Album: Purple Rain: Difference between revisions

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|album name            = Purple Rain
|album name            = Purple Rain
|album image            = [[File:Purplerain.jpg]]
|album image            = [[File:Purplerain.jpg]]
|date                  = [[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/June_25|25 June 1984]] (USA)<br>[[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/July_13|13 July 1984]] (UK)
|date                  = [[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/June_25|25 June 1984]] (USA)<br>
[[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/July_13|13 July 1984]] (UK)<br>
[[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/September 20|20 June 2024]] (Dolby Atmos release of the original album remastered)
|length                = 43:54  
|length                = 43:54  
|label                  = [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warner_Bros._Records Warner Bros. Records]
|label                  = [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warner_Bros._Records Warner Bros. Records]
|studios                = [[Kiowa Trail Home Studio]], Chanhassen, MN, USA; [[St. Louis Park Warehouse|The Warehouse]], St. Louis Park, MN, USA; [[Sunset Sound]], Hollywood, CA, USA; [[Record Plant Remote - Mobile Truck]] (from New York, NY in Minneapolis, MN USA) at [[First Avenue]], Minneapolis, MN, USA  
|studios                = [[Kiowa Trail Home Studio]], Chanhassen, MN, USA; [[The Warehouse]], St. Louis Park, MN, USA; [[Sunset Sound]], Hollywood, CA, USA; [[Record Plant Remote - Black Truck]] (from New York, NY in Minneapolis, MN USA) at [[First Avenue]], Minneapolis, MN, USA  
|previous year          = 1982
|previous year          = 1982
|previous image        = File:1999.jpg
|previous image        = File:1999.jpg
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|next album            = Album: Around The World In A Day
|next album            = Album: Around The World In A Day
|next album link        = [[Album: Around The World In A Day|Around The World In A Day]]
|next album link        = [[Album: Around The World In A Day|Around The World In A Day]]
|introduction          = [[Album: Purple Rain|Purple Rain]] (the motion picture soundtrack to the movie [[Film: Purple Rain|Purple Rain]]) is the sixth full-length studio album by [[Prince]], and the first to be credited to [[Prince and the Revolution]]. It was released worldwide in June 1984, a month before the movie, [[Film: Purple Rain|Purple Rain]] opened in theaters.  
|introduction          = [[Album: Purple Rain|Purple Rain]] (the motion picture soundtrack to the movie [[Film: Purple Rain|Purple Rain]]) is the sixth full-length studio album by [[Prince]], and the first to be officially credited to [[Prince and the Revolution]] (Albeit the name [[The Revolution]] does appear in mirror-writing on the sleeve of the [[Album: 1999|1999]] album). It was released worldwide in June 1984, a month before the movie, [[Film: Purple Rain|Purple Rain]] opened in theaters.  


Released a year and eight months after [[Prince]]'s previous album [[Album: 1999|1999]], it marked the longest period between albums to date.
Released a year and eight months after [[Prince]]’s previous album [[Album: 1999|1999]], it marked the longest period between albums to date.


<!---
<b>First Steps</b>
---->


<b>Recording Process</b>
<b>Sessions and compiling</b>


The album was mostly recorded between August 1983, and March 1984, although [[Baby I'm A Star]] had first been recorded in 1981. The last three songs on the album, [[I Would Die 4 U]], [[Baby I'm A Star]] and [[Purple Rain]], were recorded live at the [[03_August 1983|3 August 1983, First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, USA]] show, although overdubs and edits took place later. This marked the first time [[Prince]] had included live recordings on an album or on any release.
The album was mostly recorded between August 1983, and March 1984, although [[Baby I’m A Star]] had first been recorded in 1981. The last three songs on the album, [[I Would Die 4 U]], [[Baby I’m A Star]] and [[Purple Rain]], were recorded live at the [[03_August 1983|3 August 1983, First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, USA]] show, although overdubs and edits took place on all three in September 1983. This marked the first time [[Prince]] had included live recordings on an album or on any release.


In keeping with previous albums, all tracks were primarily written by [[Prince]]. [[Computer Blue]] features songwriting input by [[Dr. Fink]], [[Lisa Coleman]], and [[Wendy Melvoin]]. [[Dr. Fink]] also wrote a keyboard bass line for the track. [[Prince]]’s father [[John L. Nelson]] was also credited for the [[Father's Song]] component of the track, which had been worked on during rehearsals on the 1983 leg of the [[1999 Tour]].
In keeping with previous albums, all tracks were primarily written by [[Prince]]. [[Computer Blue]] features songwriting input by [[Dr. Fink]], [[Lisa Coleman]], and [[Wendy Melvoin]]. [[Dr. Fink]] also wrote a keyboard bass line for the track. [[Prince]]’s father [[John L. Nelson]] was also credited for the [[Father’s Song]] component of the track, which had been worked on during rehearsals on the 1983 leg of the [[1999 Tour]].


While [[Prince]]'s previous albums were primarily solo recordings by [[Prince]], '''Purple Rain''' contained the credits “produced, arranged, composed and performed
While [[Prince]]’s previous albums were primarily solo recordings by [[Prince]], '''Purple Rain''' contained the credits “produced, arranged, composed and performed
by [[Prince and the Revolution]].”  
by [[Prince and the Revolution]].”  


The full band appears on four tracks: [[Let's Go Crazy]], [[I Would Die 4 U]], [[Baby I'm A Star]] and [[Purple Rain]]. [[Wendy Melvoin]] and [[Lisa Coleman]] also appear on [[Computer Blue]], while the remainder of the tracks are essentially solo performances. [[Apollonia]] sings co-lead on [[Take Me With U]]. Three of the tracks include a string section arranged by [[Lisa Coleman]] and [[Prince]], conducted by [[Lisa Coleman|Coleman]] and [[Wendy Melvoin|Melvoin]]: [[Take Me With U]], [[Baby I'm A Star]], and [[Purple Rain]].  
The full band appears on four tracks: [[Let’s Go Crazy]], [[I Would Die 4 U]], [[Baby I’m A Star]] and [[Purple Rain]]. [[Wendy Melvoin]] and [[Lisa Coleman]] also appear on [[Computer Blue]], while the remainder of the tracks are essentially solo performances. [[Apollonia]] sings co-lead on [[Take Me With U]]. Three of the tracks include a string section arranged by [[Lisa Coleman]] and [[Prince]], conducted by [[Lisa Coleman|Coleman]] and [[Wendy Melvoin|Melvoin]]: [[Take Me With U]], [[Baby I’m A Star]], and [[Purple Rain]].  


The string players are [[Novi Novog]] (violin and viola), [[David Coleman]] (cello), and [[Suzie Katayama]] (cello).  
The string players are [[Novi Novog]] (violin and viola), [[David Coleman]] (cello), and [[Suzie Katayama]] (cello).  
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<b>Promotion</b>
<b>Promotion</b>


The album produced five commercially-released singles, [[Single: When Doves Cry|When Doves Cry]] (which preceded the album), [[Single: Let's Go Crazy|Let's Go Crazy]], [[Single: Purple Rain|Purple Rain]], [[Single: I Would Die 4 U|I Would Die 4 U]] and [[Single: Take Me With U|Take Me With U]]. Both [[Single: When Doves Cry|When Doves Cry]] and [[Single: Let's Go Crazy|Let's Go Crazy]] reached number 1 on the [[Billboard_Hot_100_Chart|Billboard Hot 100]].
The album produced five commercially-released singles, [[Single: When Doves Cry|When Doves Cry]] (which preceded the album), [[Single: Let’s Go Crazy|Let’s Go Crazy]], [[Single: Purple Rain|Purple Rain]], [[Single: I Would Die 4 U|I Would Die 4 U]] and [[Single: Take Me With U|Take Me With U]]. Both [[Single: When Doves Cry|When Doves Cry]] and [[Single: Let’s Go Crazy|Let’s Go Crazy]] reached number 1 on the [[Billboard_Hot_100_Chart|Billboard Hot 100]].


