If you were required to choose one song from the entire Prince discography, which embodies all that is unique about his music, which song would it be?

Please choose a song that you could play to anyone - music afficionado, casual listener or fan - and still be met with the same response of..."HOLY FATHER!"

I am wondering whether such a Prince song even exists.

It's a difficult question.

When Doves Cry?

Controversy. The lyrics especially.

Yeah, probably When Doves Cry.

When Doves Cry or Kiss.

If I have to choose a hit, for a non-fan, or something, I'd pick the full 6 minute version of When Doves Cry. It does a nice job encapsulating his musical style and deeper psycho-sexual lyrical sensibilities.

If I went with something a little more obscure, I'd probably say Crystal Ball. It's really rather impressive, when you think about it.

When Doves Cry.

I think that 'I'm yours' from For You would bring that response

jack u off

Little Red Corvette.

ANJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, probably "When Doves Cry."

Link to uplooad deleted

langebleu - moderator

End. Of. Story.

Uptown

Hey Anji! Long time, no see!

Kiss.

[Edited 12/4/11 7:57am]

[Edited 12/4/11 7:59am]

When Doves Cry/ The Beautiful Ones

Imo Uptown until 88' then Anna Stesia

chewymusic said:

this is lyrically the quintessential Prince song. lyrics were way ahead of their time. Not so s0 much musically though

As brilliant as it is, I'd never choose When Doves Cry. The harmonies and melody are simply too "simple" and could therefore certainly be perceived as a bit annoying for people with great knowledge in music theory.

It's an obvious choice, although it's not funky and not Minneapolis Soundish at all, but I'd choose Purple Rain. It ticks all boxes and is probably his best song, ever. It would surely touch and reach all kinds of people.

So, yeah, Purple Rain.

1999

Lyrically and musically adventurous, funky, jazzy and sexual innuendo along with the guitar sound, and God is mentioned. Thats Prince in one song for me.

I have three, and I'm torn between them. There's Purple Rain, of course. That's just the duh! choice.

And then the other two are When Doves Cry and 1999.

I'd say that the three MOST quintessential songs, but I'm torn as to how I would rank them.

Dave1992 said:

As brilliant as it is, I'd never choose When Doves Cry. The harmonies and melody are simply too "simple" and could therefore certainly be perceived as a bit annoying for people with great knowledge in music theory.

but the question is what is the quintessential PRINCE song. the one that embodies his sensibilities and uniqueness. When Doves Cry does that. not the one you'd play to impress someone schooled in music theory. and I don't think I'd pick Purple Rain for that purpose either. as evocative and wonderful as it is, it's very much a standard arena rock power ballad from the 80's.

much of the appeal and beauty of Prince's music up to about 1988 is the very simple, effecient nature of it.

[Edited 12/4/11 17:21pm]

1.The Love We Make - rock, R&B, soul, pop, and gospel backing. Brilliant lyrics. This song defines Prince.

2. Power Fantastic - U get this song, u get Prince.

Though I love When Dove's Cry, I don't see what's so unique about this song. Just another pop/rock song that happens to be hella catchy.

IF it were to define Minneapolis funk, I'd say "DMSR"

WDC, KISS (Full extended mix) and 1999 are good choices too