Most folks associate Prince with his standard classics. Namely, Purple Rain, When Doves Cry, Kiss, Cream, Diamonds & Pearls, Raspberry Beret to name a few obvious choices. I say most folks in the sense of general listeners, not necessarily fans to the extent Prince.org followers classify ourselves as.

I'm not saying every release was worthy of single status even during his glory WB years, as I feel there are several examples of tracks best left on the respective albums they originate from. Thinking largely post WB however...If things had played out differenty with the WB war etc or Prince had opted to release charting singles to the world via a label with promotion and videos etc, what other songs do you feel had / have the potential to make the "Prince classic" list.

For the purpose of this thread...Lets omit the discussion of whether it would have beeb accredited to Prince or Symbol and also let's assume nominated tracks were obviously chosen as singles.

To get the discussion started, I nominate:

* Endorphinmachine - Should have been the ''lead' single for the release of TGE, (not counting the previously independant release of TMBGITW). A radio rocker I have no trouble in imagining receiving frequent airplay.

* Sleep Around - How this was not released to promote Emancipation I'll never understand. Perhaps it was slated as a future release, however not fast tracking it as the funky rock to base the albums commercial appeal on is bewildering.

* Get Yo Groove On - An anthem to be adopted as the Friday & Saturday night 'gettin ready to go out' theme song. Universal enough to appeal widely as a song of joy and anticiapation of good times ahead.

* Hide The Bone - TGE (although still a great album) was poorer for this not being included. A song so Princely, any other artist simply couldn't pull it off...no pun intended.

* Sexual Suicide - (Example of WB years) Again, a track I personally feel could have made a much more comfortable home on Parade than a number of actual inclusions. Would have made a great single at the time.

* Days Of Wild - Perhaps a hard sell for a single considering the language in the '95 era version. I'm also imagining a revamped version as the original studio recording doesn't have the presence to sell the lead synth line or bass that defines the song. Done differently, it could have been a monster jam to liken to Gett Off 4 yrs earlier.

* So Far So Pleased - Granted, this one may not rest entirely on Prince's shoulders. If the reports of Gwen Stefani's record labels refusal to cooperate is accurate, I guess there's little he could do at the time. That said...it's got radio hit written all over it, simply as a track in it's own right, let alone the participation of Gwen herself.

* 1 + 1 + 1 is 3 - So simple, so catchy, so Prince. Mabe not a potential No. 1 worldwide, but enough to warrant a good amount of recognition of the wider population based on it's easy to absorb style.

* A Million Days - Would have preferred this over Call My Name as a release. Relatable for many, with a nice melody that makes this hybrid balled rocker worthy of a wider audience.

* Love - the 3121 project has some decent tracks, but again..in my opinion, releasing songs like Te Amo Corazon simply alienates a great percentage of possible listeners who may have otherwsie bought the album based on a successful single. If Prince wants us all to hear TAC, the best chance is the hear it on the albu, not as a single. Love is the kind of track you can imagine people singing along to in the car driving to or from work while on the radio.

* Lavaux - Funky synth throughout. Easy to hear lyrics, underpinned with chicken grease guitar scratching in the mix which in itself is a Prince staple recognised worldwide. At just 3 mins...it's a natural choice for airplay.

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I'll leave my contribution there, as who knows what Plectrum Electrum will end up being, if anything at all?

[Edited 8/24/13 21:56pm]

[Edited 8/24/13 21:57pm]