[[Prince]] supported the album with the [[Purple Rain Tour]], his most extensive to date, and the first billed as [[Prince and the Revolution]]. Every song on the album was played regularly on the tour, which comprised of 100 shows throughout the United States, also including two shows in Canada.
[[Prince]] supported the album with the [[Purple Rain Tour]], his most extensive to date, and the first billed as [[Prince and the Revolution]]. Every song on the album was played regularly on the tour, which comprised 100 shows throughout the United States, also including two shows in Canada.




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On 4 August 1984, after 3 weeks in the chart, Purple Rain reached number 1 on the US [[The Billboard 200|Billboard Top Lps And Tape]] chart, where it remained for 12 weeks (the album remained almost a year in the US charts). It also reached number 1 on the US [[Billboard_Top_R&B_Albums|Billboard Black LPs]] chart, remaining at top position for 19 weeks.  
On 4 August 1984, after 3 weeks in the chart, Purple Rain reached number 1 on the US [[The Billboard 200|Billboard Top Lps And Tape]] chart, where it remained for 12 weeks (the album remained almost a year in the US charts). It also reached number 1 on the US [[Billboard_Top_R&B_Albums|Billboard Black LPs]] chart, remaining at top position for 19 weeks.  


In Canada the albums topped the RPM Top 100 Albums chart for 17 weeks, and the "The Record Top 40 Albums" chart where it remained 13 weeks. The albums fared also well in Europe, reaching number 1 position in the Netherlands (for 3 weeks), top 5 positions in Germany, Sweden and Norway, and top ten positions in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Austria and France.
In Canada the albums topped the RPM Top 100 Albums chart for 17 weeks, and the "The Record Top 40 Albums" chart where it remained 13 weeks. The albums fared also well in Europe, reaching number 1 position in The Netherlands (for 3 weeks), top 5 positions in Germany, Sweden and Norway, and top ten positions in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Austria and France.


Boosted by the success of the [[Film: Purple Rain|Purple Rain]] movie, the album catapulted [[Prince]] to international stardom as the album outsold all of his previous (and subsequent) albums, selling 13 million copies in the US and 5 million in the rest of the world.  
Boosted by the success of the [[Film: Purple Rain|Purple Rain]] movie, the album catapulted [[Prince]] to international stardom as the album outsold all of his previous (and subsequent) albums, selling 13 million copies in the US and 5 million in the rest of the world.  
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<b>Certifications</b>
<b>Certifications</b>


It was certified platinum by RIAA two months after release, on [[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/August_29|29 Aug. 1984]]. By November 1984, it had reached 8x platinum and in January 1985, 9x platinum indicating 9 million copies shipped in the USA within 7 months.  
The album was certified platinum by RIAA two months after release, on [[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/August_29|29 Aug. 1984]]. By November 1984, it had reached 8x platinum and in January 1985, 9x platinum indicating 9 million copies shipped in the USA within 7 months.  


On [[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/May_16|16 May 1996]] the album was certified 13x platinum by the RIAA and reached the "Diamond album" status.
On [[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/May_16|16 May 1996]] the album was certified 13x platinum by the RIAA and reached the "Diamond album" status.


