For those of you who don’t know about or follow the history of the Coachella Music & Arts Festival then you probably haven’t heard the news that Prince has recently added to this years 3 day event. In honor of this momentous happening and because I never really thought I’d be able to see Prince in concert, I’m going to cover one of his most brilliant and successful albums. 1984’s Purple Rain is widely considered to be one of the greatest albums of all-time. Ranked within the top 20-40 on every major list from Rolling Stone to Vanity Fair, Purple Rain stands alone in the pop stratosphere and has demanded worship and admiration from music fans the world over.

When you think of all the albums to come from the 1980’s there are very few that stand-up today as major turning points in the history of popular music. Michael Jackson’s Thriller or U2’s Joshua Tree are some just to name a few, but Purple Rain must be on that short list as well. From the opening number straight on through until the end it is a non-stop pop sensation that culminates with one of the greatest rock ballads that has ever been produced. Once you get a taste of the power and danceability of these jams I defy anyone to challenge the genius of Prince Rodgers Nelson.

The first track is Lets Go Crazy and is one of the most famous and popular songs on the album. When he wrote the lyrics “I’m not gonna let the elevator bring me down” I have to wonder if he thought they would ring out so relevantly even 20 years later. The track is also layered with outstanding guitar riffs and backing vocals, there’s no doubt why it has been so successful. People still go nuts for Lets go Crazy, certainly more nuts then for the second number, Take Me With U. Not my favorite Prince song and given the overall strength of the album it’s kind of weird that he left it in.

The next two songs The Beautiful Ones and Computer Blue are better then most people say but are not great. Beautiful Ones is the better half, and if you dig on crazy keyboard and synthesizer jams then this just might be right up your ally. I have to say to each their own, I’ve heard rock critics go on and on about this song and I’ve heard others say it’s terrible, you have to judge for yourself. There is no disillusionment about the fifth song on the album. Darling Nikki is one of the sexiest and most riveting songs I’ve ever heard, and its storytelling is captivating. Everything Prince tells you about this woman is so believable, yet unbelievable. The music is of course awesome as well, and pretty complicated and intense if I might add, most assuredly a rock and roll song.

The sixth and probably most well known on the album and might just be the most well known Prince song ever, When Doves Cry was an international phenomenon. People just went insane over this song, again which is why I put this album up there with Thriller because other then that I’m not sure a single song has ever changed so many lives. I mean there is no doubt that it’s great but I don’t think personally, that it’s his best song. I know some Prince fans would kill me for that but I’m a big fan as well and entitled to my opinion.

The next number is MY personal favorite of Prince’s; I Would Die 4 U is a terrific song that continues to kick my ass no matter how many times I’ve heard it. It has this driving quality to it that just kills me and I think that simple phrase “ I Would Die 4 U” is the catchiest and coolest thing ever said. It’s not very long coming in at less then 3 minutes, but still has the power and complexity of a much lengthier arrangement. Song number eight is another great dance floor track, Baby I’m A Star is a terrific way to boogie down at a company party, or at a strangers wedding. When you’ve got to go and are looking for just the right coming out song this is the one is for you.

The last song on the album just happens to be the title track as well. Purple Rain is a wonderful and timeless number that will always be the perfect song to close out any evening or event. If you can’t find someone to dance with once this has come on, then maybe you should never go outside again. Musically Purple Rain is flawless, it has some of the best guitar Prince has ever played and also has some of his most intense vocals. You can feel this little man dig those lyrics right out of the ground; he projects sex and sadness, which has to be one of the most potent and awesome combos there is. I could listen to this song a million times and never shy away. WHAT A FUCKING JAM.
To think that I’m going to be able to see this performed live, in the desert, and probably under purple lights is all most too much to take. I will most likely need oxygen after that shit, I hope to see you folks there, and maybe we’ll cry together, maybe. See Ya.

All Images Copyrighted by Prince and Wikipedia / Courtesy of Wikipedia

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