Prince
Prince Rogers Nelson, known professionally as Prince, was a legendary American singer, songwriter, musician, and performer renowned for his innovative blend of funk, soul, pop, rock, and R&B. Born on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he rose to global fame in the 1980s with genre-defining albums like 1999 and Purple Rain, selling over 100 million records worldwide before his death on April 21, 2016.
He was born to musician parents John L. Nelson and Mattie Shaw in a musical household, where he began playing piano at age 7 and taught himself guitar, drums, bass, and more by his early teens. His parents separated when he was 10, leading him to split time between homes before living with neighbors, the Anderson family, who fostered his creativity. In high school, he formed bands like Grand Central (later Champagne) with André Cymone and Morris Day, honing the Minneapolis Sound.
Signing with Warner Bros. at age 19, Prince released his self-played debut For You in 1978, followed by Prince (1979) featuring his first Top 20 hit "I Wanna Be Your Lover". Albums like Dirty Mind (1980), Controversy (1981), and 1999 (1982) blended provocative sexuality, religion, and eclectic styles, earning critical acclaim. Purple Rain (1984), tied to his film role, produced No. 1 hits "When Doves Cry" and "Let's Go Crazy," cementing superstardom.
Prince won seven Grammys, an Oscar for Purple Rain, and pioneered multimedia with films, acting, and production for artists like The Time and Vanity 6. He changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol in 1993 amid a Warner Bros. dispute, becoming "The Artist Formerly Known as Prince," before reverting in 2000. Later works included Diamonds and Pearls (1991), Musicology (2004), and vast unreleased Paisley Park vaults.
He remained prolific, touring extensively and advocating for artist rights, while embracing Jehovah's Witnesses faith in 2001, influencing his themes. He died at 57 from an accidental fentanyl overdose at his Paisley Park studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota. His legacy endures through inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2004) and profound influence on music.
Prince
A2 Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad? 3:49
A3 Sexy Dancer 4:18
A4 When We're Dancing Close And Slow 5:18
B1 With You 3:59
B2 Bambi 4:22
B3 Still Waiting 4:24
B4 I Feel For You 3:24
B5 It's Gonna Be Lonely 5:30
Written by Prince
Label: Warner Bros. Records – BSK 3366
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1979
Genre: R&B Soul, Pop
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco, Funk
Prince's self-titled 1979 album is widely reviewed as the "true genesis" of his signature sound, marking a significant evolution from his debut, For You. Critics generally view it as a polished, commercial success that established him as a major talent before he transitioned to the rawer, more provocative style of the 1980s.
Reviewers often describe the album as more confident and diverse than its predecessor. It balances smooth R&B ballads with high-energy funk and rock, showcasing Prince's versatility as a writer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist—he famously performed nearly every part himself at age 20.
The record is noted for merging funk, soul, and pop, with "Bambi" serving as a standout for its aggressive hard-rock guitar, a rarity in mainstream R&B at the time.
While later albums like Dirty Mind are considered "sexual romps," this self-titled effort is often described as "sensual" or "audio foreplay"—it hints at his future erotic themes but remains more refined and radio-friendly.
Key Track Highlights
"I Wanna Be Your Lover": Cited as his first "absolute classic" and major pop crossover hit, reaching No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.
"Bambi": Frequently praised as one of Prince's best guitar-led tracks, though some modern reviews note its lyrics have not aged well.
"I Feel For You": Recognized as a "pure pop-soul perfection" original that later became a massive hit for Chaka Khan.
"It's Gonna Be Lonely": Praised as a strong, cinematic ending to the album and a personal favorite for many long-term fans.
Generally holds high scores, such as 3.5 out of 5 stars from Goldies Parade and is often ranked in the top 10 of Prince’s extensive discography by retrospective lists.
The album was a commercial breakthrough, eventually selling over three million copies and earning RIAA Platinum certification.
While some critics feel the middle portion can drag or that certain ballads like "With You" are "cloying," it is considered an essential stepping stone that proved Prince could meet the commercial demands of a major label while maintaining creative control.