by Prince: The Secret Hits That Ruled Unnoticed
Prince was a true musical iconoclast who constantly pushed creative boundaries and blended genres in groundbreaking new ways. Over his illustrious career spanning from the late 1970s until his tragic passing in 2016, Prince became known for his genre-defying albums and instantly classic smash hits like “When Doves Cry,” “Kiss,” and “Purple Rain.” However, buried within Prince’s massive discography are also a number of lesser-known songs that, while falling just below the surface of the mainstream, have become cult favorites and secretly influenced countless artists. These “secret hits” may not have topped the charts, but they perfectly encapsulate Prince’s unique talent and continue to resonate deeply with diehard fans. Here is a closer look at some of Prince’s most influential songs that ruled underground, unnoticed by the mainstream.
“Erotic City” (1984)
One of the first true “secret hits” comes from Prince’s iconic 1984 film and album Purple Rain. While the album spawned no less than four top 10 singles, the slow-burning and suggestive “Erotic City” just missed that mark, peaking at number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, the song became a staple of Prince’s live shows for decades and helped solidify his image as a sex symbol through its groovy funk beat and unabashedly sensual lyrics. Lines like “Tonight I’m gonna take you to Erotic City” oozed pure seduction and established Prince as unafraid to explore carnal themes through his music. The song also showed off Prince’s guitar skills through its extended solo section. While it may not have been a chart-topper, “Erotic City” is widely considered one of the best album cuts in Prince’s catalog and a cornerstone of his live performances during his prime in the 1980s. Its slow-burning appeal has kept it a favorite among diehard fans to this day.
“Raspberry Beret” (1985)
Also from Purple Rain, “Raspberry Beret” represents one of Prince’s most accessible and upbeat secret hits. Featuring a catchy refrain and quirky lyrics about a mysterious woman wearing a unique piece of headwear, the song climbed all the way to number 2 on the Billboard charts. However, its commercial success fell just short of hitting number one. Despite this, “Raspberry Beret” has endured for decades thanks to its poppy melody and Prince’s playful vocal delivery over upbeat funk-rock instrumentation. The song offers a glimpse into Prince’s gift for crafting infectious pop gems and telling unconventional stories through his lyrics. While it may have just missed the top spot, “Raspberry Beret” is widely considered one of Prince’s most beloved tracks. Its commercial performance understates its lasting influence and the joy it continues to bring listeners.
“Diamonds and Pearls” (1991)
In 1991, Prince released his self-titled album better known as the “Love Symbol Album,” showcasing his continued evolution as an artist. One of the highlights was the smooth, soulful title track “Diamonds and Pearls,” which gave name to Prince’s new backing band the New Power Generation. However, despite being a sophisticated standout, the single only climbed to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Within the context of Prince’s commercial peak in the 1980s, this was a comparatively minor performance. But “Diamonds and Pearls” deserves recognition as one of Prince’s most underrated secret hits. It features a gorgeous melody and demonstrates Prince’s growth as a songwriter creating deep, lyrical material. The song also helped introduce the New Power Generation lineup that would go on to collaborate closely with Prince for several albums. While it may not have repeated the chart dominance of years past, “Diamonds and Pearls” proved Prince’s ability to evolve creatively and remains a brilliant example of his sophisticated soul style.
“The Most Beautiful Girl in the World” (1994)
In 1994, Prince contributed several new songs to the mostly unfinished film Graffiti Bridge, including the stunning ballad “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World.” Showcasing Prince’s tender side, the emotional song featured Prince delivering passionate vocals over a sparse piano arrangement. Lyrics like “She’s the most beautiful girl in the world/And she’s mine” expressed pure adoration and devotion. However, despite being one of Prince’s most romantic and vulnerable performances on record, “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World” failed to gain traction on the charts. It’s a testament to Prince’s commercial decline in the early 1990s following years of massive success. But the song’s gorgeous melody and intimate lyrics have made it a favorite among diehard fans in subsequent decades. It proves Prince was capable of crafting beautiful love songs that stand alongside the best work of his peers. While it may have gone unnoticed at the time, “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World” stands as one of Prince’s most underappreciated secret hits.
“777-9311” (1985)
One of Prince’s most secret underground hits comes from his 1985 album Around the World in a Day. The funky “777-9311” never received an official single release, yet it perfectly encapsulates Prince’s raw talent and musicianship. Built around a hypnotic bassline and guitar riff, the song sees Prince delivering playful lyrics with his effortless falsetto. References to phone sex and late night rendezvous imbued the track with a sly sense of sexuality. But above all, “777-9311” is simply an irresistible party jam that gets listeners dancing. Its catchy instrumental breaks and infectious rhythmic drive have made it a beloved deep cut among diehard Prince collectors. While it evaded mainstream success due to a lack of single release, “777-9311” proves Prince was capable of crafting funk gems that could easily have been hits in a different era. The song’s underground popularity speaks to Prince’s timeless ability to get butts shaking regardless of commercial performance.
These are just a few of the many secret hits buried within Prince’s sprawling catalog. An artist as prolific and innovative as Prince was bound to produce an abundance of brilliant songs that slipped under the radar for one reason or another. But within online communities of diehard Prince fans, these “unnoticed” tracks are celebrated and championed all the same. They offer rare glimpses into Prince’s boundless creativity outside of his biggest commercial smashes. Songs like “Erotic City,” “Raspberry Beret,” “Diamonds and Pearls,” “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World,” and “777-9311” didn’t achieve major chart success or airplay. Yet they perfectly encapsulate Prince’s unique talents and diverse musical styles, from funk to ballads to rock. While mainstream recognition eluded these tracks, within dedicated Prince fandom they have taken on a cult following and influence of their own. They represent Prince at his most raw, vulnerable and fun-loving self. Most importantly, they continue to bring joy to listeners worldwide, ruling our playlists from below the surface. That is the true legacy of Prince’s secret hits.