<b>Remaster</b>
The album was remastered at [[Paisley Park Studios]] in 2015, overseen by [[Prince]].
See [[Album:_Purple_Rain_Deluxe|Purple Rain Deluxe]] for details about the making and release of the remaster.
|tracklisting          =  
|tracklisting          =  
# <b>[[Let's Go Crazy]]</b> (4:39)
# <b>[[Let’s Go Crazy]]</b> (4:39)
# <b>[[Take Me With U]]</b> (3:54)
# <b>[[Take Me With U]]</b> (3:54)
# <b>[[The Beautiful Ones]]</b> (5:13)  
# <b>[[The Beautiful Ones]]</b> (5:13)  
Line 66: Line 71:
# <b>[[When Doves Cry]]</b> (5:52)  
# <b>[[When Doves Cry]]</b> (5:52)  
# <b>[[I Would Die 4 U]]</b> (2:51)
# <b>[[I Would Die 4 U]]</b> (2:51)
# <b>[[Baby I'm A Star]]</b> (4:20)
# <b>[[Baby I’m A Star]]</b> (4:20)
# <b>[[Purple Rain]]</b> (8:41)
# <b>[[Purple Rain]]</b> (8:41)
|credits                = All songs written by [[Prince]] (credited to [[Prince and the Revolution]]) except where noted.
|credits                = All songs written by [[Prince]] (credited to [[Prince and the Revolution]]) except where noted.
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|content                =  
|content                =  
*Side 1:
*Side 1:
# <b>[[Let's Go Crazy]]</b> (4:39)
# <b>[[Let’s Go Crazy]]</b> (4:39)
# <b>[[Take Me With U]]</b> (3:54)
# <b>[[Take Me With U]]</b> (3:54)
# <b>[[The Beautiful Ones]]</b> (5:13)  
# <b>[[The Beautiful Ones]]</b> (5:13)  
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# <b>[[When Doves Cry]]</b> (5:52)  
# <b>[[When Doves Cry]]</b> (5:52)  
# <b>[[I Would Die 4 U]]</b> (2:51)
# <b>[[I Would Die 4 U]]</b> (2:51)
# <b>[[Baby I'm A Star]]</b> (4:20)
# <b>[[Baby I’m A Star]]</b> (4:20)
# <b>[[Purple Rain]]</b> (8:41)
# <b>[[Purple Rain]]</b> (8:41)
<br>
<br>
<big><div style="color:#ab3e00">8-Track</div></big><br>
<big><div style="color:#ab3e00">8-Track</div></big><br>
*Program 1 (11:00 min):
*Program 1 (11:00 min):
# <b>[[Let's Go Crazy]]</b>  
# <b>[[Let’s Go Crazy]]</b>  
# <b>[[Take Me With U]]</b>  
# <b>[[Take Me With U]]</b>  
# <b>[[The Beautiful Ones]]</b> (Beg.)
# <b>[[The Beautiful Ones]]</b> (Beg.)
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# <b>[[When Doves Cry]]</b>  
# <b>[[When Doves Cry]]</b>  
# <b>[[I Would Die 4 U]]</b>  
# <b>[[I Would Die 4 U]]</b>  
# <b>[[Baby I'm A Star]]</b> (Beg.)  
# <b>[[Baby I’m A Star]]</b> (Beg.)  
*Program 4 (11:00 min):
*Program 4 (11:00 min):
# <b>[[Baby I'm A Star]]</b> (Concl.)  
# <b>[[Baby I’m A Star]]</b> (Concl.)  
# <b>[[Purple Rain]]</b>  
# <b>[[Purple Rain]]</b>  
|musicians              = '''[[Prince]] ''' - all vocals and instruments, except where noted
|musicians              = [[Prince]] - all vocals and instruments, except where noted
*'''[[Bobby Z.]] ''' - drums and percussion on [[Let's Go Crazy]], [[Take Me With U]], [[I Would Die 4 U]] and [[Purple Rain]], credited for drums and percussion but does not appear on [[Computer Blue]]
*[[Bobby Z.]] - drums and percussion on [[Let’s Go Crazy]], [[Take Me With U]], [[Computer Blue]], [[I Would Die 4 U]] and [[Purple Rain]]
*'''[[Brown Mark]] ''' bass guitar and vocals on [[Let's Go Crazy]], [[Take Me With U]], [[I Would Die 4 U]] and [[Purple Rain]], credited for bass guitar and vocals but does not appear on [[Computer Blue]]
*[[Brown Mark]]- bass guitar and vocals on [[Let’s Go Crazy]], [[Take Me With U]], [[Computer Blue]], [[I Would Die 4 U]] and [[Purple Rain]]
*'''[[Wendy Melvoin]] ''' - guitars and vocals on [[Let's Go Crazy]], [[Take Me With U]], [[Computer Blue]], [[I Would Die 4 U]] and [[Purple Rain]]
*[[Wendy Melvoin]] - guitars and vocals on [[Let’s Go Crazy]], [[Take Me With U]], [[Computer Blue]], [[I Would Die 4 U]] and [[Purple Rain]]
*'''[[Lisa Coleman]] ''' - keyboards and vocals on [[Let's Go Crazy]], [[Take Me With U]], [[Computer Blue]], [[I Would Die 4 U]] and [[Purple Rain]]
*[[Lisa Coleman]] - keyboards and vocals on [[Let’s Go Crazy]], [[Take Me With U]], [[Computer Blue]], [[I Would Die 4 U]] and [[Purple Rain]]
*'''[[Matt Fink]] ''' - keyboards and vocals on [[Let's Go Crazy]], [[Take Me With U]], [[I Would Die 4 U]] and [[Purple Rain]], credited for keyboards and vocals but does not appear on [[Computer Blue]]
*[[Matt Fink]] - keyboards and vocals on [[Let’s Go Crazy]], [[Take Me With U]], [[Computer Blue]], [[I Would Die 4 U]] and [[Purple Rain]]
*'''[[David Coleman]] ''' - cello on [[Take Me With U]], [[Baby I'm A Star]] and [[Purple Rain]]
*[[Apollonia]] - co-lead vocals on [[Take Me With U]]
*'''[[Novi Novog]] ''' - violin and viola on [[Take Me With U]], [[Baby I'm A Star]] and [[Purple Rain]]
*[[David Coleman]] - cello on [[Take Me With U]], [[Baby I’m A Star]] and [[Purple Rain]]
*'''[[Suzie Katayama]] ''' - cello on [[Take Me With U]], [[Baby I'm A Star]] and [[Purple Rain]]
*[[Novi Novog]] - violin and viola on [[Take Me With U]], [[Baby I’m A Star]] and [[Purple Rain]]
|production            = '''[[Prince]] ''' - producer and arranger, clothing (credited for "rags"), art direction
*[[Suzie Katayama]] - cello on [[Take Me With U]], [[Baby I’m A Star]] and [[Purple Rain]]
*'''[[David Leonard]] ''' - engineer ([[St. Louis Park Warehouse|The Warehouse]], St. Louis Park, MN, USA; [[Sunset Sound]], Hollywood, CA, USA; [[03_August 1983|First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, USA]] and [[Record Plant Remote - Mobile Truck]] (from New York, NY in Minneapolis, MN USA)
*[[Jill Jones]] - vox on [[Baby I’m A Star]] (uncredited)
*'''[[Susan Rogers]] ''' - engineer ([[St. Louis Park Warehouse|The Warehouse]], St. Louis Park, MN, USA)
|production            = [[Prince]] - producer and arranger, clothing (credited for "rags"), art direction
*'''[[Peggy McCreary]] ''' - engineer ([[Sunset Sound]], Hollywood, CA, USA)
*[[David Leonard]] - engineer ([[The Warehouse]], St. Louis Park, MN, USA; [[Sunset Sound]], Hollywood, CA, USA; [[03_August 1983|First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, USA]] and [[Record Plant Remote - Black Truck]] (from New York, NY in Minneapolis, MN USA)
*'''[[David Rivkin]] ''' - engineer ([[03_August 1983|First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, USA]] in [[Record Plant Remote - Mobile Truck]] (from New York, NY, USA)
*[[Susan Rogers]] - engineer ([[The Warehouse]], St. Louis Park, MN, USA)
*'''Bernie Grundman''' - mastering
*[[Peggy McCreary]] - engineer ([[Sunset Sound]], Hollywood, CA, USA)
*'''[[Laura LiPuma]] ''' - design
*[[David Rivkin]] - engineer ([[03_August 1983|First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, USA]] in [[Record Plant Remote - Black Truck]] (from New York, NY, USA)
*'''Ed Thrasher and Associates''' - front cover photograph
*Bernie Grundman - mastering
*'''Ron Slenzak''' - front cover photograph
*[[Laura LiPuma]] - design
*'''Larry Williams''' - additional photography
*Ed Thrasher and Associates - front cover photograph
*'''[[Doug Henders]] ''' - painting
*Ron Slenzak - front cover photograph
*'''[[Earl Jones]] ''' - hair
*Larry Williams - additional photography
*'''Jayson Jeffreys''' - makeup
*[[Doug Henders]] - painting
*'''[[Louis and Vaughn]] ''' - clothing (credited for "rags")
*[[Earl Jones]] - hair
*'''[[Marie France]] ''' - clothing (credited for "rags")
*Jayson Jeffreys - make-up
|thanks                = ''"All thanks 2 God-the light, [[Lisa Coleman|Lisa]] & [[Wendy Melvoin|Wendy]], [[Bobby Z.|Bobby]], [[Brown Mark|Mark]] & [[Dr. Fink|Matt]]-[[The Revolution|the Revolution]], [[Chick Huntsberry|Big Chick]]-the protector, [[Steve Fasrnoli|Steve]], [[Bob Cavallo|Bob]] & [[Joe Ruffalo]]-the producers, [[Albert Magnoli]]-the director, [[Peggy McCreary|Peggy Mac]]-the patience, [[Fred Moultrie]]-the money, [[Lee Phillips]]-the brains, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warner_Bros._Records Warner Bros.] Records & Film-belief, God 4 the "rain", Sandy-the care, [[The Time]]-"chicken grease", [[Apollonia 6]]: [[Susan Moonsie|Susan]], [[Brenda Bennett|Brenda]] & [[Apollonia]]-patience, wisdom & beauty, [[Jill Jones|Jill]]-love, [[Roy Bennett]]-loyalty, [[David Leonard]]-the blade, [[Susan Rogers]]-energy, [[Carol McGovney|Carol McGouney]]-devotion, God-4 the rainbow, William Blinn-the story, [[Alan Leeds]]-the expert."''
*[[Louis & Vaughn]] - clothing (credited for "rags")
*[[Marie France]] - clothing (credited for "rags")
