Prince's Hit Parade: 15 Songs That Sparkled in Others' Limelight

Prince, the maestro of musical brilliance, left an indelible mark on the world of music. While he penned thousands of songs during his illustrious career, some never found a place in his own repertoire. Instead, these hidden gems were entrusted to other artists, who transformed them into hits that captivated the world. Let’s dive into the magical realm of 15 Prince songs that gained fame under the spotlight of other remarkable talents.

Table of Contents

1. “Nothing Compares 2 U” — Sinead O’Connor (1990)

This rare gem, penned by Prince, found its true home in the soulful voice of Sinead O’Connor. While Prince’s version with Rosie Gaines on vocals exists, O’Connor’s rendition is forever definitive, delving into the core of the song and striking a mother lode of anguish.

2. “Jungle Love” — The Time (1984)

Ever witnessed the magic of “Jungle Love” at a house party? Prince’s house band, The Time, led by the charismatic Morris Day, turned this into a party anthem. Backed by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the song became an embodiment of the fun found in Prince’s music.

3. “I Feel for You” — Chaka Khan (1984)

Chaka Khan, the funk goddess, found herself in Prince’s orbit, and he did her a solid by handing over “I Feel for You.” The resulting single, complete with a rap praising her prowess, took the song to places Prince never imagined, and the music video became a pop-cultural touchstone.

4. “Manic Monday” — The Bangles (1986)

Prince, in a surprising move, sacrificed one of his catchiest songs to The Bangles. “Manic Monday” became a career-changing hit for the struggling girl group, catapulting them into stardom. The song, though lyrically a throwaway, gained depth in The Bangles’ rendition.

5. “Nasty Girl” — Vanity 6 (1982)

A crazy little song from one of Prince’s side projects, “Nasty Girl,” found its way into “Beverly Hills Cop.” While living up to its title, the song’s verve made it a memorable addition to the film’s soundtrack.

6. “The Bird” — The Time (1984)

“The Bird” by Prince’s party band, The Time, became a gloriously silly number, showcased in “Purple Rain.” Morris Day and Jerome Benton’s performances sold the song, leaving one to imagine Prince giggling as he laid down the bars.

7. “Stand Back” — Stevie Nicks (1983)

Stevie Nicks, in a serendipitous turn of events, sought Prince’s help to rearrange her solo hit “Stand Back” when she realized its similarity to “Little Red Corvette.” Their accidental collaboration showcased Prince’s talent in fixing and enhancing a song, leaving fans yearning for more collaborations between the two.

8. “The Glamorous Life” — Sheila E. (1984)

Sheila E.’s drumming prowess in Prince’s concert film of “Sign ‘o’ the Times” is nothing short of joyful. Her biggest hit, “The Glamorous Life,” supplied by Prince, became a vibrant anthem, perfectly tailored to Sheila E.’s skillful interpretation.

9. “Yo, Mister” — Patti LaBelle (1989)

In a surprising move, Prince delved into New Jack Swing territory for Patti LaBelle in 1989. The odd fit turned into one of LaBelle’s biggest hits, showcasing both artists expanding their boundaries successfully.

10. “Love… Thy Will Be Done” — Martika (1991)

Martika, a musical prodigy, collaborated with Prince on “Love… Thy Will Be Done,” a minimalist production reminiscent of Prince’s “Sign o’ the Times.” The collaboration added depth to Martika’s already impressive musical journey.

11. “Sex Shooter” – Apollonia (1984)

An already silly song, “Sex Shooter,” turned into a hit when it appeared in “Purple Rain.” Despite the Minneapolis-based girl group Apollonia 6 breaking up after their first album, songs intended for them found homes with other successful artists.

12. “Round and Round” — Tevin Campbell (1990)

Tevin Campbell’s rendition of “Round and Round” from “Graffiti Bridge” became one of Prince’s biggest hits. The New Jack Swing track perfectly suited the young, innocent sensibilities of the 13-year-old Campbell, launching him into R&B stardom.

13. “Sugar Walls” — Sheena Easton (1985)

Collaborating with Sheena Easton, Prince produced the provocative hit “Sugar Walls,” which landed on the infamous “Filthy 15” list. Despite its controversial nature, the song became a dance club sensation and highlighted Prince’s unapologetically adventurous approach to music.

14. “How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore” — Alicia Keys (2001)

Prince’s beloved B-side found new life in Alicia Keys’ rendition, becoming a minor hit in 2001. The ballad, exploring the pain of a breakup, showcased the depth and experience of Keys, creating a powerful musical connection between the two artists.

15. “Love Song” — Madonna (1989)

In a rare collaboration, Prince and Madonna joined forces on “Love Song,” a track from Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” album. While not the most memorable track on the LP, it marked a creative union between two iconic artists who weren’t afraid to push societal boundaries.

Conclusion: Prince’s Musical Legacy Lives On

These 15 songs, once dwelling in the treasure trove of Prince’s songwriting, took on new life in the hands of remarkable artists. Each rendition breathed fresh air into the melodies, showcasing the versatility and timelessness of Prince’s musical genius. As we reminisce about these hits, we celebrate the enduring legacy of a musical icon whose influence continues to resonate across generations.

Author Profile

Holli Greaves: Meet Holly, our versatile freelance journalist and featuers writer who has a passion for dissecting the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology. Your guide to understanding the forces driving our digital age with insightful perspectives and in-depth storytelling.