The Introduction
Prince, a name synonymous with musical innovation, unparalleled talent, and a catalog brimming with self-performed hits, is often celebrated solely for his own discography. Yet, lurking beneath the surface of his celebrated career is a treasure trove of compositions penned by the Purple One, songs that achieved widespread fame not through his own voice, but through the interpretations of other iconic artists. Many are unaware that some of their most cherished tunes, the ones that have soundtracked pivotal moments in their lives, actually sprang from the fertile mind of Prince Rogers Nelson. This article aims to shed light on this lesser-known facet of his genius, exploring the incredible songs written by Prince that were made famous by others, revealing the depth and breadth of his songwriting prowess. Prepare to be surprised; the song that’s been stuck in your head for years might just be a Prince original.
The Songwriting Genius Within
To fully appreciate the magnitude of Prince’s gift to other artists, it’s crucial to understand the sheer scale of his songwriting ability. He wasn’t just a performer; he was a songwriting machine, churning out music at an astonishing rate. His creativity seemed boundless, spanning across genres like funk, rock, R&B, pop, and even jazz. This exceptional talent enabled him to craft songs perfectly tailored to diverse voices and musical styles, proving his adaptability and understanding of the music industry. The reason why he so freely gave away these songs is multifaceted. Sometimes, it was a matter of navigating the complex contractual obligations of his record label, Warner Bros. Other times, it was a deliberate decision, a chance to explore different sonic landscapes through the voices of other artists, or simply a way to provide opportunities for his protégés and fellow musicians. Control was definitely a factor; by letting others record his songs, he retained a degree of creative influence, even if he wasn’t the one performing them. He understood that the right artist could elevate a song to new heights, breathing new life into his creations. He knew that in some cases, Prince’s songs made famous by others would reach a wider audience than he could have achieved on his own.
The Songs: Stories Behind the Successes
Nothing Compares 2 U – Sinéad O’Connor
Perhaps the most iconic example of Prince’s songwriting magic making waves through another artist is “Nothing Compares 2 U,” indelibly etched into the collective consciousness by Sinéad O’Connor’s hauntingly raw and emotionally charged rendition. Prince originally wrote and recorded the song for his side project, The Family, in nineteen eighty-five. While their version is beautiful in its own right, it remained relatively obscure. O’Connor’s nineteen ninety version, however, transformed the song into a global phenomenon. Her performance, infused with vulnerability and pain, resonated deeply with listeners, catapulting the song to the top of the charts worldwide. The accompanying music video, featuring close-up shots of O’Connor’s tear-streaked face, further amplified the song’s emotional impact. The key difference lies in the delivery. Prince’s version is soulful and melancholic, while O’Connor’s is a heart-wrenching plea. The stripped-down arrangement in O’Connor’s recording allowed her voice to truly shine, carrying the emotional weight of the lyrics. One anecdote worth noting is that O’Connor has spoken about the song’s profound personal meaning for her, drawing parallels between the lyrics and her own life experiences, thus injecting an even greater depth of emotion into her performance. Prince himself acknowledged O’Connor’s transformative interpretation, even performing the song live himself later in his career, sometimes incorporating elements of her arrangement into his own.
Manic Monday – The Bangles
Under the pseudonym “Christopher,” Prince gifted The Bangles with “Manic Monday,” a power-pop gem that became their first major hit. The song perfectly captured the anxieties and frustrations of the work week, resonating with audiences around the globe. The Bangles’ version, released in nineteen eighty-six, is characterized by its catchy melody, infectious harmonies, and Susanna Hoffs’ distinctive lead vocals. Prince’s original demo, though never officially released, showcases his penchant for crafting hooks that linger in the listener’s mind long after the song ends. While Prince’s demo is funkier and more experimental, The Bangles smoothed out the edges, creating a radio-friendly pop anthem. The key difference is the arrangement; The Bangles’ version is more polished and streamlined, whereas Prince’s is raw and energetic. The pseudonym “Christopher” was frequently used by Prince when writing songs for other artists, allowing him to distance himself from the project while still retaining creative control. “Manic Monday” not only propelled The Bangles to international stardom but also solidified Prince’s reputation as a songwriting force to be reckoned with, capable of crafting hits across diverse genres.
