On this day May 16, 1984, Prince released the groundbreaking single When Doves Cry, a genre defying track that would become one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s. The single went on to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 from July 7 through August 10 and also topped the charts in Canada and Australia.
When Doves Cry served as the lead single from the Purple Rain soundtrack and immediately stood out for its bold production. With no bass line, layered vocals and an emotional guitar solo, the song broke traditional pop structure and showcased Prince’s innovative approach to songwriting and arrangement. Its raw intensity and deeply personal lyrics gave it a haunting quality that resonated with audiences worldwide.
The song’s success helped propel the Purple Rain album and film into massive hits and further established Prince as one of the most original and influential artists in music history.
Fun fact: Prince played every instrument on When Doves Cry and recorded it in just one night after being asked for a song that captured the emotional tone of Purple Rain.
When Doves Cry served as the lead single from the Purple Rain soundtrack and immediately stood out for its bold production. With no bass line, layered vocals and an emotional guitar solo, the song broke traditional pop structure and showcased Prince’s innovative approach to songwriting and arrangement. Its raw intensity and deeply personal lyrics gave it a haunting quality that resonated with audiences worldwide.
The song’s success helped propel the Purple Rain album and film into massive hits and further established Prince as one of the most original and influential artists in music history.
Fun fact: Prince played every instrument on When Doves Cry and recorded it in just one night after being asked for a song that captured the emotional tone of Purple Rain.
