Purple Rain is big. From the first words… “dearly beloved, we are gathered here to talk about this thing called life….” you are cast into this deep, meaningful abyss of an album. At all material times, you feel an ominous je ne sais quoi. This is more than music. Purple Rain is cultural heritage. In fact, it was added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry. The Registry comprises a list of sound recordings that “are culturally, historically, or aesthetically important”
Purple Rain is certified 13-times platinum and has sold 25 million copies. It is now the third best selling album of all time!
Given this, I am aghast that nobody is talking about it. In 2016, the album was re-released and became the 13th best selling album of that year.
But enough about this album’s achievements. No one more, it is currently 148 in Rolling Stones top 500 albums of all time.
Prince’s rock & roll is as authentic and compelling as his soul and his extremism is endearing in a era of play-it-safe record production and formulaic hit mongering. Rolling Stones
I could go on ad infinitum about the accolades of this album. But let us talk about my favourite tracks, because this is my blog, after all. Darling Nikki is my favourite track. It’s about a sex fiend and how she romanced Prince with her rough haphazard ways. There’s a freaky solo at the end which makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
Baby I’m A Star is also a standout track. Let’s Go Crazy and When Doves Cry reached Number 1 in the US charts. Usually one shouldn’t pay attention to what Americans think but they’re right on this occasion.
“Let’s Go Crazy” is a furious blend of metallic guitars, Stonesy riffs, and a hard funk backbeat; the anthemic title track is a majestic ballad filled with brilliant guitar flourishes. Allmusic
The tracks on this album are sharp and aggressive. They will send you to places you didn’t think music could take you. They shall open your eyes to the true extent of Prince’s prowess. There’s nothing quite like the total overwhelming brilliance of Purple Rain.
I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do.