Stand Back – Stevie Nicks
Although not a complete composition penned solely by Prince, his contribution to Stevie Nicks’ “Stand Back” is undeniable. Nicks was inspired to write “Stand Back,” released in nineteen eighty-one, after listening to Prince’s “Little Red Corvette” on the radio. Recognizing a similar musical vibe, she decided to incorporate elements of Prince’s song into her own. The story goes that Prince himself visited Nicks in the studio and ended up playing synthesizer on the track, adding his signature touch to the song’s sound. While Nicks is credited as the primary songwriter, Prince’s influence is palpable, particularly in the song’s driving beat and synthesized soundscapes. “Stand Back” became one of Nicks’ signature songs, a testament to her own songwriting talent and Prince’s collaborative spirit. The song’s success is a shining example of the magic that can happen when two musical forces collide. Prince’s improvisational synth work truly elevates the overall feel of the song to a different level.
Sugar Walls – Sheena Easton
Perhaps one of the most controversial Prince-penned songs to reach mainstream success is “Sugar Walls,” performed by Sheena Easton in nineteen eighty-four. The lyrics, which allude to female genitalia, sparked outrage among conservative groups, leading to the song being banned from some radio stations. Despite the controversy, or perhaps because of it, “Sugar Walls” became a significant hit for Easton, showcasing her versatility as an artist and pushing the boundaries of lyrical content in popular music. Prince’s original demo, which leaked years later, reveals a funkier and more suggestive interpretation of the song. Easton’s version is slicker and more pop-oriented, yet still retains the song’s inherent sensuality. The song is a testament to Prince’s ability to write lyrics that are both provocative and memorable, even if those lyrics sparked some outrage from outside groups.
Jungle Love – The Time
“Jungle Love,” performed by The Time in nineteen eighty-four, is another prime example of Prince’s songwriting prowess shining through another act. Prince wrote and played most of the instruments on the track, showcasing his multi-instrumental talents. The Time, a funk band formed and heavily influenced by Prince, delivered a raucous and energetic performance that made “Jungle Love” a dance-floor staple. The song’s funky groove, playful lyrics, and call-and-response vocals make it an irresistible party anthem. While Prince’s influence is undeniable, The Time’s distinctive style and showmanship helped to solidify the song’s status as a classic. The song is an absolute example of a funk classic.
A Love Bizarre – Sheila E.
Co-written with Prince, “A Love Bizarre,” performed by Sheila E. in nineteen eighty-five, is a high-energy, genre-bending masterpiece that showcases both artists’ musical talents. The song’s infectious groove, Sheila E.’s dynamic vocals, and Prince’s signature guitar riffs make it an unforgettable listening experience. “A Love Bizarre” seamlessly blends funk, rock, and pop elements, demonstrating Prince’s ability to push boundaries and create music that is both innovative and accessible. Sheila E.’s performance is what makes this song a classic.
I Feel for You – Chaka Khan
Originally written and performed by Prince in nineteen seventy-nine, “I Feel For You” became a mega-hit in nineteen eighty-four when Chaka Khan delivered her unforgettable rendition. Khan’s version incorporated elements of hip-hop, including a rap verse by Melle Mel and scratching by Grandmaster Flash, making it a groundbreaking blend of genres. Khan’s powerful vocals, combined with the song’s innovative production, propelled it to the top of the charts, earning her a Grammy Award. This version demonstrates Prince’s ability to write songs that transcend genre and artist, capable of being reimagined and reinterpreted in diverse ways. Her take on the song is now what most people think of as the standard, showing the power of a song and a performer working together.
Prince’s Enduring Impact
The songs mentioned here are just a small sample of Prince’s extensive catalog of compositions written for other artists. His willingness to share his talent with others is a testament to his generosity and his belief in the power of collaboration. These songs not only brought success to the artists who performed them but also solidified Prince’s legacy as one of the greatest songwriters of all time. Prince’s songs made famous by others stand as a monument to his versatility and ability to adapt to different musical styles. They demonstrate a profound understanding of what makes a song resonate with audiences, regardless of who is singing it. His impact on the music industry is immeasurable, and his influence can still be heard in the works of countless artists today. By writing for others, he amplified his voice, subtly shaping the musical landscape in ways that many people don’t even realize.
The Legacy Lives On
So, the next time you hear one of these familiar tunes, take a moment to appreciate the genius behind the song, the artist who crafted the melody, wrote the lyrics, and laid the foundation for its success: Prince. Dive deeper into his discography, not just his own albums, but also the hidden gems he wrote for others. You might be surprised at what you discover. Exploring Prince’s original versions of these songs, when available, offers a fascinating glimpse into his creative process and provides a new perspective on these beloved classics. From Sinead O’Connor’s tearful ballad to The Bangles’ catchy pop anthem, the songs he wrote for others have touched countless lives and cemented his status as a true musical visionary. What other Prince-penned songs do *you* know that are made famous by other artists? Share in the comments below. His legacy continues to evolve.