|thanks                = ''"All thanks 2 God – the light, [[Lisa Coleman|Lisa]] & [[Wendy Melvoin|Wendy]], [[Bobby Z.|Bobby]], [[Brown Mark|Mark]] & [[Dr. Fink|Matt]] – [[The Revolution|the Revolution]], [[Chick Huntsberry|Big Chick]] – the protector, [[Steve Fargnoli|Steve]], [[Bob Cavallo|Bob]] & [[Joe Ruffalo]] – the producers, [[Albert Magnoli]] – the director, [[Peggy McCreary|Peggy Mac]] – the patience, [[Fred Moultrie]] – the money, [[Lee Phillips]] – the brains, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warner_Bros._Records Warner Bros.] Records & Film – belief, God 4 the "rain", Sandy – the care, [[The Time]] – "chicken grease", [[Apollonia 6]]: [[Susan Moonsie|Susan]], [[Brenda Bennett|Brenda]] & [[Apollonia]] – patience, wisdom & beauty, [[Jill Jones|Jill]] – love, [[Roy Bennett]] – loyalty, [[David Leonard]] – the blade, [[Susan Rogers]] – energy, [[Carol McGovney]] – devotion, God – 4 the rainbow, William Blinn – the story, [[Alan Leeds]] – the expert."''
<br>
<br>
*''"Thanks 2 Don Thorin and all the cast & crew of Purple Rain: Clarence Williams, Olga Karlatos, [[Kim Upsher|Kim]]-hi, [[Morris Day|Morris]] & [[Jerome Benton|Jerome]], Katy, [[Billy Sparks]]-what up 'tho? Richard Arrington-God-4 the sun, Wally Gator, [[Dez Dickerson]] & the Modernaires-Steve & everybody at 1st Avenue-all the extras & anybody else we foolhardly forgot 2 mention."''
*''"Thanks 2 Don Thorin and all the cast & crew of Purple Rain: Clarence Williams, Olga Karlatos, [[Kim Upsher|Kim]] – hi, [[Morris Day|Morris]] & [[Jerome Benton|Jerome]], [[Katy Laslay|Katy]], [[Billy Sparks]] – what up 'tho? Richard Arrington – God – 4 the sun, Wally Gator, [[Dez Dickerson]] & the Modernaires – Steve & everybody at 1st Avenue – all the extras & anybody else we foolhardy forgot 2 mention."''
<br>
<br>
*''"Thank u all-may u live 2 see the Dawn."''
*''"Thank u all-may u live 2 see the Dawn."''
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}}
}}
{{AlbumSinglesLine|
{{AlbumSinglesLine|
|Single = [[Single: Let's Go Crazy|Let's Go Crazy]]
|Single = [[Single: Let’s Go Crazy|Let’s Go Crazy]]
|B-side = [[Erotic City]]<br><small>N°1 in [[Billboard_Hot_100_Chart|Billboard Hot 100]]</small>
|B-side = [[Erotic City]]<br><small>N°1 in [[Billboard_Hot_100_Chart|Billboard Hot 100]]</small>
|Image  = Letsgocrazy single.jpg
|Image  = Letsgocrazy single.jpg
|Link  = Single: Let's Go Crazy
|Link  = Single: Let’s Go Crazy
}}
}}
{{AlbumSinglesLine|
{{AlbumSinglesLine|
Line 160: Line 167:
{{AlbumSinglesLine|
{{AlbumSinglesLine|
|Single = [[Single: Take Me With U|Take Me With U]]
|Single = [[Single: Take Me With U|Take Me With U]]
|B-side = [[Baby I'm A Star]]<br><small>N°25 in [[Billboard_Hot_100_Chart|Billboard Hot 100]]</small>
|B-side = [[Baby I’m A Star]]<br><small>N°25 in [[Billboard_Hot_100_Chart|Billboard Hot 100]]</small>
|Image  = Takemewithu single.jpg
|Image  = Takemewithu single.jpg
|Link  = Single: Take Me With U
|Link  = Single: Take Me With U
Line 183: Line 190:
{{ChartLine|
{{ChartLine|
| Date            = 14 Jul. 1984
| Date            = 14 Jul. 1984
| Chart (Country) = '''USA''': [[The_Billboard_200|Billboard Top LP's & Tapes]]  
| Chart (Country) = '''USA''': [[The_Billboard_200|Billboard Top LP’s & Tapes]]  
| Peak Position  = '''1'''<sup>(12)</sup>
| Peak Position  = '''1'''<sup>(12)</sup>
| Weeks in chart  = 50
| Weeks in chart  = 50
Line 223: Line 230:
| Peak Position  = 195<sup>'''R'''</sup>
| Peak Position  = 195<sup>'''R'''</sup>
| Weeks in chart  = 1
| Weeks in chart  = 1
}}
{{ChartLine|
| Date            = 7 May 2016
| Chart (Country) = '''USA''': [[The Billboard 200]]
| Peak Position  = 2<sup>'''R'''</sup>
| Weeks in chart  = 18
}}
}}
{{ChartLine|
{{ChartLine|
| Date            = 2016
| Date            = 2016
| Chart (Country) = '''USA''': Greatest of All Time Billboard 200 Albums
| Chart (Country) = '''USA''': Greatest of All Time Billboard 200 Albums
| Peak Position  = 110
| Peak Position  = 110
| Weeks in chart  = n/a
| Weeks in chart  = n/a
Line 247: Line 260:
{{ChartLine|
{{ChartLine|
| Date            = 30 Jul. 1984
| Date            = 30 Jul. 1984
| Chart (Country) = '''Germany''': Muzikmarkt Top 75 Albums
| Chart (Country) = '''Germany''': Musikmarkt Top 75 Albums
| Peak Position  = 5
| Peak Position  = 5
| Weeks in chart  = 48
| Weeks in chart  = 48
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}}
}}
|album promotion        = US and UK Press adverts for this album.<br>
|album promotion        = US and UK Press adverts for this album.<br>
[[file:PurpleRainLPUKpressAdvertTheFace.png|x200px|UK press advert published in The Face]] &nbsp; [[file:1984-07-xx_UKPressAdvertSmashHits.png|x200px|UK press advert published in The Face in July 1984]] &nbsp; [[file:PurpleRainLPwithposterUSAPromoAd.png|x200px|1984 Press advert for LP with Poster]]<br><br>[[file:1984-WBRecordsAD-Nr1.png|x200px|1984 Billboard US press advert]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[File:1984-pressad-kerrang-Purple_Rain.png|x200px|1984 Kerrang US press advert]]
[[file:PurpleRainLPUKpressAdvertTheFace.png|x200px|UK press advert published in The Face]] &nbsp; [[file:1984-07-xx_UKPressAdvertSmashHits.png|x200px|UK press advert published in The Face in July 1984]] &nbsp; [[file:PurpleRainLPwithposterUSAPromoAd.png|x200px|1984 Press advert for LP with Poster]]<br><br>
[[file:1984-WBRecordsAD-Nr1.png|x200px|1984 Billboard US press advert]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[File:1984-pressad-kerrang-Purple_Rain.png|x200px|1984 Kerrang US press advert]]
|see also              =  
|see also              =  
{{SeeAlso|
{{SeeAlso|
|item1  = [[Film:_Purple_Rain|Purple Rain]]<br>(film)
|item1  = [[Film:_Purple_Rain|Purple Rain]]<br>(Film)
|image1  = [[File:FilmPurpleRain-movieposter.jpg|60px|link=Film:_Purple_Rain]]
|image1  = [[File:FilmPurpleRain-movieposter.jpg|60px|link=Film:_Purple_Rain]]
|item2  = [[Purple Rain Tour|Purple Rain]]<br>(tour)
|item2  = [[Album: Purple Rain Deluxe|Purple Rain ''Deluxe Expanded Edition'']] <br> (2017 re-issue)
|image2  = [[File:1984-85_PR_staff_access_all_areas.jpeg|60px|link= Purple Rain Tour]]
|image2  = [[File:Purplerain_Deluxe.jpg|60px|link= Album: Purple Rain Deluxe]]
}}
}}
|trivia                = Two early configurations of the album are known to exist containing alternate tracks and/or alternate versions (see '''Alternate Album Configuration''' column above).  
|trivia                = Two early configurations of the album are known to exist containing alternate tracks and/or alternate versions (see '''Alternate Album Configuration''' column above).  
* The album doesn’t include all the songs played in the movie : [[Jungle Love]] and [[The Bird]] were released on [[The Time]]’s [[Album: Ice Cream Castle|Ice Cream Castle]], [[Sex Shooter]] was released on [[Apollonia 6]]’s [[Album: Apollonia 6|eponymous album]]. The instrumental version of [[God]] (as [[God|God (Love Theme From Purple Rain)]] was released as the b-side of a 12" release of the [[Single: Purple Rain|Purple Rain single]]. [[Dez Dickerson]]’s [[Modernaire]] was released in 2005. The full (1984) version of [[Possessed]] was included on the posthumous [[Album: Purple Rain Deluxe|Purple Rain ''Super Deluxe Edition'']] in 2017.
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michel_Colombier Michel Colombier]’score written specifically for the movie was not released on record. [[Backwards Woman]] did not get any official release either.
*Several songs that were mentioned in the first drafts were not kept as the movie underwent further changes : [[Moonbeam Levels]], [[Can’t Stop This Feeling I Got]], [[Too Tough]], [[Wouldn’t You Love To Love Me?|Wouldn’t U Love To Love Me]], [[I Just Wanna Be Rich]], [[New Power Generation|Bold Generation]], [[G-Spot]], [[Mia Bocca]], [[Wednesday]] (to be sung by [[Jill Jones]]) and [[Electric Intercourse]] (replaced by [[The Beautiful Ones]]).
* Warner Bros. Records claimed first-day sales of 1.3 million copies for the album. The high figure was backed by retailers in a Billboard article on 7 July 1984; initial orders had sold within 3 days, having them to re-order a large number of units to face the demand.
* Warner Bros. Records claimed first-day sales of 1.3 million copies for the album. The high figure was backed by retailers in a Billboard article on 7 July 1984; initial orders had sold within 3 days, having them to re-order a large number of units to face the demand.
* The "Prince Purple Rain" logotype that was originally commissionned by Warner Bros for the movie was later adapted by graphic designer Jay Vigon for the album cover.  
