When The Very Best of Prince album first hit shelves in July 2001, its debut was a modest #66 on the Billboard 200. Few could have predicted it would eventually achieve platinum status, becoming a staple for millions looking to experience the core brilliance of an artist who continually defied definition. This compilation wasn't just another greatest hits package; it was a carefully curated snapshot of Prince's most impactful and commercially successful Warner Bros. era, laying the groundwork for its eventual, undeniable legacy.
At a Glance: What You'll Discover About The Very Best of Prince
- Strategic Compilation: Understand why this album focused specifically on Prince's Warner Bros. recordings from 1979-1991, offering a distinct angle compared to other compilations.
- Tracklist Philosophy: Learn the thinking behind the song selection, prioritizing platinum-selling classics and chart-topping singles.
- Distinction from The Hits: Grasp the subtle yet significant differences between The Very Best of Prince and the earlier The Hits 1 & 2 compilations.
- Platinum Journey: Trace the album's path from a quiet debut to its RIAA platinum certification, highlighting its enduring appeal.
- Ideal Entry Point: Identify why this specific album serves as an excellent introduction for new listeners and a reliable collection for long-time fans.
Crafting a Legacy: The Genesis of The Very Best of Prince
Released on July 31, 2001, The Very Best of Prince wasn't conceived as a groundbreaking release. Instead, it emerged as a purposeful, streamlined collection designed to capture the essence of Prince's most iconic and commercially potent period with Warner Bros. Records. The intent was clear: to present his undeniable mainstream success, distilling over a decade of groundbreaking music into a single, accessible package. This era, from 1979 to 1991, encompasses the foundational pop, funk, and rock masterpieces that defined a generation and cemented Prince's status as a global superstar.
The decision to focus exclusively on this specific time frame and label wasn't arbitrary. It allowed for a cohesive narrative, showcasing the progression of an artist at the peak of his creative and commercial powers. Think of it as a definitive highlight reel of his most recognizable anthems, rather than a deep dive into every sonic experiment or B-side.
A Curated Journey: Decoding the Tracklist's Warner Bros. Focus
The tracklist for The Very Best of Prince is a masterclass in essentialism. It meticulously selects the songs that resonated most broadly, often topping charts or achieving significant airplay. This wasn't about obscure fan favorites, but about undeniable, platinum-selling classics. For instance, you'll find "When Doves Cry," a revolutionary track that blended pop sensibilities with raw emotion, alongside the irresistible groove of "Kiss" and the iconic synth-pop perfection of "1999."
Each inclusion serves a purpose: to demonstrate the sheer breadth of Prince's commercial appeal and artistic innovation within a specific commercial framework. It’s a testament to his ability to craft universal hits without compromising his unique vision. The album includes 16 tracks, ensuring a tight, impactful listening experience that never overstays its welcome, leaving the listener wanting more rather than feeling overwhelmed. This focused approach is precisely what makes the very best of prince album such a valuable artifact.
Table: Select Tracks & Their Impact
| Track Title | Original Album | Year | Significance on "Very Best" |
|---|---|---|---|
| "When Doves Cry" | Purple Rain | 1984 | Multi-platinum, genre-bending #1 hit. |
| "1999" | 1999 | 1982 | Iconic party anthem, signature synth sound. |
| "Kiss" | Parade | 1986 | Funky, minimalist #1 hit, showcases vocal dexterity. |
| "Raspberry Beret" | Around the World in a Day | 1985 | Whimsical pop, demonstrated diverse appeal. |
| "Little Red Corvette" | 1999 | 1982 | Early crossover success, pop radio staple. |
| This selection isn't just a list of songs; it’s a chronological journey through a period of unparalleled creativity and commercial dominance. |
Beyond the Hits: How The Very Best of Prince Stands Apart
While not his first compilation, The Very Best of Prince carves its own niche when compared to earlier releases like The Hits 1, The Hits 2, and The Hits/The B-Sides. Those 1993 collections were more expansive, often featuring a wider array of tracks including B-sides and even a few new songs, catering to a slightly more invested fan base looking for a broader overview. The Hits 1 and 2 also covered a similar timeline, but their inclusion of deeper cuts or less obvious singles changed their character.
The Very Best of Prince, on the other hand, is ruthlessly efficient. It focuses solely on the undeniable, multi-platinum hits and essential singles from his Warner Bros. tenure, stripping away any non-essentials. This makes it a more direct, less intimidating entry point for casual listeners or those new to Prince's vast catalog. Think of The Hits as a comprehensive, multi-course meal, whereas The Very Best of Prince is a perfectly executed tasting menu of the absolute highlights. Its singular focus on the biggest commercial successes makes it an almost definitive "greatest hits" experience for that specific era.
The Platinum Paradox: From Debut to Enduring Classic
As mentioned, The Very Best of Prince debuted modestly at #66 on the Billboard 200. This relatively quiet entry didn't immediately signal the album's future impact. However, over time, the album proved its staying power. Its consistent availability and the timeless quality of its tracklist allowed it to slowly but surely climb the ranks of certified sales. Eventually, it achieved platinum status, signifying sales of over one million units in the United States. This isn't just a number; it's a testament to the album's consistent appeal and its ability to continually find new audiences.
