After Prince’s passing on April 21, 2016, SPIN writers revisited their favorite Prince albums. Read their essays on Dirty Mind, Controversy, Purple Rain, Parade, Sign o’ the Times, and Diamonds and Pearls below.

 

Dirty Mind (1980)

“Prince’s third was absolutely his boldest record, caught just before he became truly self-conscious of his power, which was unmistakably there just a year later on the headlines-festooned Controversy.” Read the full piece here.

 

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Controversy (1981)

“The mind-f**k of the title track aside, Controversy remains Prince’s queerest album: “Am I straight or gay,” fine, but are you rock or funk?” Read the full piece here.

Purple Rain (1984)

Parade (1986)

Sign o’ the Times (1987)

“Prince never f**ked with the patriarchy, instead helping me realize I wield power solely because I am a woman. Vanity and Apollonia were his creations, yes, but they were strong and sexual and fun.” Read the full piece here.

Diamonds and Pearls (1991)