* The "Prince Purple Rain" logotype that was originally commissionned by Warner Bros for the movie was later adapted by graphic designer Jay Vigon for the album cover.  
* Even though he's not credited as such, Ed Thrasher, an art director previously employed at Warner Bros. Records, was the album cover art director. He also designed the Purple Rain movie poster.
* Even though he’s not credited as such, Ed Thrasher, an art director previously employed at Warner Bros. Records, was the album cover art director. He also designed the Purple Rain movie poster.
|alternative            =  
|alternative            =  
{{Alternative|
{{Alternative|
Line 981: Line 1,000:
|config =  
|config =  
* '''<u>7 November 1983, configuration</u>'''
* '''<u>7 November 1983, configuration</u>'''
:A1. [[Let's Go Crazy]]<br>
:A1. [[Let’s Go Crazy]]<br>
:A2. [[The Beautiful Ones]]<br>
:A2. [[The Beautiful Ones]]<br>
:A3. [[Computer Blue]]<br>
:A3. [[Computer Blue]]<br>
Line 988: Line 1,007:
:B1. [[Purple Rain]]<br>
:B1. [[Purple Rain]]<br>
:B2. [[I Would Die 4 U]]<br>
:B2. [[I Would Die 4 U]]<br>
:B3. [[Baby I'm A Star]]<br>
:B3. [[Baby I’m A Star]]<br>
:B4. [[Father's Song]]<br>
:B4. [[Father’s Song]]<br>
<br>
* '''<u>23 March 1984, configuration </u>''' <br>Unknown sequence, but different from 26 March configuration below
:[[When Doves Cry]]<br>
:[[I Would Die 4 U]]<br>
:[[Baby I’m A Star]]<br>
:[[The Beautiful Ones]]<br>
:[[Darling Nikki]]<br>
:[[Purple Rain]]<br>
:[[Let’s Go Crazy]]<br>
:[[Computer Blue]]<br>
<br>
<br>
* '''<u>23 March 1984, configuration</u>'''
* '''<u>26 March 1984, configuration</u>'''
:A1. [[Let's Go Crazy]]<br>
:A1. [[Let’s Go Crazy]]<br>
:A2. [[The Beautiful Ones]]<br>
:A2. [[The Beautiful Ones]]<br>
:A3. [[Computer Blue]]<br>
:A3. [[Computer Blue]]<br>
Line 998: Line 1,027:
:B1. [[When Doves Cry]]<br>
:B1. [[When Doves Cry]]<br>
:B2. [[I Would Die 4 U]]<br>
:B2. [[I Would Die 4 U]]<br>
:B3. [[Baby I'm A Star]]<br>
:B3. [[Baby I’m A Star]]<br>
:B4. [[Purple Rain]]<br>
:B4. [[Purple Rain]]<br>
<br>
<br>
}}
}}
|references            = [[Book:_The_Vault|'''The Vault: The Definitive Guide to the Musical World of Prince''']] ''by Per Nilsen & JooZt Mattheij, with the UPTOWN Staff'' (Uptown: © 2004 ISBN 91-631-5482-X)
|references            = ''[[Book:_The_Vault|The Vault: The Definitive Guide to the Musical World of Prince (2004)]]''
* ''[https://www.amazon.com/Prince-Purple-Rain-Studio-Sessions/dp/1538114623/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8 Prince and the Purple Rain Era Studio Sessions 1983 and 1984 (Expanded Edition, paperback), Duane Tudahl (2018)]''
* <b>Design:</b> [http://www.jayvigon.com/portfolio/DesignStudio-Logos-Film.html JayVigon.com], [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/24/obituaries/24thrasher.html?_r=0 Ed Thrasher]
* <b>Design:</b> [http://www.jayvigon.com/portfolio/DesignStudio-Logos-Film.html JayVigon.com], [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/24/obituaries/24thrasher.html?_r=0 Ed Thrasher]
* <b>Copyrights:</b> [http://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?DB=local&PAGE=First US Copyright Office / SR0000054679 / 1984-07-24] and [http://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?DB=local&PAGE=First US Copyright Office / SR0000055615 / 1984-07-11]
* <b>Copyrights:</b> [http://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?DB=local&PAGE=First US Copyright Office / SR0000054679 / 1984-07-24] and [http://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?DB=local&PAGE=First US Copyright Office / SR0000055615 / 1984-07-11]
* <b>Press</b>: '''Out Of The Box: Sales Rocket For Jacksons, Prince''' ''Cover Story'' / '''Prince's New Album Explodes''' ''by Fred Goodman'' (Billboard Vol.96 N°27 - 7 July 1984)
* <b>Press</b>: '''Out Of The Box: Sales Rocket For Jacksons, Prince''' ''Cover Story'' / '''Prince’s New Album Explodes''' ''by Fred Goodman'' (Billboard Vol.96 N°27 - 7 July 1984)
* <b>Charts:</b><br>
* <b>Charts:</b><br>
:USA: [http://www.billboard.com/#/album/prince-the-revolution/purple-rain/13727 www.billboard.com / Purple Rain]; Billboard Vol. 96 N°25 onwards: '''Top LPs And Tape''', '''Black LPs''' & '''Rock Albums''';
:USA: [http://www.billboard.com/#/album/prince-the-revolution/purple-rain/13727 www.billboard.com / Purple Rain]; Billboard Vol. 96 N°25 onwards: '''Top LPs And Tape''', '''Black LPs''' & '''Rock Albums''';
:Canada: [http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-100.01-e.php?PHPSESSID=02tkat23gdtduos0hsibf839v2 RPM Charts]; '''Top Albums, The Essential Chart Guide''' ''by Nanda Lwin'' (Nielsen Soundscan ISBN 9781896594149); Billboard Vol. 96 N°30 onwards: '''Hits Of The World / Canada: The Record Top 20''';
:Canada: [http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-100.01-e.php?PHPSESSID=02tkat23gdtduos0hsibf839v2 RPM Charts]; '''Top Albums, The Essential Chart Guide''' ''by Nanda Lwin'' (Nielsen Soundscan ISBN 9781896594149); Billboard Vol. 96 N°30 onwards: '''Hits Of The World / Canada: The Record Top 20''';
:Europe: [http://hitparade.ch/showitem.asp?interpret=Prince+%26+The+Revolution&titel=Purple+Rain&cat=a hitparade.ch]; [http://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Prince+%26+The+Revolution&titel=Purple+Rain&cat=a dutchcharts.nl]; [http://swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Prince+%26+The+Revolution&titel=Purple+Rain&cat=a swedishcharts.com];[http://norwegiancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Prince+%26+The+Revolution&titel=Purple+Rain&cat=a norwegiancharts.com]; [http://austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=Prince+%26+The+Revolution&titel=Purple+Rain&cat=a austriancharts.at]; [http://www.infodisc.fr/Albums_Runs.php www.infodisc.fr (France)]; '''Hit Bilanz - Deutsche Charts LP's 1962-1986''' (Taurus Press ISBN 3922542298);
:Europe: [http://hitparade.ch/showitem.asp?interpret=Prince+%26+The+Revolution&titel=Purple+Rain&cat=a hitparade.ch]; [http://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Prince+%26+The+Revolution&titel=Purple+Rain&cat=a dutchcharts.nl]; [http://swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Prince+%26+The+Revolution&titel=Purple+Rain&cat=a swedishcharts.com];[http://norwegiancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Prince+%26+The+Revolution&titel=Purple+Rain&cat=a norwegiancharts.com]; [http://austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=Prince+%26+The+Revolution&titel=Purple+Rain&cat=a austriancharts.at]; [http://www.infodisc.fr/Albums_Runs.php www.infodisc.fr (France)]; '''Hit Bilanz - Deutsche Charts LP’s 1962-1986''' (Taurus Press ISBN 3922542298);
:Pacific: [http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Prince+%26+The+Revolution&titel=Purple+Rain&cat=a australian-charts.com]; [http://charts.org.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=Prince+%26+The+Revolution&titel=Purple+Rain&cat=a charts.org.nz];
:Pacific: [http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Prince+%26+The+Revolution&titel=Purple+Rain&cat=a australian-charts.com]; [http://charts.org.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=Prince+%26+The+Revolution&titel=Purple+Rain&cat=a charts.org.nz];
* <b>Certifications:</b> [http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinum.php?content_selector=top-diamond-awards RIAA Certifications / Top Diamond Awards Albums (USA)]; [http://www.bpi.co.uk/certifiedawards/search.aspx BPI Certifications (UK)]; [http://www.infodisc.fr/Certif_Album.php SNEP Certifications (France)], [http://www.musiccanada.com/GPSearchResult.aspx?st=PURPLE%20RAIN&ica=False&sa=&sl=&smt=0&sat=-1&ssd=1/1/1978&sed=2/1/2011&ssb=Cert.%20Date CRIA Gold & Platinum Albums (Canada)], [http://www.musikindustrie.de/gold_platin_datenbank BVMI Gold/Platin-Datenbank (Germany)]  
* <b>Certifications:</b> [http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinum.php?content_selector=top-diamond-awards RIAA Certifications / Top Diamond Awards Albums (USA)]; [http://www.bpi.co.uk/certifiedawards/search.aspx BPI Certifications (UK)]; [http://www.infodisc.fr/Certif_Album.php SNEP Certifications (France)], [http://www.musiccanada.com/GPSearchResult.aspx?st=PURPLE%20RAIN&ica=False&sa=&sl=&smt=0&sat=-1&ssd=1/1/1978&sed=2/1/2011&ssb=Cert.%20Date CRIA Gold & Platinum Albums (Canada)], [http://www.musikindustrie.de/gold_platin_datenbank BVMI Gold/Platin-Datenbank (Germany)]  

