This past week we said goodbye to an icon of music, fashion and pop culture. Prince was an artist unlike any other — he was passionate and unapologetic, and that's part of the reason why he rose to such prominence in the music industry. His music was branded as pop, but one listen to any of his songs and you can hear the rock and blues influence behind some of his biggest hits. Above all, what made Prince such a celebrity was his personality. He had creative control over all of his music and fought to keep his opinions and beliefs despite what the music industry wanted from him. He changed his name in 1993 to an unpronounceable symbol to parlay with Warner Brother Records, and to this day you cannot find his music online. If you want to listen to any of his songs, you have to go and buy vinyl or a CD. Prince was an intriguing character and his death robbed the world of amazing talent. To commemorate his legacy, here are his 12 best songs ranked.

12. "The Most Beautiful Girl In The World"

This song was Prince's first release after the changing of his name to his symbol, it is also his only song that was #1 on the UK charts. His falsetto and the romantic lyrics earn it a spot in the top 12.

11. "Darling Nikki"

This song is controversial due to it's explicit lyrics and theme, but this song was one of the most popular of the 1980s and led to discussion about creating parental advisory labels, which is pretty bad ass.

10."While My Guitar Gently Weeps"

A cover of the classic Beatle's song, "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" combines the older sounds of the British invasion with Prince's signature funky pizazz.

9."Starfish and Coffee"

This song has some of the most deliciously quirkiest and nonsensical lyrics ever written. For example: "Starfish and coffee, maple syrup and jam. Butterscotch clouds, a tambourine, side order of ham."

8."When Doves Cry"

Reaching #52 on Rolling Stone's "Top 500 Songs Of All Time", this signature song was groundbreaking for Prince. It went platinum in 1984 and had no bass line, which was unusual for an '80s dance song.

7."U Got The Look"

This song became the highest selling song on his "Sign The Time" album, and featured Sheila E. on drums — which would make any song a best seller.

6."Kiss"

Prince never intended to record this track, but after hearing a rendition by a funk band, he decided he had to include it on his album. It's a fun song that remains one of his most popular.

5. "Let's Go Crazy"

The guitar solo in this song says it all.

4. "Little Red Corvette"

Another one of his most prominent songs, "Little Red Corvette" screams '80s pop in the best way possible

3."I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man"

"I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man" rocks hard. It has an infectious chord progression that makes you want to pick up a guitar and learn how to play along.

2. "Purple Rain"

Arguably the most defining moment in his career, the movie "Purple Rain" catapulted Prince to stardom. The title track is a raging ballad with vocals that could put Robert Plant to shame.

1. "Raspberry Beret"

"Raspberry Beret" is one of those songs that you hear once and is stuck in your head all day. The hook is beyond catchy, and the upbeat rhythm will keep you humming until you can jam to it again.