When you talk about an artist whose influence transcended music, fashion, and culture, Prince Rogers Nelson invariably tops the list. His prolific output and genre-defying artistry created a catalog so vast, it could be daunting for even the most devoted fan to navigate. That's where a compilation like The Very Best of Prince steps in, offering a potent distillation of his iconic early career. But what makes this particular collection so significant? Not only does it deliver a potent dose of his greatest hits, but it also achieved a remarkable, bittersweet milestone, hitting number one on the Billboard 200 chart years after its initial release—a poignant tribute to a legend mourned.
At a Glance: The Very Best of Prince
- What it is: A greatest hits album by Prince, focusing on his Warner Bros. era.
- Original Release: July 31, 2001.
- Key Period Covered: 1979 to 1991, capturing his most commercially dominant singles.
- Chart Success (Initial): Debuted at #66 on the US Billboard 200 in August 2001.
- Posthumous Reign: Re-entered the Billboard 200 at #1 in April 2016 following Prince's death, his fifth album to reach the top spot.
- Notable Inclusions: US #1s like "When Doves Cry," "Let's Go Crazy," "Kiss," and "Cream," alongside other chart-toppers and fan favorites.
- Notable Omission: "Batdance," reportedly due to licensing issues, leading some critics to believe the Batman album was being subtly distanced from his core discography.
- Certification: Platinum by RIAA in 2004, surpassing 1 million units sold. Sales surged dramatically after 2016, adding hundreds of thousands more copies.
The Album's Genesis: A Curated Journey Through Purple Majesty
Released on July 31, 2001, by Warner Bros. Records, The Very Best of Prince arrived during a period when Prince was actively exploring new creative avenues, often outside the traditional label system. Yet, this compilation served as a potent reminder of his unparalleled run of chart dominance and artistic innovation during his tenure with Warner Bros. It wasn't just another collection of songs; it was a carefully curated experience, designed to encapsulate the essence of his commercial peak from 1979 to 1991.
This particular timeframe is crucial. It represents the era where Prince transitioned from a prodigious funk-pop wunderkind into a global superstar, an undeniable force who effortlessly blended pop hooks with raw funk, rock guitar, and sophisticated R&B. The album doesn't attempt to cover his entire, sprawling career, but rather spotlights the material that defined him for millions, making it an excellent entry point for new listeners or a nostalgia trip for long-time fans.
Tracklist Deep Dive: What Made "Very Best" So Good?
A greatest hits album lives or dies by its tracklist, and The Very Best of Prince delivers a punchy, undeniable selection. It opens, fittingly, with "I Wanna Be Your Lover," his breakthrough disco-tinged nugget from 1979 that first introduced his unique vocal stylings and audacious songwriting to a wider audience. This track immediately sets the stage for the genre-bending journey that follows.
Then comes the pre-Y2K anthem "1999," a track that still pulsates with an urgent, celebratory energy decades later. It’s a testament to Prince's foresight that a song about impending apocalypse could feel so exhilarating and timeless. The compilation smartly moves into the explosive mid-80s, an era when Prince was practically unstoppable. Tracks like "Let's Go Crazy" and "I Would Die 4 U" aren't just pop songs; they are high-octane expressions of his ability to craft perfect, emotionally resonant pop, often fueled by his electrifying live band, The Revolution.
The Chart Toppers and Essential Cuts
The album features a remarkable four US number-one hits, showcasing Prince's unmatched ability to capture the zeitgeist:
- "When Doves Cry": A groundbreaking, bass-less track that solidified his status as a sonic innovator and reminded the world that Prince was not just a mesmerizing performer but also a stellar, incredibly distinctive guitarist. Its raw emotion and unique structure remain iconic.
- "Let's Go Crazy": The quintessential Prince party anthem, bursting with energy and an undeniable call to arms for artistic freedom.
- "Kiss": A minimalist funk masterpiece, demonstrating his genius for creating maximal impact with spare arrangements and an unforgettable falsetto.
- "Cream": A sleek, sensual track from 1991, proving his enduring ability to deliver seductive R&B-pop well into his second decade.