Latest revision as of 17:59, 23 February 2025

1982: 1999 ◄ All Prince Albums All Related Artists Albums ► 1985: Around The World In A Day
Purple Rain

Album details

Released: 25 June 1984 (USA)

13 July 1984 (UK)
20 June 2024 (Dolby Atmos release of the original album remastered)

Length: 43:54
Label(s): Warner Bros. Records
Studio(s): Kiowa Trail Home Studio, Chanhassen, MN, USA; The Warehouse, St. Louis Park, MN, USA; Sunset Sound, Hollywood, CA, USA; Record Plant Remote - Black Truck (from New York, NY in Minneapolis, MN USA) at First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, USA

Charts, Certifications & Awards

Charts
America
Country: Chart Entry Date Peak Position Weeks in Chart
Canada: RPM Top 100 Albums 15 Jul. 1984 1(17) 46
Canada: The Record Top 40 Albums 23 Jul. 1984
(?) 		1(13) 41
USA: Billboard Top LP’s & Tapes 14 Jul. 1984 1(12) 50
USA: Billboard Black LPs 14 Jul. 1984 1(19) 47
USA: Billboard Rock Albums Airplay 16 Jun. 1984 20A 12
Canada: RPM Top 100 Albums of 1984 5 Jan. 1985 2 -
USA: Billboard Catalog Albums 8 May 2004 32R 8
USA: Billboard 200 12 Jul. 2014 193R 1
USA: Billboard 200 8 Nov. 2014 195R 1
USA: The Billboard 200 7 May 2016 2R 18
USA: Greatest of All Time Billboard 200 Albums 2016 110 n/a
R indicates re-entry of an album that had already charted.
 
Europe
Country: Chart Entry Date Peak Position Weeks in Chart
Austria: Alben Top 75 1 Jan. 1985 8 22
France: Nielsen & Ipsos TOP 20 3 Feb. 1985 8 9
Germany: Musikmarkt Top 75 Albums 30 Jul. 1984 5 48
The Netherlands: Nationale Hitparade LP Top 50 4 Aug. 1984 1(3) 40
Norway: VG-Lista Top 40 Albums Week 35/1984 4 17
Sweden: Top 60 Albums 3 Aug. 1984 3 14
Switzerland: Schweizer Hitparade 12 Aug. 1984 7 31
U.K.: UK Albums Chart 21 Jul. 1984 7 91
U.K.: Gallup Album Charts 13 Sep. 2014 19R 1
R indicates re-entry of an album that had already charted.
 
