9 Massive Hit Songs Secretly Penned By Prince
When you think of Prince, you probably picture his iconic purple outfits, electrifying guitar solos, and unforgettable performances.
But did you know that behind some of the biggest hits by other artists, Prince was quietly working his magic?
He wrote chart-topping songs for musicians across different genres, often using fake names to keep his genius under wraps.
Get ready to discover which massive hits were actually penned by the legendary Purple One himself!
1. Manic Monday By The Bangles
Back in 1986, The Bangles needed a breakthrough, and boy, did they get one!
Prince handed them this infectious tune under the mysterious pseudonym ‘Christopher,’ keeping his identity hidden from fans.
The song zoomed up to number two on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming an instant classic that still gets stuck in your head today.
If you’ve ever wished Monday mornings felt less brutal, this catchy anthem totally gets it.
The Bangles rode this wave straight to superstardom, all thanks to Prince’s secret songwriting superpowers.
2. Nothing Compares 2 U By Sinéad O’Connor
Originally crafted for Prince’s side project The Family, this heartbreaking ballad found its true voice when Sinéad O’Connor covered it in 1990.
Her raw, emotional delivery transformed the song into a worldwide phenomenon that dominated charts and won prestigious awards.
That iconic music video, featuring O’Connor’s tear-streaked face, became one of the most memorable images of the entire decade.
Prince’s lyrics captured the aching pain of lost love so perfectly that listeners everywhere felt every single word.
3. I Feel For You By Chaka Khan
Prince originally recorded this funky jam in 1979, but Chaka Khan turned it into pure fire five years later.
She added Melle Mel’s groundbreaking rap intro, creating one of the first successful hip-hop and R&B fusions that radio stations couldn’t stop spinning.
The song climbed to number three on the Billboard Hot 100, proving that Prince’s songwriting magic worked across multiple musical universes.
That harmonica riff and infectious groove made it impossible not to dance along!
4. Jungle Love By The Time
Co-written with Morris Day, this funky masterpiece became The Time’s signature song after appearing in the legendary 1984 film Purple Rain.
The track’s irresistible groove and playful lyrics made it a dance floor essential that still gets parties jumping decades later.
Prince worked behind the scenes, crafting those unforgettable horn lines and rhythms that defined Minneapolis funk.
Though The Time performed it, Prince’s musical fingerprints were all over this infectious banger that moviegoers couldn’t forget.
5. The Glamorous Life By Sheila E.
Prince crafted this percussion-heavy hit specifically to showcase Sheila E.’s incredible drumming talents, and wow, did it work!
Released in 1984, the song climbed to number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, establishing Sheila E. as a solo superstar beyond just being Prince’s collaborator.
The track’s sophisticated blend of funk, pop, and Latin rhythms created something totally unique that radio had never heard before.
Listeners everywhere wanted to experience that glamorous life the song described so vividly!
6. Sugar Walls By Sheena Easton
Writing under the hilarious pseudonym ‘Alexander Nevermind,’ Prince created this provocative track that sparked controversy and climbed charts simultaneously.
Sheena Easton’s sultry delivery helped the song reach number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1984, despite some radio stations banning it for suggestive lyrics.
The song’s double meanings and funky production showcased Prince’s ability to push boundaries while creating irresistibly catchy tunes.
Parents may have clutched their pearls, but teenagers everywhere had this song on repeat!
7. Stand Back by Stevie Nicks
After hearing Prince’s ‘Little Red Corvette’ on her wedding day, Stevie Nicks felt instantly inspired to create her own musical masterpiece.
She called Prince, who generously contributed his distinctive synthesizer work to the track, adding that unmistakable purple touch to her 1983 hit.
Though Nicks wrote the lyrics, Prince’s production magic helped transform ‘Stand Back’ into one of her most successful solo singles ever.
The collaboration proved that even rock goddesses sometimes need a little Prince magic sprinkled on their work!
8. How Come You Don’t Call Me Anymore By Alicia Keys
Originally tucked away as a B-side to Prince’s ‘1999’ single, this soulful heartbreaker remained relatively unknown for years.
Then Alicia Keys discovered it and recorded a stunning cover in 2001, introducing Prince’s emotional lyrics to millions of younger fans worldwide.
Her piano-driven version captured the song’s longing and vulnerability perfectly, proving timeless songwriting never goes out of style.
Keys’ interpretation became a fan favorite, showing how Prince’s music could connect with brand-new generations effortlessly.
9. Kiss By Tom Jones And The Art Of Noise
While Prince made ‘Kiss’ famous himself in 1986, Tom Jones and The Art of Noise created an unforgettable cover that earned them a Grammy nomination.
Their 1988 version added electronic elements and Jones’ powerful vocals, transforming Prince’s minimalist funk into something completely fresh and unexpected.
The collaboration proved Prince’s songwriting was so strong that artists could reimagine it in wildly different styles and still create magic.
Jones brought his legendary charisma to Prince’s cheeky lyrics, creating a version that stands proudly alongside the original!
