I was sixteen years old, a junior in high school who was starting to think about college. It was the Sunday night before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and I found myself faced with two options: I could watch the NFL playoffs or some bad TV.
As much as I love the Patriots, I wasn’t in the mood that night. Besides, I could keep track of their progress just by listening for my dad’s screams of enthusiasm.
With a bowl of popcorn and a fuzzy blanket in hand, I retired to my basement for some rest and relaxation. With a day off tomorrow, I was willing to stay up later than usual. I turned on the tube and began channel surfing.
I stopped on VH1 when I saw that Private Parts was on. It was almost over, but Howard Stern is just too damn funny to resist. Besides, it was right at the scene when Stern calls his boss “Pig Vomit”. Controversial comedy gold!
During a commercial break, an ad came on with the nightly lineup. 8:00 P.M.: Purple Rain.
My curiosity aroused, I looked up the trailer for Purple Rain on my phone. I already knew who Prince was—that short, feminine-looking artist who was just a little out there.
But I had no idea he was in a movie. As a film critic, I knew I had to watch it.
And boy, was I in for a “funky time”.
Right from the opening chords of “Let’s Go Crazy”, I was sickeningly mesmerized by this unusual story about a musician’s journey to fame and his passionate quest for love. The plot wasn’t altogether consistent, the characters may have been a bit over-the-top, and the wardrobe was outrageous.
But such elements were mere add-ons to one of the greatest movie soundtracks in cinema history. I realized with Purple Rain, it wasn’t about where the movie would take you—it was about where the music would take you.
Even though Purple Rain the movie was pretty decent as far as movies go, it was its soundtrack that made me a woman.
When I got an iTunes card in my Easter basket that year, I wasted no time in downloading the Purple Rain album in its entirety. That night, before I went to sleep, I listened intently as my whole body was swept away into a special journey.
The upbeat and energetic “Let’s Go Crazy” introduced me to a man who liked to live life on the edge without any apologies whatsoever, ignoring the things that would bring him down and encouraging others to act like him. It was the kind of song that said, I’m here, so let’s get started. I was ready for this party to begin, and the singer knew it.
Things became a little more honest and open when Prince told me, “Take Me with U”. Though not as wild as “Let’s Go Crazy” I liked the way he said this because it was so different from how he had acted during the first song. Here, he was less intimidating and more charming, bringing to mind a walk on a sunny day. The violins made it much more meaningful.
My face was already blushing red when the Purple One told me all about “The Beautiful Ones.” Slow and mellow, this piece was practically an insistence of intimacy. The sensual and steady rhythm is constant as Prince’s voice becomes stronger and more forceful by the time the song is finished. By this point, I knew my tastes in music were about to change.
“Computer Blue” is a raging and furious declaration of love gone amiss. It got my blood pumping and my adrenaline was racing in time to the rhythm as I was taken by surprise from the many twists and turns of this unpredictable song. One minute I’m soaring above the clouds peacefully, and the next I’m running into the horizon.
I’ll admit, I got a little jealous when Prince told me all about his “Darling Nikki”. There’s nothing worse than hearing bae talk to you about his exes, but when he goes into detail about their *ahem* activities, you can’t help but fume with frustration. Nikki may be out of his life, but it’s impossible not to think about the things that may have happened between her and Prince. How could I compete?
I knew I was in love with Prince and he just had to feel the same way about me. But I just couldn’t forget what had been said about Nikki. He was angry, yet he wanted me more than anything. Knowing we were both furious, he took me aside and serenaded me once more with that guitar. “This is what it sounds like,” he told me, “When Doves Cry.”
I wasn’t having any of it! He broke my heart!
Prince knew he had messed up. He also knew he had to make it up to me, big time. “I Would Die 4 U”, He stated boldly. His fast-paced movements coupled with a tender melody forced me to give in to this irresistible man who was in a class all by himself. My feet were moving, my head was spinning—it was an unforgettable experience.
There was a brief follow-up to this when Prince explained to me, rather arrogantly, “Baby I’m a Star”. I didn’t care about his money or celebrity status; I was too busy rocking out to this fast-paced jam that gave me a huge boost of confidence. Listening to this song, I felt like I could accomplish anything.
Our night of fun and games had come to an end. Prince was now in front of me with a serious expression on his face. Apologizing for his actions, he was ready to make the most daring move of all with “Purple Rain”. Here was a ballad that was tender, seductive, lustful, sincere, and dramatic all at once. You couldn’t dance to it so much as get swept away by the promises in the lyrics.
As the final chord faded away, I hazily took my earbuds out and plugged my iPhone in to charge.
So that’s what all the hype is about, I thought to myself. Interesting.
And that’s how Purple Rain was my first adult experience with music. From the grunts of Prince to the risqué imagery of the lyrics, this was an album that taught me a valuable lesson. Music can be sexy, but good music is just sex.
When I received a text on Thursday saying that Prince had died, I was devastated. My first serious boyfriend (metaphorically, of course) was gone. He had written an album that changed my life forever; how I wish I could have thanked him.
So Prince, even though you are no longer with us, know that I will always remember you and the world you introduced me too. I will soon join you on the journey to the Purple Rain.