Pacific
Country: Chart Entry Date Peak Position Weeks in Chart
Australia: ARIA Top 50 Albums 29 Jul. 1984 1(?) 27
New Zealand: Top 40 Albums 5 Aug. 1984 2(?) 36
Australia: ARIA Top 50 Albums 26 Jan. 1992 21R 13
R indicates re-entry of an album that had already charted.
Certifications
Institution, Country Date Certification
CRIA, Canada 1 Sep. 1984 Platinum x3 (300,000)
CRIA, Canada 1 Nov. 1984 Platinum x5 (500,000)
CRIA, Canada 1 Dec. 1984 Platinum x6 (600,000)
RIAA, USA 29 Aug. 1984 Platinum (1 million)
RIAA, USA 13 Nov. 1984 Platinum x8 (8 millions)
RIAA, USA 16 Jan. 1985 Platinum x9 (9 millions)
RIAA, USA 22 Feb. 1989 Platinum x10 (10 millions)
RIAA, USA 11 Jul. 1994 Platinum x11 (11 millions)
RIAA, USA 16 May 1996 Platinum x13 (13 millions)
Diamond
SNEP, France 1984 Gold (100,000)
SNEP, France 1993 Platinum (300,000)
BVMI, Germany 1985 Gold (250,000)
BVMI, Germany 1993 Platinum (500,000)
BPI, UK 30 Aug. 1984 Silver (60,000)
BPI, UK 25 Sep. 1984 Gold (100,000)
BPI, UK 26 Apr. 1985 Platinum (300,000)
BPI, UK 1 May 1990 Platinum x2 (600,000)
ARIA, Australia 9 Mar. 1992 Platinum (70,000)
ARIA, Australia 8 Dec. 1996 Platinum x2 (140,000)
Awards
Institution, Country Date Award
12th annual American Music Awards, USA 28 Jan. 1985 Favorite Album (Soul/R&B)
12th annual American Music Awards, USA 28 Jan. 1985 Favorite Album (Pop/Rock)
4th annual BRIT Awards, UK 11 Feb. 1985 Best Film Soundtrack
27th annual Grammy Awards, USA 26 Feb. 1985 Best Rock Performance by a Group
27th annual Grammy Awards, USA 26 Feb. 1985 Best Album of Original Score Written For A Motion Picture
57th annual Academy Awards, USA 25 Mar. 1985 Best Original Score
4th annual World Soundtrack Awards, Belgium 9 Oct. 2004 WSA Special 20th Anniversary Award

Singles released

When Doves Cry
b/w 17 Days
N°1 in Billboard Hot 100
Let’s Go Crazy
b/w Erotic City
N°1 in Billboard Hot 100
Purple Rain
b/w God
N°2 in Billboard Hot 100
I Would Die 4 U
b/w Another Lonely Christmas
N°8 in Billboard Hot 100
Take Me With U
b/w Baby I’m A Star
N°25 in Billboard Hot 100

See also

Purple Rain
(Film) 		Purple Rain Deluxe Expanded Edition
(2017 re-issue)

Alternate Album Configuration

  • 7 November 1983, configuration
A1. Let’s Go Crazy
A2. The Beautiful Ones
A3. Computer Blue
A4. Darling Nikki
A5. Wednesday
B1. Purple Rain
B2. I Would Die 4 U
B3. Baby I’m A Star
B4. Father’s Song


  • 23 March 1984, configuration
    Unknown sequence, but different from 26 March configuration below
When Doves Cry
I Would Die 4 U
Baby I’m A Star
The Beautiful Ones
Darling Nikki
Purple Rain
Let’s Go Crazy
Computer Blue


  • 26 March 1984, configuration
A1. Let’s Go Crazy
A2. The Beautiful Ones
A3. Computer Blue
A4. Darling Nikki
B1. When Doves Cry
B2. I Would Die 4 U
B3. Baby I’m A Star
B4. Purple Rain


Purple Rain (the motion picture soundtrack to the movie Purple Rain) is the sixth full-length studio album by Prince, and the first to be officially credited to Prince and the Revolution (Albeit the name The Revolution does appear in mirror-writing on the sleeve of the 1999 album). It was released worldwide in June 1984, a month before the movie, Purple Rain opened in theaters.

Released a year and eight months after Prince’s previous album 1999, it marked the longest period between albums to date.


Sessions and compiling

The album was mostly recorded between August 1983, and March 1984, although Baby I’m A Star had first been recorded in 1981. The last three songs on the album, I Would Die 4 U, Baby I’m A Star and Purple Rain, were recorded live at the 3 August 1983, First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, USA show, although overdubs and edits took place on all three in September 1983. This marked the first time Prince had included live recordings on an album or on any release.

In keeping with previous albums, all tracks were primarily written by Prince. Computer Blue features songwriting input by Dr. Fink, Lisa Coleman, and Wendy Melvoin. Dr. Fink also wrote a keyboard bass line for the track. Prince’s father John L. Nelson was also credited for the Father’s Song component of the track, which had been worked on during rehearsals on the 1983 leg of the 1999 Tour.

While Prince’s previous albums were primarily solo recordings by Prince, Purple Rain contained the credits “produced, arranged, composed and performed by Prince and the Revolution.”

The full band appears on four tracks: Let’s Go Crazy, I Would Die 4 U, Baby I’m A Star and Purple Rain. Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman also appear on Computer Blue, while the remainder of the tracks are essentially solo performances. Apollonia sings co-lead on Take Me With U. Three of the tracks include a string section arranged by Lisa Coleman and Prince, conducted by Coleman and Melvoin: Take Me With U, Baby I’m A Star, and Purple Rain.

The string players are Novi Novog (violin and viola), David Coleman (cello), and Suzie Katayama (cello).


Promotion

The album produced five commercially-released singles, When Doves Cry (which preceded the album), Let’s Go Crazy, Purple Rain, I Would Die 4 U and Take Me With U. Both When Doves Cry and Let’s Go Crazy reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Prince supported the album with the Purple Rain Tour, his most extensive to date, and the first billed as Prince and the Revolution. Every song on the album was played regularly on the tour, which comprised 100 shows throughout the United States, also including two shows in Canada.


Charts

On 4 August 1984, after 3 weeks in the chart, Purple Rain reached number 1 on the US Billboard Top Lps And Tape chart, where it remained for 12 weeks (the album remained almost a year in the US charts). It also reached number 1 on the US Billboard Black LPs chart, remaining at top position for 19 weeks.

In Canada the albums topped the RPM Top 100 Albums chart for 17 weeks, and the "The Record Top 40 Albums" chart where it remained 13 weeks. The albums fared also well in Europe, reaching number 1 position in The Netherlands (for 3 weeks), top 5 positions in Germany, Sweden and Norway, and top ten positions in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Austria and France.

Boosted by the success of the Purple Rain movie, the album catapulted Prince to international stardom as the album outsold all of his previous (and subsequent) albums, selling 13 million copies in the US and 5 million in the rest of the world.


Certifications

The album was certified platinum by RIAA two months after release, on 29 Aug. 1984. By November 1984, it had reached 8x platinum and in January 1985, 9x platinum indicating 9 million copies shipped in the USA within 7 months.

On 16 May 1996 the album was certified 13x platinum by the RIAA and reached the "Diamond album" status.


Remaster

The album was remastered at Paisley Park Studios in 2015, overseen by Prince.

See Purple Rain Deluxe for details about the making and release of the remaster.



