It happens every once in a while. You know, when a song is so good that you shudder briefly or get goose bumps. Maybe it brings tears to your eyes, even. To me, this is quite rare, but when it does it is often a sad or melancholic song. Or maybe a powerful vocalist, a melody, an arrangement, a noteworthy backstory, or any given combination of these.

I'd be curious to get your input on non-Prince songs that fit this description, but Prince songs are welcome too of course (but remember the caveat about YouTube links then).

First out for me is "Shrine of time", a live performance with Krister Linder opening for Beyonce at the UN HQ in 2012. Krister Linder has been providing music for UN infomercials for years now, more or less pro bono as I understand it. He seems a bit nervous at first, but then after the first chorus he goes into a trance and really let's his powerful voice rip, and when he gets to the climactic ending of the song I'm all choked up. The message of value of life and solidarity is also extremly beautiful: "here under the sun, we fly and fall as one".

...And this performance nearly never happened. During rehearsals, Krister snapped a shot of Beyonce with his mobile phone and was thrown out by Beyonce's team. Beyonce's team told the UN people that "Whoever that is, he is replaceable and not welcome". Thankfully, they were able to sort out their differences amicably and Krister delivered this amazing performance.

Imagine - John Lennon - the lyrics are perfect in every way. The message is beautiful.

Whoa, that bass line in the Penguin song is truly awesome. I'm vibrating to the core. Never heard this one, cool.

John Lennon's "Imagine", yes that one chokes me up to. I once sang that song in choir at a funeral for a very young girl who died in a riding accident. It was her favorite song. Thanks for reminding me.

earth wind & fire - imagination
prince - my love is forever
isley brothers - here we go again
sly & the family stone - family affair
the emotions - flowers
prince - condition of the heart
chic - i want your love
slave - feel my love
the entire "whats goin on?" album
tyka nelson - royal blue
alexander oneal - sentimental
prince - love 2 the 9s
ledisi - higher than this
chaka khan -twisted
chaka khan - so not to worry
chaka khan - i love you, i live you