[9] The inclusion of that song necessitated cuts to the suite-like "Computer Blue", the full version of which did not earn an official release, although a portion of the second section can be heard in the film of the same name, in a sequence where Prince walks in on the men of the Revolution rehearsing. A standalone sequel, Graffiti Bridge, was released in 1990. [58], All songs written by Prince, except where noted. The film stars Prince in his acting debut playing The Kid, a … [7] The film also coincided with spin-off albums by The Time (Ice Cream Castle) and Apollonia 6 (their self-titled album). [23], In the United Kingdom, Purple Rain entered the UK Albums Chart at number 21 on July 21, 1984, after thirty five weeks on the chart it reached and peaked at number seven during the week of March 16, 1985 and stayed there for a week, it fell off to number twelve the next week. [2][17], In the United States, Purple Rain debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200 the week of July 14, 1984. "Let's Go Crazy" and "Take Me with U" were released as a double A-side single in the UK in 1985. The fifth and final single "Take Me with U" reached #25, but became a top 10 hit in the United Kingdom, meaning all Purple Rain was musically denser than Prince's previous albums, emphasizing full band performances, and multiple layers of guitars, keyboards, electronic synthesizer effects, drum machines, and other instruments. Her role was initially offered to Jennifer Beals (who turned it down because she wanted to concentrate on college) before going to Apollonia Kotero, a virtual unknown at the time. Prince and the Revolution won Grammy Awards for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media, while Prince also won the Academy Award for Best Original Song Score for the film Purple Rain. Purple Rain singles became worldwide hits. The debut of Apollonia 6 is a success, and Billy warns the Kid that his First Avenue slot is at risk. In the context of the film, each verse ties into a different strained relationship Prince's character has and his desire to reconcile. Two weeks after the end of the tour, Around the World in a Day (1985) was released, which officially brought an end to Prince's Purple Rain era. Common to much of Prince's writing, the song is thought to be exhortation to follow Christian ethics, with the "De-elevator" of the lyrics being a metaphor for the Devil. He played it on nearly every tour since 1984, except for a period after his name change when he avoided his older hits for a few years. "Let's Go Crazy" and "Take Me with U" were released as a double A-side single in the UK in 1985. The album has sold more than 20 million copies worldwide. The risqué lyrics of "Darling Nikki" contributed to the use of Parental Advisory stickers and imprints on album covers that were the record label's answer to complaints from Tipper Gore and the Parents Music Resource Center. The film stars Prince in his acting debut playing The Kid, a character based in part on Prince himself. The Kid returns to the club, to be greeted by the approval of his fellow musicians and the embrace of a teary-eyed Apollonia. In 1984, there was only one man in America more popular than President Ronald Reagan.

[17] The extra verse was about money but was removed because it diluted the emotional impact of the song. The B-side, "God", is a much more overtly religious number (Prince's most religious), recalling the book of Genesis. David Z was not surprised when he was requested to set up the live recording on August 3, 1983, "With Prince, you never knew," he declared.

1 on the US and UK iTunes Charts, allowing it to re-enter the Billboard Hot 100, where it reached No. [18][19] After four weeks on chart, it reached number one on August 4, 1984. It's mellow." Like Hendrix, Prince seems to have tapped into some extraterrestrial musical dimension where black and white styles are merely different aspects of the same funky thing. [19][20] In June 2013, Entertainment Weekly listed Purple Rain at #2 of the Greatest Albums of All Time. Musically, Purple Rain remained grounded in the R&B elements of Prince's previous work while demonstrating a more pronounced rock feel in its grooves and emphasis on guitar showmanship. [12] Excluding Prince and his onscreen parents, almost every character in the movie is named after the actor who plays him or her. '"[14] At a rehearsal, Prince then asked his backing band to try the song: "I want to try something before we go home. [10] Magnoli was then hired as director and editor after delivering a pitch on the spot to Cavallo.[11]. [7], *sales figures based on certification alone^shipments figures based on certification alonesales+streaming figures based on certification alone, The original single release credits the authors of the song as Prince and The Revolution, but the song's authorship is registered with, Citation Daley, D. (2009, 01).

The soundtrack is certified 13x Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and has sold over 25 million copies worldwide.[7]. Reckless director James Foley was offered to direct the film, but was not interested and instead passed it on to his editor Albert Magnoli. [20] Lisa Coleman created the string arrangement, played by her brother and friends, that was overdubbed into the song in a studio in Los Angeles.[13]. [7] During the 2007 Super Bowl halftime show, for which Prince was the featured performer, "Purple Rain" was the last song of his set; the event became especially notable when actual rain started to fall during the performance while the stage stadium were lit up with purple lights,[8] and the show continues to top lists of the best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time. The Times ranked Purple Rain at number 15 on its list of the 100 Best Albums of All Time. He played it on nearly every tour since 1984, except for a period after his name change when he avoided his older hits for a few years.

A montage of all the songs plays as the credits roll. Purple Rain was inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame in 2011, celebrating it as a 'recording of lasting qualitative or historical significance'.