Track listing
CD LP / Cassette
  1. Let’s Go Crazy (4:39)
  2. Take Me With U (3:54)
  3. The Beautiful Ones (5:13)
  4. Computer Blue (3:59) 1 
  5. Darling Nikki (4:13)
  6. When Doves Cry (5:52)
  7. I Would Die 4 U (2:51)
  8. Baby I’m A Star (4:20)
  9. Purple Rain (8:41)
  • Side 1:
  1. Let’s Go Crazy (4:39)
  2. Take Me With U (3:54)
  3. The Beautiful Ones (5:13)
  4. Computer Blue (3:59) 1 
  5. Darling Nikki (4:13)
  • Side 2:
  1. When Doves Cry (5:52)
  2. I Would Die 4 U (2:51)
  3. Baby I’m A Star (4:20)
  4. Purple Rain (8:41)


8-Track

  • Program 1 (11:00 min):
  1. Let’s Go Crazy
  2. Take Me With U
  3. The Beautiful Ones (Beg.)
  • Program 2 (10:59 min):
  1. The Beautiful Ones (Concl.)
  2. Computer Blue 1 
  3. Darling Nikki
  • Program 3 (10:59 min):
  1. When Doves Cry
  2. I Would Die 4 U
  3. Baby I’m A Star (Beg.)
  • Program 4 (11:00 min):
  1. Baby I’m A Star (Concl.)
  2. Purple Rain

All songs written by Prince (credited to Prince and the Revolution) except where noted.

1  Written by John L. Nelson, Lisa Coleman, Wendy Melvoin and Prince



Personnel
Musicians


Production


Thanks


  • "Thanks 2 Don Thorin and all the cast & crew of Purple Rain: Clarence Williams, Olga Karlatos, Kim – hi, Morris & Jerome, Katy, Billy Sparks – what up 'tho? Richard Arrington – God – 4 the sun, Wally Gator, Dez Dickerson & the Modernaires – Steve & everybody at 1st Avenue – all the extras & anybody else we foolhardy forgot 2 mention."


  • "Thank u all-may u live 2 see the Dawn."



Releases
LP, CD, Cassettes and Other versions
Country Format Cat. Number Comments Front Back Label 1 Label 2
America
Canada LP 92 51101 WEA Music Of Canada labels, w/ sticker and poster
Canada LP W1-25110 CRC CI Columbia House (CBS Records Canada) labels
USA LP 1-25110 w/ sticker and poster
USA LP 1-25110 Purple Vinyl w/ sticker and poster
Mexico LP LWB-6281 Purple Vinyl w/ poster
Mexico LP LWBS-6281 Purple Vinyl w/ sticker & poster
[show]► See more  ► See more 
Country Format Cat. Number Comments Front Back Label 1 Label 2
Mexico LP FLWB-6281 Picture Disc in PVC sleeve
Guatemala LP 1-25110 DIDECA Labels, printed sticker
Ecuador LP LP-80068 Fediscos Labels, 1st edition
Ecuador LP LP-80068 Fediscos Labels, 2nd edition
Ecuador LP LP-80068 Fediscos Labels, 3rd edition
Colombia LP 6042 Philips labels
Brazil LP 26.132 EMI ODEON labels, black & white insert sheet
Brazil LP 670.4218 BMG ARIOLA labels
Argentina LP 83.814 SADAIC labels
Europe
Ireland LP 925110-1 Island Music labels
UK LP 925 110-1 Island Music labels w/ BPI Award Winner sticker
UK LP 925 110-1 Purple Vinyl, Island Music labels
Sweden LP 925 110-1 Purple Vinyl, NCB Labels w/ poster
The Netherlands LP 925 110-1 STEMRA Labels
The Netherlands LP 925 110-1 Purple Vinyl, STEMRA Labels w/ poster
Germany LP 925 110-1 • U • WE 361 Purple Vinyl, GEMA/BIEM label 1st edition w/ poster
Germany LP 925 110-1 Purple Vinyl, GEMA/BIEM label 2nd edition w/ poster & booklet
Germany LP 925 110-1 • U • WE 361 GEMA labels
Germany LP 925 110-1 • U • WE 361 GEMA/BIEM labels w/ white sticker & poster
Germany LP 925 110-1 • U • WE 361 GEMA/BIEM labels w/ purple rectangular sticker & poster
Germany LP 41 685 9 Club Edition w/ GEMA/BIEM labels
Germany LP 32 276-8 Club Edition w/ GEMA/BIEM labels
France LP 925 110-1 • U • WE 361 SACEM labels + "le nouveau Prince" sticker
France LP 925 110-1 • U • WE 361 GEMA/BIEM labels + "le nouveau Prince" sticker
France LP 925 110-1 • U • WE 361 GEMA/BIEM labels + 2 stickers
France LP 925 110-1 • U • WE 361 Purple Vinyl, SACEM labels + "le nouveau Prince" sticker
France LP 925 110-1 Purple Vinyl, GEMA/BIEM labels + "le nouveau Prince" sticker
Spain LP 925 110-1 Polygram + Island Music labels + bio insert
Italy LP 92 5110-1 S.I.A.E. labels
Greece LP 925110-1 AEPI labels
Middle-East
Israel LP BAN 925110-1 w/ Hebrew language sticker
Africa
South Africa LP WBC 1573
Asia/Pacific
Korea LP OLW 316 Purple Vinyl
Japan LP P-13021 w/ OBI, Poster, Lyrics & Info Sheet
Japan LP P-13021 Purple Vinyl w/ OBI, Poster, Lyrics & Info Sheet
China LP CH-1107 M&M Blue Labels w/ lyrics sheet
China LP CH-1107 Chade Blue Labels w/ lyrics sheet
Australia LP 25110-1 • MX209227/8 WEA Records Pty labels + white round sticker
Australia LP 25110-1 • MX209227/8 WEA Records Pty labels + purple rectangular sticker

Variants, Special Editions and Reissues
Country Format Cat. Number Comments Front Back Label 1 Label 2
Europe
Germany Boxset WMV 573-3 ZY Issued in 1990: contains CD, VHS and a Poster
Germany LP 7599-25110-1 [WE381] Limited Edition 180 grams, 1st edition (24 Nov. 1997). Matrix runout WMME Alsdorf 759 925110-1-A / B
Germany LP 7599-25110-1 Limited Edition 180 grams, 2nd edition
Europe LP 8122-79914-9 180 grams edition
Asia/Pacific
Japan LP x2 PS-255-6 Strange Tales From the Rain promotional edition
Some of the above pictures courtesy of Aprilsnow and Sleevographia

 

 
Additional Information
Promotion (at time of release) Trivia
  • US and UK Press adverts for this album.

UK press advert published in The Face   UK press advert published in The Face in July 1984   1984 Press advert for LP with Poster

1984 Billboard US press advert  1984 Kerrang US press advert

  • Warner Bros. Records claimed first-day sales of 1.3 million copies for the album. The high figure was backed by retailers in a Billboard article on 7 July 1984; initial orders had sold within 3 days, having them to re-order a large number of units to face the demand.
  • The "Prince Purple Rain" logotype that was originally commissionned by Warner Bros for the movie was later adapted by graphic designer Jay Vigon for the album cover.
  • Even though he’s not credited as such, Ed Thrasher, an art director previously employed at Warner Bros. Records, was the album cover art director. He also designed the Purple Rain movie poster.
References
USA: www.billboard.com / Purple Rain; Billboard Vol. 96 N°25 onwards: Top LPs And Tape, Black LPs & Rock Albums;
Canada: RPM Charts; Top Albums, The Essential Chart Guide by Nanda Lwin (Nielsen Soundscan ISBN 9781896594149); Billboard Vol. 96 N°30 onwards: Hits Of The World / Canada: The Record Top 20;
Europe: hitparade.ch; dutchcharts.nl; swedishcharts.com;norwegiancharts.com; austriancharts.at; www.infodisc.fr (France); Hit Bilanz - Deutsche Charts LP’s 1962-1986 (Taurus Press ISBN 3922542298);
Pacific: australian-charts.com; charts.org.nz;
1982
1999 		All Albums All Related Artists Albums 1985
Around The World In A Day
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