Looking back across his entire career, what album or song do you regard as complete brilliance that only Prince could create?

My Name Is Prince.

TheDigitalGardener said:

My Name Is Prince.

Now that's some funny sh*t.

Today it is that live outtake of the Natalie Cole tune he had Rosie sing. His guitar solo is amazing.

Then there's How Come U Don't Call Me from the Masonic Temple. wow. Every yip and yap the Princeshow makes fun of. lol. Powerful. Also Head from Saganaw show, 1982. What guitar!

If I Was Your Girlfriend

The Beautiful Ones

In terms of lyrics, i would say all of his sex explicit songs in therms of music: When doves cry, In a large room, Joy in repetition and If i was your girlfriend.

Crystal Ball (the album) before it was stripped down to Sign O' the Times.

Bohemian67 said:

ATWIAD album...seriously who expected that after Purple Rain.

SONG - "Crystal Ball"............ALBUM - "Dirty Mind"...His arrival...set the stage for everything else.

the 1999 album

EmmaMcG said:

The 14 minute version of Computer Blue.

Where is that version?

NorthC said:

The Lovesexy album. It's the climax of everything he did, in music and lyrics, in the 1980s. Nothing he ever did afterwards topped that.

He has done great songs after the 80's

The all of it. Taking just one song or one album and saying this is the most brilliant is like pointing to one star in the sky and saying, "That is the most beautiful star in the galaxy." But when you look at the galaxy, you realize the magnificence of the whole, and that one star cannot compare to the entirety of it, the oneness of the all.

Something In The Water (Does Not Compute) (Unreleased Version)

Those weird haunting synths on this version are amazing.

warning2all said:

"Sign o the Times" Concert Film. It's the most complete official document of his musicianship/bandleading, dancing/energy/confidence & general sensibilities at the height of his songwriting and live act.

This is a hard question to answer but I think you nailed it. It's my go-to when I introduce people to his music and talent, this past summer I showed it to a bunch of my 21 year olds friends and they were blown away, they had no idea what the fuss was about Prince until they saw this film. Good answer.

Lovesexy..........

I believe this fine Prince-album is the most played here.

I remember I used to have a portable CD-disc-player (before the MP3's), and I played the Lovesexy CD over and over..... couldn't get tired of it...

Otherwise deeply loved as well:

Sign O The Times
Parade
1999
Around The World In A Day


and of course

Purple Rain

214 said:

Album - Sign O The Times

Song - GOD (Love Theme From Purple Rain)