March 29, 2006
One of the best things about today's online music services is the opportunity to purchase individual songs for unlimited listening regardless of whether or not they have been released as a single. Each week I uncover some of the best pop tracks to download from online music services. This edition is devoted entirely to the work of Prince who debuts this week at #1 on the pop albums chart with 3121.
1. I Wanna Be Your Lover (1979)
This sleek disco track was Prince's first hit on the pop singles chart.
2. Controversy (1981)
While it failed to make waves on the pop chart, "Controversy" was a #1 dance hit for Prince.
3. 1999 (1983)
"1999" kicks off the album of the same name. It's a sprawling 2-disc masterpiece that became Prince's commercial breakthrough.
4. Little Red Corvette (1983)
This is Prince's first top 10 pop single, and, along with the music of Michael Jackson, it helped break the color barrier at MTV that had prevented showing of music videos by black artists.
5. Raspberry Beret (1985)
"Raspberry Beret" was the first Prince single following his massive Purple Rain success. It did not disappoint fans.
6. Pop Life (1985)
This is the second top 10 hit from the Around the World in a Day album and shows Prince in a mood to talk about socio-political issues.
7. Kiss (1986)
This #1 smash was the first single from Prince's Parade album and featured a stripped down, almost retro, funky sound.
8. Sign O the Times (1987)
"Sign O the Times" is the title cut from Prince's second sprawling 2-disc masterpiece. The song overtly addresses societal ills of the late 1980's.
