves
Full of Bangers, although some pretty gross shit on it lol
At first I wasn't sure what to make of it. But I listened in excess of ten times to be sure, and then it suddenly clicked HARD. This is good shit. Quite excited to peruse his back catalogue at some point now. Favourite tracks: Let's Go Crazy, Take Me with U, The Beautiful Ones, Darling Nikki, When Doves Cry, I Would Die 4 U, Purple Rain.
Honestly I expected the entirety of Purple Rain to blow off my socks from hearing the title track alone. Alas, the rest of the album is just nice 80s synth pop. Still a great album, but nothing lifechanging.
Lots of hits and a few duds, but I enjoyed it. Favorites: When Doves Cry, Purple Rain, The Beautiful Ones
I like the production and the way the songs mend into each other, and how it's not always the Minneapolis sound, there's a variety of pop. It's always pop. It's definitely a very scenic experience, sounds like a hashed out soundtrack, but the lyrics really capture the weight of the story line without the movie. The way this project ends in Purple Rain is something I experienced for the first time today, and I loved it. I am curious about the film, but I'm in no rush to check it out. This might be my favorite Prince album so far. I almost bought it last year, but opted for Al Green's greatest hits. No regrets. I'm a fan of the production and Prince's talents here, but not enough to override my personal, more rugged tastes. This one's good for an intentional occasional spin. 3.3/5
As a first time listener, not just of this album, but of Prince as a whole, I really did not expect to enjoy this album THIS much. I'm a 90s kid so it was just before my time, and as I grew up a lot of my early music taste was consumed buy hip hop and rap. But coming back to this now, with a much wider appreciation for various genres, this was just something else, banger after banger after banger. Great opener, even greater finisher. Computer Blue maybe the only track that loses a point, but that's it. Unlike yesterdays Hendrix album, Axis: Bold as Love, here's an album that fully deserves it's place atop any of the top albums list. 5/5 Top tracks: All of them.
Obviously iconic, a very cool album. I would die for you a favorite on here. Just won’t seek this album out in my own time.
Perfect purple precipitation. Pelvic pulsing perfection. I could go on, but it'll only get worse... I'll stop for your sake.
Belter