“Dearly beloved, we’re gathered here today to get through this thing called…’Purple Rain.’” The influential film that skyrocketed Prince to superstardom, and won him an Oscar, is now 40 years old. The unforgettable performances and moments have made it a classic. The music has allowed it to stand the test of time. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Purple Rain,” we’re looking at the best moments from the movie and how the music has remained an enduring part of the culture.
The Story
Look, no one is watching “Purple Rain” for the story. In case you’ve never actually paid attention, The Revolution and The Time are rival bands at a nightclub. Their feud becomes even more heated when The Kid and Morris start fighting over Apollonia. Plus, The Kid is dealing with his tumultuous home life. Yeah, we’re all just here for the music.
Apollonia
According to First For Women, Vanity and Jennifer Beals were originally considered for the romantic lead that ultimately went to Apollonia. Vanity landed a role in another movie and Beals was focused on attending Yale, so the unknown actress got her big break. This did lead to character changes, which can be seen on-screen, as she’s essentially an afterthought in the film.
‘Purify Yourself in the Waters of Lake Minnetonka’
Let’s be honest: The Kid is not a good guy. He treats Apollonia terribly throughout the movie. He thinks his tortured artist act gives him the right to be toxic and abusive. The Lake Minnetonka scene is played for laughs, but it’s actually a pretty cruel joke.
‘How’s the Family’
This may be the most quoted line from the movie. Morris drops it right after The Kid’s family tragedy, and embodies the viciousness of the feud between Morris and The Kid.
‘The Bird’
Don’t act like you don’t do “The Bird” when this pops up on the playlist. The Time is so underrated for how good their songs are.
‘The Password Is What’
To make this old school Vaudeville, Laurel & Hardy style comedy work, the timing has to be perfect. If Morris or Jerome is one second off with their delivery, it doesn’t work. You really have to be locked in to sell this bit and they are pure perfection.
‘Graffiti Bridge’
Released in 1990, “Graffiti Bridge” serves as a sequel, with The Kid and Morris now owning rival clubs and fighting for control of their musical world. It’s not good, but the music is. Skip the movie and listen to the soundtrack.
‘Let’s Go Crazy’
It’s wild to think about now, because “Let’s Go Crazy” is so prevalent at sporting events, but the song is actually a metaphor for a fight between Christ and Satan. Prince was very connected to his faith and often referenced it in his music, so it’s no surprise to find this theme in one of his biggest hits.
“As I wrote it, ‘Let’s Go Crazy’ was about God and the de-elevation of sin,” Prince told Musician, per CheatSheet. “But the problem was that religion as a subject is taboo in pop music. People think that the records they release have got to be hip, but what I need to do is to tell the truth.”
‘Take Me With U’
While all the songs on “Purple Rain” are timeless and special, “Take Me With U” has an orchestral sound that makes it feel bigger than a pop song. It has a musicality that beautifully showcases Prince’s brilliance.
‘The Beautiful Ones’
“The Beautiful Ones” portrays The Kid trying to woo Apollonia away from Morris, but he really just wants to beat his rival, not get the girl.
‘Computer Blue’
There’s something about “Computer Blue” that doesn’t really fit with the rest of the album, but we suppose that’s the point of its inclusion. As The Kid spirals out of control, we had to get at least one weird out of place songs.
‘Darling Nikki’
“Darling Nikki” goes hard in a way that most Prince songs don’t and that’s what makes it so unforgettable. However, none of us should have been out here singing along to this one at such a young age.
‘When Doves Cry’
If you were one of the lucky ones who had cable in the early ‘80s, you know that Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and Prince were the only Black artists whose videos they played. And even with those limited numbers, “When Doves Cry” was on a consistent every hour rotation. Seriously, you could not get away from this video.
‘I Would Die 4 U’
Due to the dramatic nature of the story and lead character, many of the songs from “Purple Rain” have an undercurrent of sadness to them. But there’s a joy in “I Would Die 4 U” that always brings a smile. And we know you’re busting out your best Prince moves during the dance break.
‘Baby I’m a Star’
“Baby I’m a Star” is the ultimately bad bitch anthem. Long before Beyoncé; Megan Thee Stallion; Nicki Minaj; and Cardi B, Prince was telling everyone to “take a picture sweetie, I ain’t got time to wait!”
’Purple Rain’
What can we say about “Purple Rain?” Simply put, it’s one of the most perfect songs ever written and produced. None of his compositions show off Prince’s musical genius the way it does. Frankly, you could put this in the same category as other classic works of art.
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