Prince didn’t just dominate the stage—he secretly dominated the entire music industry. While fans worshipped his performances, the Minneapolis genius was busy crafting hit after hit for other artists, creating a shadow empire of songs that spanned funk, pop, rock, and R&B.
The true extent of Prince’s influence remains hidden from most music lovers, who have no idea how many radio staples bear his fingerprints.
16. Jungle Love
More than just a catchy tune, “Jungle Love” showcases Prince’s production genius at its finest. Created by Prince and Morris Day, the song hit #20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1984. The musical mastermind assembled The Time as his Minneapolis funk squad, and they thrived under his detailed guidance. Featured in “Purple Rain,” this infectious track remains a classic example of ’80s funk-pop, though many of its production techniques have become forgotten 1970s relics.
15. Jerk Out
When The Time needed a comeback hit, “Jerk Out” delivered the perfect groove. Evolving from a Prince demo in 1981 to The Time’s 1990 album “Pandemonium,” the energetic track reached #9 on the Billboard R&B Chart, helping solidify The Time’s presence in the 1990s. Its playful lyrics and infectious rhythm have kept fans dancing for years, maintaining popularity among collectors and funk aficionados.
14. You’re My Love
The versatility of Prince’s songwriting shines in Kenny Rogers’ “You’re My Love,” where he adopted the pen name “Joey Coco.” Released on Rogers’ 1986 album “They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To”, this country ballad featured El DeBarge on backing vocals. The composition demonstrates the multi-instrumentalist’s ability to adapt to country music conventions while maintaining his distinctive lyrical style. Though not a standout in Rogers’ catalog, it showcases his versatility across musical genres.
13. With This Tear
If you’re a fan of powerful vocals, Celine Dion’s “With This Tear” reveals the songwriter’s talent for creating material that showcases a singer’s strengths. Written specifically for her in 1992, the gentle production perfectly complemented her dynamic range. This unusual collaboration continues to resonate with fans of both musical icons.
12. Five Women
Finding fresh material that suited his gritty style challenged Joe Cocker until Prince’s “Five Women” provided the perfect solution. Featured on his 1991 album “Night Calls”, years before the composer released his own version on “The Vault: Old Friends for Sale” (1993). Cocker’s interpretation added emotional depth to the blues ballad, highlighting the versatile artist’s skill in writing across musical boundaries.
11. Nasty Girl
Sexual boundaries in pop music were forever changed by Vanity 6’s provocative “Nasty Girl” in 1982. The musical virtuoso wrote, produced, and played every instrument on this boundary-pushing track. Despite controversy over its explicit content, the song topped the Dance Club Songs Chart and continues to influence discussions about feminism and sexuality in pop culture.
10. The Glamorous Life
The percussive brilliance of “The Glamorous Life” gave Sheila E. the perfect showcase for her unique talents. Released in 1984, it reached #7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and highlighted Sheila E.’s percussion talents alongside the funk maestro’s production and writing. The collaboration became a defining moment in her career.
9. Round and Round
When a 13-year-old needs a career-launching hit, few producers deliver as Prince did for Tevin Campbell. “Round and Round,” released in 1990, the vibrant New Jack Swing track launched Campbell’s early career and became a classic of early ’90s R&B.
8. Like a Prayer
For music fans seeking rare collaborations between icons, Madonna’s “Love Song” delivers a genuine musical partnership. Featured on her 1989 “Like a Prayer” album, the track includes the Purple One’s vocals and guitar work. Despite its simple title, the song delivers emotional depth that has earned critical acclaim among Madonna’s album cuts.
7. Stand Back
Inspiration strikes in unexpected places, as Stevie Nicks discovered when Prince’s “Little Red Corvette” sparked her hit “Stand Back.” Released in 1983, the song reached #5 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The musical genius contributed to the production, making it a cornerstone of Nicks’ solo career, though his exact role in the writing remains somewhat mysterious.
6. Love Thy Will Be Done
Struggling to balance spirituality with pop appeal? Martika’s “Love Thy Will Be Done” solved this challenge perfectly. Co-written by Prince and Martika for her 1991 album “Martika’s Kitchen”, this contemplative track became a top 10 hit in several countries. The collaboration helped Martika develop a more mature sound beyond her earlier pop hits.
5. When You Were Mine
The transformative power of reinterpretation shines in Cyndi Lauper’s 1983 cover of “When You Were Mine.” Her unique vocal approach preserved the emotional core of the musician’s 1980 original while creating something distinctly her own. The track continues to connect with listeners decades after its release.
4. How Come You Don’t Call Me Anymore
Two decades of musical evolution separate the composer’s 1982 composition “How Come You Don’t Call Me Anymore” from Alicia Keys’ 2001 neo-soul revival. Keys captured the themes of loneliness and confusion while adding her soulful touch, making the track stand out on her debut album.
3. Sugar Walls
With lyrics too hot for radio censors, Sheena Easton’s “Sugar Walls” pushed musical boundaries to their limits. Written by Prince under the pseudonym “Alexander Nevermind,” the controversial 1984 release reached #9 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The track marks an important moment in the evolution of provocative pop.
2. Yo Mister
When social commentary needed a powerful voice, the Minneapolis icon teamed with Patti LaBelle for the unflinching “Yo Mister.” Written and produced by Prince in 1989, the song addresses absent fathers with direct, uncompromising lyrics. LaBelle’s powerful performance elevated the message, earning dedicated fans despite not charting on the Billboard Hot 100.
1. I Feel For You
A disco-funk classic transformed into an ’80s sensation, Chaka Khan’s version of “I Feel For You” reimagined Prince’s 1979 composition with spectacular results. Her 1984 version hit #3 on the US Billboard Hot 100, featuring her dynamic vocals that transformed the original artist’s disco-influenced track. Khan’s interpretation became one of the defining pop-R&B crossovers of the decade.
