The Surprising Prince Songs That Should Be in Ryan Coogler’s New Jukebox Musical

Hollywood loves biopics about music legends. The artists’ fascinating life stories can be told and their vast catalog of hits can be used to mark significant moments. Broadway takes a similar approach to jukebox musicals. Producers use those same hits to tell a captivating story and present big flashy, show-stopping numbers.

Now, “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler is bringing a jukebox musical centered around one of the most beloved artists of all time to the big screen. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he’s producing a project featuring the songs of Prince. We don’t know what the story is or what style the production will take, but we definitely have thoughts on which of Prince’s classic tracks we want to see included.

We know “Purple Rain,” “Let’s Go Crazy” and “Controversy” will probably make the cut, but we have ideas on some of his lesser known hits that we think will make great choices. Whether they’re deep cuts, hidden gems, hits for other artists or just songs we love too much to ignore, these are the Prince songs we want Ryan Coogler to include in his new musical.

‘Soft and Wet’

If there’s going to be a Prince focused musical, we assume it will include a love story. And if producers feature some of his early hits, it will definitely be Rated-R. What song is better for overwhelming sexual tension than “Soft and Wet?”

‘D.M.S.R.’

What makes this such a cool idea is that Prince’s music is perfect for splashy numbers. You can visualize how amazing the staging and choreography will be just by listening to a track like “D.M.S.R.”

‘Lady Cab Driver’

This may not qualify as a lesser-known hit, but it doesn’t get the same attention as “1999″ or “Little Red Corvette.” This one is perfect a surprisingly interesting number that will remind people how good this track is.

‘Darling Nikki’

Let’s assume producers can’t include everything from “Purple Rain.” But we definitely need “Darling Nikki” because it’s just such a badass morning after song. Bonus points if they find an equally badass woman to sing it.

‘America’

The beauty of Prince’s music is that it’s so timeless. A track like “America” plays just as well in 2024 as it did in 1985.

‘Girls & Boys’

If a song from the “Parade” album is included, it will probably be “Kiss.” But there’s such a playful element to “Girls & Boys” it feels tailor made for an intricate, Broadway-style dance number.

‘Sometimes It Snow in April’

If there’s a love story in this movie, there will probably be a devastating breakup, because those are the rules. While Prince has plenty of sad love songs, this one feels the most theatrical.

‘Housequake’

If you’re looking for a moment where audiences will literally dance in the aisles of the movie theater, look no further than “Housequake.”

‘Starfish and Coffee’

This is one of those eclectic Prince songs that makes you feel good when you hear it. It’s also impossible to get out of your head, so good luck with the rest of your day onece you hear it.

‘Adore’

I know this isn’t a lesser-known hit at all, but come on, it’s “Adore.” I had to include it. It’s such a beautiful, sexy, sweet love song, it could be an absolute show-stopper for the right singer.

‘I Feel for You’

This Chaka Khan dance hit written by Prince is still a fan favorite and has the potential to be one of those songs that becomes new again with an unexpected arrangement. Think Adam Lambert’s version of “Believe.”

‘Stand Back’

Stevie Nicks wrote “Stand Back” to the melody of “Little Red Corvette” because she couldn’t help herself. When she realized she had something special, she called Prince and he added his special sauce to it creating one of her biggest hits.

‘How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore’

As amazing as the great Alicia Keys is, Prince once again brought his signature playful energy to this soulful ballad. In our modern cell phone dominated world, this could make for an innovative, unique visual of missed calls, texts and DMs. It’s brilliant how relevant Prince’s music remains.

‘Nothing Compares 2 U’

With all due respect to Sinéad O’Connor, the soul that Prince puts into singing this one is unmatched. If you don’t feel something while listening to this, you’re definitely a robot.

‘Creep’

Yes, “Creep” is Radiohead’s signature song. However, the cover Prince performed at Coachella in 2008 is so hauntingly beautiful, even the band might agree his version is better. For sheer theatricality, this would be amazing moment in any musical.