The album's enduring popularity was dramatically underscored after Prince's passing. The outpouring of grief and renewed interest in his catalog led to an incredible resurgence for many of his albums. Notably, The Very Best of Prince was among those collections that soared back up the charts, eventually hitting number one posthumously. This phenomenon is a powerful reminder of the deep connection fans had with his music and how a well-curated compilation can serve as a vital entry point during moments of collective reflection and rediscovery. For a deeper dive into this incredible resurgence and the broader impact, you can explore Prince's posthumous #1 album story.
The platinum certification isn't just about sales; it reflects the album's success in consolidating his legacy. For many, this compilation became the go-to Prince album, encapsulating his golden age in a single, powerful statement.
Who is The Very Best of Prince For? A Listener's Guide
Understanding who benefits most from the very best of prince album can help you decide how to approach it.
- The New Listener: If you're just starting your journey into Prince's universe, this album is your essential Rosetta Stone. It presents his most recognizable, chart-topping hits in a logical, easy-to-digest format. You'll quickly grasp his range and impact without feeling overwhelmed by his immense discography. Start here, and if you love what you hear, you'll know where to branch out.
- The Casual Fan: Perhaps you know a few Prince songs but haven't delved deeper. This collection reinforces why he's a legend, bringing together all the tracks you probably hum along to, plus a few more that will solidify his place in your personal hall of fame. It's perfect for road trips, parties, or just enjoying some classic pop-funk-rock.
- The Time-Pressed Enthusiast: Even for seasoned fans, there are moments when you just want the undisputed classics. This album serves as a fantastic single-disc greatest hits compilation, ideal for when you want maximum impact with minimal fuss. It’s the sonic equivalent of hitting the "best of" button.
- The Completist (Surprisingly): While completists might prefer original albums, The Very Best of Prince offers a unique perspective. It highlights the commercial peak, allowing one to understand which tracks truly defined his mainstream presence, providing context for the broader, more experimental work. It's a lens through which to view his commercial strategy.
Practical Playbook: Engaging with The Very Best of Prince
To truly appreciate the very best of prince album, consider these approaches:
- Start to Finish: Listen to the album chronologically from beginning to end. This allows you to experience the natural flow and evolution of his sound within the Warner Bros. era. Notice how his songwriting matured and his production techniques became more refined.
- Focus on Production: Pay attention to the sonic details in each track. Prince was a master arranger and producer. Listen for the distinct drum machine patterns, layered synthesizers, intricate guitar work, and his signature vocal harmonies. Each song is a mini-masterpiece of sound design.
- Lyric Exploration: While many of these songs are undeniably catchy, their lyrics often carry deeper, sometimes provocative, themes. Take a moment to read along or simply absorb the storytelling in tracks like "When Doves Cry" or "Little Red Corvette."
- Connect to Cultural Impact: As you listen, consider the broader cultural landscape when these songs were released. Tracks like "1999" and "Raspberry Beret" weren't just hits; they were cultural touchstones that influenced fashion, dance, and other artists.
- Use as a Springboard: If a particular song deeply resonates, use it as a starting point to explore its original album. For example, if "Purple Rain" moves you, dive into the entire Purple Rain soundtrack to experience its full narrative and emotional weight. This compilation provides breadcrumbs to his deeper catalog.
Quick Answers: Common Questions About The Very Best of Prince
Q: Does The Very Best of Prince include all his number-one hits?
A: It includes many of his most significant chart-toppers and platinum sellers from his Warner Bros. period, such as "When Doves Cry," "Kiss," and "Cream." It's an excellent representation of his biggest commercial successes during that era.
Q: Why does the album only cover up to 1991? What about his later work?
A: The compilation specifically focuses on his Warner Bros. Records contract period up to 1991, which was his most commercially prolific and widely recognized era. His later work, much of which was released on different labels or independently, would require separate compilations.
Q: Is this the same as The Hits/The B-Sides?
A: No, while similar in scope and era, The Very Best of Prince is a more concise, single-disc compilation focused purely on the biggest, most recognizable hits. The Hits/The B-Sides (often released as separate The Hits 1 and The Hits 2 with The B-Sides) is a much more extensive 3-disc set, including deeper cuts and B-sides, offering a broader and more comprehensive overview.
Q: Is The Very Best of Prince remastered?
A: The 2001 release of The Very Best of Prince utilized the best available masters at the time. While not always explicitly advertised as a new "remaster," compilations often benefit from updated sonic treatment to ensure consistent sound quality across varied source material.
Q: Can the very best of prince album replace owning his individual classic albums?
A: For a casual listener, it provides a fantastic overview. However, for a true fan, nothing can truly replace the experience of listening to Prince's iconic albums like Purple Rain, 1999, or Sign o' the Times in their entirety, as they were conceived as cohesive artistic statements. This compilation is a superb entry point and highlights reel, but not a full substitute.
The Enduring Resonance of a Purple Legacy
The Very Best of Prince album stands as a powerful testament to an artist whose brilliance transcended genres and generations. Its journey from a quiet release to a platinum-certified, posthumous chart-topper speaks volumes about the timeless quality of Prince's music. Whether you're a curious newcomer or a lifelong admirer, this expertly curated collection offers an unparalleled window into the pop, funk, and rock genius of one of music's true innovators. It's more than just a greatest hits; it’s a celebration of a legacy that continues to inspire and electrify.