Beyond these chart-toppers, the compilation also includes essential singles like "Little Red Corvette," "Raspberry Beret," "Sign 'O' the Times," and "Diamonds and Pearls," each representing a different facet of his extraordinary talent. It’s a tracklist designed to make you dance, think, and appreciate the sheer breadth of his creative output. To Whats Princes Best Album might seem like an impossible question, but this collection makes a very strong case for itself, distilling his most beloved tracks into one cohesive package.
The Curious Case of "Batdance"
One notable absence from The Very Best of Prince is "Batdance," his 1989 US number one hit from the Batman soundtrack. According to music critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine, this omission was likely due to the complex licensing of the Batman character. Erlewine even speculated that Warner Bros. was unofficially trying to write the entire Batman album out of Prince's core discography. While this might seem like a minor detail, it highlights the intricate legal and artistic considerations that often surround posthumous releases and catalog management, especially for an artist as fiercely independent as Prince.
It's also worth noting that almost all the songs on The Very Best of Prince had previously appeared on the more expansive 3-disc box set, The Hits/The B-Sides (1993). The main exception was "Money Don't Matter 2 Night," a poignant, socially conscious track from 1991's Diamonds and Pearls, which offered a more mature, reflective side of Prince. This inclusion subtly differentiated The Very Best of Prince as a standalone greatest hits offering, rather than simply a condensed version of a previous compilation.
The Posthumous Surge: A Story of Remembrance and Reignition
When The Very Best of Prince first debuted on the US Billboard 200 chart on August 18, 2001, it landed at number 66. It was a respectable showing, indicative of Prince's consistent, if not always explosive, commercial draw in the early 2000s. By September 21, 2004, the album had been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), signifying sales of 1 million copies in the United States—a solid achievement for a hits compilation.
However, the album's story took an extraordinary, emotional turn following Prince's tragic death on April 21, 2016. In the immediate aftermath, fans around the world flocked to his music, seeking solace, celebration, and a connection to the departed icon. This outpouring of grief and appreciation propelled The Very Best of Prince back onto the charts with unprecedented force.
In the week following his passing, the album sold a staggering 179,000 album-equivalent units, with 100,000 of those being pure album sales. This monumental surge allowed The Very Best of Prince to re-enter the Billboard 200 at the highly coveted number one spot. It wasn't just a triumph for the album; it marked Prince's fifth number-one album on the chart, underscoring the profound impact he had on music and culture.
The following week, the album remained a strong contender, falling only slightly to number two on the Billboard 200. It sold another 391,000 equivalent copies (216,000 in pure album sales), a remarkable sustained performance, though it was ultimately edged out by Beyoncé's critically acclaimed Lemonade. This incredible posthumous success wasn't just a momentary blip; by the end of 2016, The Very Best of Prince had sold an additional 660,000 recognized copies in the United States, adding to the over 2 million copies sold prior to that year. This phenomenal resurgence solidified the album's place not just as a collection of hits, but as a powerful symbol of collective remembrance and enduring adoration.
Why a Greatest Hits Album Still Matters
In an age of streaming services and personalized playlists, one might wonder about the relevance of a traditional greatest hits compilation. Yet, The Very Best of Prince proves that these albums hold a unique and vital place in music consumption for several compelling reasons:
- An Accessible Entry Point: For new listeners, Prince's discography can be overwhelming. Where do you start with an artist who released nearly 40 studio albums, not to mention countless unreleased tracks and side projects? A compilation like this provides an immediate, high-impact introduction to his most commercially successful and recognizable work, giving newcomers a solid foundation before they dive deeper.
- Nostalgia and Convenience for Long-Time Fans: For those who grew up with Prince's music, The Very Best of Prince offers a convenient way to revisit cherished memories and favorite tracks without having to pull out multiple albums. It’s a curated listening experience that brings together seminal moments from a specific, iconic era.
- A Snapshot of an Era: The album effectively documents Prince's peak commercial years, illustrating his evolution and impact across genres from 1979 to 1991. It tells a story of an artist continually pushing boundaries while simultaneously crafting undeniable pop perfection.
