Prince was not only a visionary performer and musician but one of the most influential figures in modern music. Known for his genre-defying style, flamboyant fashion, and undeniable charisma, Prince created some of the most memorable songs in pop, rock, and R&B. With hits like “Purple Rain,” “When Doves Cry,” and “1999,” he became a global superstar, blending funk, soul, rock, and pop in ways no one had before. His boundary-breaking career wasn’t limited to music; he left his mark on cinema with the semi-autobiographical film Purple Rain, a box-office success that helped cement his legendary status and earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score.
Beyond his own recordings, Prince was a prolific songwriter who quietly penned massive hits for others, often using pseudonyms or simply offering songs to fellow artists without taking the spotlight. He wrote across genres, from pop to R&B to rock, creating chart-topping hits and soulful ballads that reveal just how expansive his musical influence was. Here are twelve songs you didn’t know were written by Prince — a reminder of his far-reaching impact on the music world.
1. “Manic Monday” – The Bangles (1986)
Album: Different Light
Chart Peak: #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 (only topped by Prince’s “Kiss”)
Legacy: The infectious melody and relatable lyrics made “Manic Monday” an 80s pop classic and The Bangles’ breakthrough hit.
Prince wrote “Manic Monday” under the pseudonym Christopher and offered it to The Bangles after meeting the band. His catchy songwriting turned this song into one of the most iconic anthems of the 80s.
2. “Nothing Compares 2 U” – Sinéad O’Connor (1990)
Album: I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got
Chart Peak: #1 in multiple countries, including the U.S. and UK
Legacy: Sinéad O’Connor’s haunting rendition turned this song into a timeless ballad and an emotional touchstone.
Originally written by Prince for his side project The Family, “Nothing Compares 2 U” became a massive hit when O’Connor covered it, adding a haunting vulnerability that made it unforgettable.
3. “I Feel for You” – Chaka Khan (1984)
Album: I Feel for You
Chart Peak: #3 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: Chaka Khan’s version, with its famous rap intro and Stevie Wonder’s harmonica, became one of the most iconic R&B hits of the 80s.
Prince originally recorded “I Feel for You” on his 1979 album, Prince, but it was Chaka Khan’s energetic rendition that turned the song into a Grammy-winning classic.
4. “Jungle Love” – The Time (1984)
Album: Ice Cream Castle
Chart Peak: #20 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: “Jungle Love” became The Time’s signature song and a funky staple of Prince’s live shows.
Prince co-wrote “Jungle Love” with guitarist Jesse Johnson for The Time, a band he formed and mentored. The song’s funky beat and playful lyrics made it a fan favorite, especially after its appearance in Purple Rain.
5. “The Glamorous Life” – Sheila E. (1984)
Album: The Glamorous Life
Chart Peak: #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Dance Club Songs chart
Legacy: This track launched Sheila E. as a solo star and remains a defining hit of the 80s.
Prince wrote “The Glamorous Life” for Sheila E., crafting a perfect pop-dance song with an unforgettable sax solo that showcased both his and Sheila’s musical talent.
6. “Sugar Walls” – Sheena Easton (1984)
Album: A Private Heaven
Chart Peak: #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Dance Club Songs chart
Legacy: With its controversial lyrics, “Sugar Walls” blurred the lines between pop and R&B and added to Prince’s reputation for pushing boundaries.
Written under the pseudonym Alexander Nevermind, “Sugar Walls” became a provocative hit for Sheena Easton, giving her a sultry track that perfectly fit her image at the time.
7. “Love… Thy Will Be Done” – Martika (1991)
Album: Martika’s Kitchen
Chart Peak: #10 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: This introspective ballad showcased Martika’s vocal talent and remains one of her biggest hits.
Martika approached Prince for songwriting advice, and he ended up co-writing “Love… Thy Will Be Done,” a reflective song with spiritual undertones that highlighted his versatility as a lyricist.
8. “Stand Back” – Stevie Nicks (1983)
Album: The Wild Heart
Chart Peak: #5 on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: Stevie Nicks’ “Stand Back” has become a staple of her solo career, partly thanks to Prince’s influence.
Inspired by Prince’s “Little Red Corvette,” Stevie Nicks called him to share her excitement, and Prince later contributed synthesizer work on the track, giving it his distinctive touch.
9. “You’re My Love” – Kenny Rogers (1986)
Album: They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To
Chart Peak: Did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100
Legacy: While not a major hit, the song remains a unique addition to Kenny Rogers’ discography, showcasing Prince’s range.
Using the pseudonym Joey Coco, Prince wrote this tender ballad for Kenny Rogers, showing his ability to write for genres outside of pop and R&B.
10. “How Come You Don’t Call Me Anymore” – Alicia Keys (2001)
Album: Songs in A Minor
Chart Peak: Did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100 but received critical acclaim
Legacy: Alicia Keys’ soulful rendition introduced this hidden Prince gem to a new generation.
Originally a B-side to Prince’s single “1999,” Alicia Keys covered “How Come You Don’t Call Me Anymore” on her debut album, capturing the raw emotion of Prince’s original.
11. “With This Tear” – Celine Dion (1992)
Album: Celine Dion
Chart Peak: Not released as a single
Legacy: Celine Dion’s powerful delivery made this Prince-penned ballad a standout track on her album.
Prince gifted “With This Tear” to Celine Dion, showcasing his gift for creating powerful ballads. The song demonstrates his understanding of crafting songs that showcase an artist’s vocal strengths.
12. “Yo Mister” – Patti LaBelle (1989)
Album: Be Yourself
Chart Peak: #6 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart
Legacy: This track became a major R&B hit for Patti LaBelle, blending her style with Prince’s musical touch.
Prince produced and wrote “Yo Mister” for Patti LaBelle, combining her powerful vocals with his signature style to create a socially conscious R&B hit.
Prince’s Legacy as a Songwriter for Other Artists
These songs reveal Prince’s impressive range and adaptability as a songwriter. He moved fluidly between pop, rock, funk, and R&B, tailoring his writing to fit the voices and styles of the artists he admired. From iconic 80s anthems to soulful ballads, Prince’s work for others helped shape the music of a generation and influenced artists across genres. His legacy isn’t just about his own performances but extends to the many careers he helped elevate through his songwriting genius. Which of these songs surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments!
