Not many artists like Prince in the 80s who can be said to have captured the creativity and influence of the 1980s to the extent that he did. Prince was a singer, songwriter, producer, and musician who revolutionized music with his innovative music, flamboyant attitude, and unconventional persona. For this reason, his music and persona were not only a defining force in the decade but also set a precedent that many have followed.
The Early Years and Rise to Stardom
Prince Rogers Nelson was born on 7th July 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He joined the music industry in the late 70s, although he did not gain international recognition until the 80s. Prince released his album “1999” in 1982, and this album and the others that followed brought him new fame wave with synths such as pop-rock hits “Little Red Corvette.” This level of artistry became the new normal in the music industry and placed him among the class of revolutionary musicians. When I write revolutionary, I mean it. No other artist in the world is similar to him. He was as authentic as an artist can be.
Key Albums That Defined the 80s
The music collection of Prince in the 80s is in itself a clear testimony of how diverse and innovative as a musician he was. He made three significant albums in the decade.
- 1999 (1982)
On this album, Prince can be heard using a synth-pop sound that includes danceable beats. It was also one of the first albums written by a black artist and played extensively on MTV. - Purple Rain (1984)
This album is said to be his best work, and it was used as the soundtrack for a movie of the same name. The songs “When Doves Cry” and “Let’s Go Crazy” were number-one hits, and the title track became a song that was commonly used by those who love music. - Sign o’ the Times (1987)
This was a double album that showed the more experimental side of Prince and had songs like “If I Was Your Girlfriend” and “Adore,” which talked about love, gender, and the world. It has received positive reviews from critics and is considered to be one of the greatest albums ever released.
Chart-Topping Hits and Cultural Significance
Prince had five songs that peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and many other hits that reached the top ten. Here are some of his best chart-topping songs:
- When Doves Cry (1984)
Peak Position: #1 on Billboard Hot 100 (5 weeks)
Notable for being one of his most recognizable tracks and a major hit from the “Purple Rain” soundtrack. - Let’s Go Crazy (1984)
Peak Position: #1 on Billboard Hot 100 (2 weeks)
Another hit from the “Purple Rain” album, it became a staple at concerts. - Kiss (1986)
Peak Position: #1 on Billboard Hot 100 (2 weeks)
A funky track that showcased Prince’s unique sound and was part of the “Parade” album. - Cream (1991)
Peak Position: #1 on Billboard Hot 100 (2 weeks)
This song marked his last #1 hit and was featured on the “Diamonds and Pearls” album. - Batdance (1989)
Peak Position: #1 on Billboard Hot 100 (1 week)
Released as part of the Batman soundtrack, it combined elements of rock and funk.
I prepared the playlist on Spotify so you can remember those glorious tracks more easily.
It is quite evident that Prince was a songwriter, and this was, in fact, one of the major strengths of the musician. Some of his hits include “Kiss,” “I Would Die 4 U,” and “Raspberry Beret,” which he produced that became the decade’s hits. Similar to Madonna’s hits from the 80s, the mentioned Prince’s tracks portrayed the erotic and liberal aspects of the 80s.
Prince as a Performer: Unpredictable and Creative
Prince’s concerts were nothing short of incredible. It could have been the American Music Awards where he performed or the stage setup of his Purple Rain Tour but Prince was a performer. The greatest artists in the world loved Prince. There were concerts of the greats and the greatest of all was James Brown, who would invite Prince to join him on stage.
He was a musical prodigy who could play almost every instrument such as guitar, piano, and drums. It was a musical performance and a show that was difficult to take one’s eyes off from.
Fashion as a Statement
The artist’s fashion statements were as daring as his music and often times crossed the gender lines. Prince in the 80s dressed androgynously and flamboyantly, and this fashion statement became a part of his identity. Starting from the styled shirt sleeves and heels to his trademark purple trench coat, Prince was always a show stopper.
This was not just fashion, and that is why his style became a statement of freedom and uniqueness. Innovators of the fashion industry of the present time continue to use their audacity to express individuality.
Breaking Barriers on MTV and Beyond
In the early 80s, the then-popular channel MTV did not air much music by black artists. Michael Jackson and Prince played a significant role in shaping this change. They had unique videos which where played frequently on the network and set a platform for other music shows to also air diverse music videos. Michael Jackson’s Thriller music video was a very creative mini-film, but Prince’s music video for “When Doves Cry” was not behind.
Prince’s Influence on Other Artists
It is not only in his music and across the US where Prince’s influence can be felt but also across the globe. Current pop stars like Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, and Janelle Monáe have credited Prince as one of their greatest influences. This is because of the creativity that he displayed in his music as well as the risk-taking in terms of genre and norms that made many musicians out there brave enough to be different.
The influence of Prince on Janelle Monáe’s third album “Dirty Computer,” is more than evident.
The influence of Prince and his work is worldwide. A great Macedonian guitarist, composer, artist, videographer, and music artist coach, Aleksandar Ristovski, inspired by Prince’s expression as a complete artist, as Ristovski is himself, said about Prince:
“Prince is in the echelon of exceptional figures like Mozart, Chaplin, Newton, Tesla, Bruce Lee, Jordan, Ali, and Djokovic. Touched by something greater.”
Aleksandar Ristovski – Princ
The Making of “Purple Rain:” An Iconic Moment
The creation of the “Purple Rain” album, as well as the movie, is recognized as one of the important steps in Prince’s musical career. The movie was made in Minneapolis and the movie was the story of Prince’s imaginary life. Thus, it solidified his role as a music and fashion icon.
A Legacy That Lives On
This was not just the 80s Prince at his best, it was the 80s Prince at his most revolutionary; it was not about making music and singing songs, it was about making music and changing the world. His constant struggle for artistic freedom and the innovative music style he introduced made him someone to look up to.
Even today, several decades after his prime in the 80s, the influence of Prince can still be seen in various artists as well as the continued love for his music.