- Highlighting Enduring Artistry: Even in a "best of" format, Prince's incredible musicianship, songwriting prowess, and vocal range shine through. From the intricate guitar solos to the innovative production, each track is a masterclass in its own right, reminding listeners why he was considered a musical genius.
Beyond the Hits: The Prince Legacy It Represents
While The Very Best of Prince is, by definition, a collection of commercially successful singles, its significance extends far beyond mere chart performance. It represents a crucial chapter in the career of an artist who continually defied categorization. Prince was a pioneer who fused funk, rock, R&B, pop, and soul into a singular, undeniable sound. He challenged norms of gender and sexuality, pushed boundaries with his provocative lyrics and imagery, and maintained an uncompromising artistic vision throughout his career.
The songs on this compilation are windows into an era where Prince dominated MTV, radio waves, and concert stages globally. They reflect his audacious stage presence, his unparalleled showmanship, and his commitment to musical excellence. This album serves not just as a collection of songs, but as a gateway to understanding the broader impact of a true musical icon. It captures the essence of the "Minneapolis Sound" he helped invent and propagate. If you're looking to Discover The Very Best Of Prince, this collection is arguably the best way to grasp the magnitude of his early genius.
Navigating Prince's Discography: Where Does "The Very Best Of" Fit?
For many, The Very Best of Prince is their first—and sometimes only—encounter with his work. But for those ready to explore further, it acts as an ideal springboard into his vast and often experimental discography.
Compared to other compilations, The Very Best of Prince offers a more focused approach. For instance, The Hits/The B-Sides (1993) is a far more exhaustive collection, boasting three discs and including many non-album tracks and B-sides. While invaluable for completists, its sheer volume can be daunting. The Very Best of Prince is streamlined, offering a tight, single-disc experience that prioritizes commercial appeal and mainstream recognition without sacrificing artistic integrity.
If you've enjoyed this compilation and want to explore albums in full, consider starting with:
- Purple Rain (1984): His magnum opus, a soundtrack that blended rock, pop, and R&B into an iconic sound.
- 1999 (1982): A double album that solidified his artistic vision and produced multiple hits.
- Sign 'O' the Times (1987): A critically acclaimed double album showcasing his unparalleled versatility and depth.
- Dirty Mind (1980): For those seeking his edgier, more provocative early work.
Think of The Very Best of Prince as the perfect appetizer. It's delicious, satisfying, and leaves you hungry for the full, multi-course meal that is Prince's complete artistic legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Essential Collection
Even for a straightforward greatest hits album, common questions often arise. Here are some quick answers to clarify a few points about The Very Best of Prince:
Is "Batdance" on The Very Best of Prince?
No, the US number one hit "Batdance" is not included on The Very Best of Prince. This is widely believed to be due to licensing complexities surrounding the Batman character, which made its inclusion on a general hits compilation difficult.
Are all the songs unique to this album?
Almost all the songs included on The Very Best of Prince were previously released on the 3-disc box set The Hits/The B-Sides (1993). The main exception is "Money Don't Matter 2 Night," which was unique to this compilation (among Prince's greatest hits packages) at the time of its release.
Why did it hit #1 so much later than its initial release?
The Very Best of Prince initially debuted at #66 in 2001. Its dramatic re-entry at #1 on the Billboard 200 in April 2016 was a direct result of the immense outpouring of grief and fan appreciation following Prince's unexpected passing. It was a posthumous tribute, reflecting a massive surge in catalog sales and streams.
Is The Very Best of Prince a good starting point for new Prince fans?
Absolutely. It’s arguably one of the best entry points into Prince's world. It features his most commercially successful and recognizable singles from his prime era (1979-1991), offering a concise and powerful overview of his genius without overwhelming new listeners.
Your Next Step into the Purple Reign
The Very Best of Prince is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a living testament to an artist whose impact continues to resonate globally. Whether you’re a long-time fan reconnecting with foundational tracks or a curious newcomer just beginning your journey into the vast, vibrant world of Prince, this album offers an essential, electrifying experience.
So, queue it up, crank the volume, and let the inimitable genius of Prince wash over you. There's no wrong way to appreciate such a legendary artist, but this collection certainly provides one of the most compelling and accessible paths.