13 Prince Songs Best Known For Another Artist's Version

Prince was more than just a superstar performer who rocked purple suits and unforgettable guitar solos.

Behind the scenes, he wrote countless songs that became massive hits for other artists, often outshining his own original versions.

Some of these tracks are so famous in their cover form that fans don’t even realize the Purple One penned them first.

Get ready to discover how Prince’s genius touched the careers of everyone from pop icons to funk legends!

1. Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinéad O’Connor

Originally recorded by Prince’s side project The Family back in 1985, this heartbreaking ballad sat quietly until Sinéad O’Connor unleashed her soul-crushing version in 1990.

Her rendition topped charts worldwide and became one of the most iconic breakup songs ever recorded.

That haunting music video with her single tear cemented the song in pop culture history forever.

Prince’s original was beautiful, but O’Connor’s raw emotion transformed it into something legendary.

2. Manic Monday by The Bangles

Prince wrote this catchy tune under the mysterious pseudonym Christopher and handed it to The Bangles like a musical gift wrapped in purple paper.

Released in 1986, the song shot straight to number two on the Billboard Hot 100.

It perfectly captured that universal feeling of dreading Monday mornings and wishing for just five more minutes of sleep.

The jangly guitars and sweet harmonies made it a new wave classic that still gets radio play today.

3. I Feel for You by Chaka Khan

Prince’s 1979 original was funky, but Chaka Khan took it to another dimension entirely when she reimagined it in 1984.

She added Melle Mel’s rapid-fire rap intro and Stevie Wonder’s harmonica magic, creating a groundbreaking fusion of funk, hip-hop, and soul.

The track won a Grammy for Best R&B Song and proved that Prince’s compositions could shape-shift into multiple genres.

4. When You Were Mine by Cyndi Lauper

First introduced on the 1980 album Dirty Mind by Prince, the new wave gem took on a whole new personality in 1983 when Cyndi Lauper added her signature quirky spin.

Her version appeared on She’s So Unusual and showcased her ability to blend vulnerability with attitude.

While not as commercially massive as her other hits, Lauper’s cover introduced Prince’s songwriting to a wider pop audience.

5. The Glamorous Life by Sheila E.

Originally envisioned as a showcase for Apollonia 6, the sophisticated funk masterpiece ultimately changed course when Prince decided fate pointed elsewhere and handed it to Sheila E. instead.

Released in 1984, the song became her signature hit and peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100.

Sheila E.’s incredible percussion skills combined with Prince’s irresistible groove created pure musical electricity.

6. How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore by Alicia Keys

Recorded as a piano ballad and released as a B-side in 1982, the song stayed largely under the radar until Alicia Keys brought it back into the spotlight decades later.

Her 2001 cover showcased her classical training and soulful voice, introducing Prince’s emotional depth to a new generation.

Keys performed it at numerous concerts and award shows, turning it into a fan favorite from her live repertoire.

7. Jungle Love by The Time

Co-written with Morris Day and Jesse Johnson, this 1984 funk explosion became The Time’s biggest hit and a cultural phenomenon.

Featured prominently in the movie Purple Rain, the song’s infectious rhythm made everyone want to dance immediately.

Morris Day’s smooth vocals and the band’s tight instrumentation created an irresistible party anthem that defined Minneapolis funk.

8. The Bird by The Time

Another gem Prince crafted for The Time, this 1984 track featured one of the most memorable dance crazes of the decade.

Morris Day’s comedic timing and the band’s funky instrumental breakdown made it impossible not to move your feet.

The song appeared in Purple Rain and became synonymous with 80s funk culture and Minneapolis sound.

9. A Love Bizarre by Sheila E.

This extended funk workout from 1985 featured Prince as both writer and duet partner with Sheila E. on vocals.

The album version stretched over eleven minutes, giving both artists plenty of room to showcase their musical chemistry and improvisational skills.

It climbed to number eleven on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a staple of 80s dance clubs everywhere.

10. Sugar Walls by Sheena Easton

Writing under the cheeky alias Alexander Nevermind, Prince penned this provocative 1984 track that stirred up plenty of controversy.

Sheena Easton’s sultry delivery combined with the song’s suggestive lyrics got it banned from some radio stations, which naturally made it even more popular.

The track climbed to number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and showcased Prince’s ability to push boundaries through other artists.

11. Round and Round by Tevin Campbell

A teenage vocal prodigy found his moment in 1990 when Prince wrote a smooth track specifically designed to spotlight the remarkable range of Tevin Campbell.

The song appeared on the Graffiti Bridge soundtrack and climbed to number twelve on the Billboard Hot 100.

It launched Campbell’s career and proved Prince had an ear for discovering and developing young talent beyond just writing hits.

12. If I Was Your Girlfriend by Meshell Ndegeocello

Prince’s 1987 original was already boundary-pushing, but Meshell Ndegeocello’s 1996 cover took it to new artistic heights with her jazz-fusion approach.

Her interpretation explored gender fluidity and emotional intimacy with a sophisticated musical arrangement that respected Prince’s vision while making it her own.

The cover appeared on her album Peace Beyond Passion and introduced Prince’s more experimental work to alternative R&B audiences.