Prince’s Hidden Masterpieces: 15 Songs He Wrote That Became Legendary Hits for Other Artists

Prince, one of the most prolific and boundary-pushing artists in music history, wrote thousands of songs over the course of his career—many of which were never released by him. But when Prince couldn’t get around to recording a song, he often passed it along to another artist. The results were magical, and in some cases, the songs became iconic hits that belonged just as much to the artists who made them famous as they did to the Purple One himself. Here are 15 standout songs that Prince wrote, which became legendary hits for other performers.

1. “Nothing Compares 2 U” — Sinead O’Connor (1990)

A rare example of a Prince composition that seemed to transcend his own voice. While Prince’s original version (released in The Hits/The B Sides) felt distant, Sinead O’Connor’s haunting, soulful rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” struck a deep emotional chord. O’Connor’s rendition will forever remain definitive, capturing raw anguish in a way that only she could.

2. “Jungle Love” — The Time (1984)

Prince’s influence on The Time was undeniable, as he used them as a jam band throughout the mid-’80s. “Jungle Love”, with its infectious rhythm and catchy hooks, quickly became a party anthem. The song’s irresistible fun was amplified by Morris Day’s larger-than-life persona and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis’s tight production.

3. “I Feel for You” — Chaka Khan (1984)

Prince handed Chaka Khan this track from his 1979 album Prince. In the hands of the legendary funk queen, the song transformed into an unforgettable hit. Chaka’s powerful vocal delivery combined with the addition of a rap by Melle Mel took the song to new heights, making it one of the defining moments of both artists’ careers.

4. “Manic Monday” — The Bangles (1986)

Prince’s ability to write catchy pop melodies was unmatched, and “Manic Monday” was no exception. Written under the pseudonym “Christopher,” the song turned out to be a perfect fit for The Bangles, propelling them to stardom. The track’s playful yet relatable lyrics, combined with Susanna Hoffs’ distinctive voice, helped the band break through.

5. “Nasty Girl” — Vanity 6 (1982)

One of Prince’s first side projects, Vanity 6, was graced with the sensual, irresistible track “Nasty Girl.” The song was as provocative as its title, and it became a hit in its own right. It’s impossible to hear the track without imagining it as part of the iconic Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack, especially with the scene that made it unforgettable.

6. “The Bird” — The Time (1984)

Another playful party anthem from The Time, “The Bird” is a silly, fun track based on a dance move that nobody could pull off without looking like a fool. But that was the magic of Prince and Morris Day: they took something ridiculous and made it wildly entertaining. It remains one of the most enduring tracks from The Time‘s catalog.

7. “Stand Back” — Stevie Nicks (1983)

Stevie Nicks had just finished recording a song that sounded eerily similar to Prince’s “Little Red Corvette”. Noticing the similarity, she called him up, and he quickly reworked the track, adding his signature flair to the composition. The result was “Stand Back”, a rock anthem that became a classic and showcased the collaboration of two iconic artists at their peak.

8. “The Glamorous Life” — Sheila E. (1984)

A brilliant drummer and performer in her own right, Sheila E. was a vital part of Prince’s live band. Her solo career also benefitted from Prince’s generosity, and “The Glamorous Life”, written by him, became her biggest hit. The track, driven by a funk groove and Sheila’s electrifying percussion, remains a staple of the ’80s dance-pop era.

9. “Yo, Mister” — Patti LaBelle (1989)

In 1989, Prince wrote “Yo, Mister” for R&B legend Patti LaBelle. The track, with its New Jack Swing flavor, was a departure from both artists’ usual sounds, but it worked brilliantly. LaBelle’s powerhouse vocals combined with Prince’s unique production made this a memorable hit.

10. “Love… Thy Will Be Done” — Martika (1991)

Martika, who had already enjoyed success in the late ’80s, collaborated with Prince on “Love… Thy Will Be Done”. Although Martika wrote the lyrics, the minimalist production and atmospheric vibe were all Prince’s doing. The track, which blends R&B and spiritual elements, was a perfect fit for her voice and became a top 10 hit.

11. “Sex Shooter” — Apollonia (1984)

This sultry, funky track was originally part of the Purple Rain soundtrack, where Apollonia 6 performed it. Written by Prince, “Sex Shooter” showcased Apollonia’s sensual vocals, propelling her to brief fame before the group disbanded. Despite the campy, cheeky nature of the song, it became a beloved hit among fans.

12. “Round and Round” — Tevin Campbell (1990)

Young Tevin Campbell’s “Round and Round” was a standout track from the Graffiti Bridge soundtrack. The New Jack Swing vibe was perfect for Campbell’s sweet, youthful voice, and the song became one of his biggest hits. Prince’s influence is all over the track, from the production to the smooth melodies.

13. “Sugar Walls” — Sheena Easton (1985)

Prince was never one to shy away from risqué lyrics, and “Sugar Walls” is a prime example. Written for Sheena Easton, the track became an instant hit in dance clubs and even sparked controversy due to its sexual innuendo. It also earned Prince a place on the infamous “Filthy 15” list compiled by Tipper Gore’s Parents Music Resource Center.

14. “How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore” — Alicia Keys (2001)

Originally released as a B-side to “1999”, “How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore” became a beloved track among Prince fans. Alicia Keys covered the song in 2001, adding her own emotional depth to the heartbreak-laden ballad. Her version introduced the song to a new generation of listeners and became a minor hit.

15. “Love Song” — Madonna (1989)

Prince and Madonna’s collaboration on “Love Song” from Like a Prayer was a momentous, yet understated, creative union. While the song itself wasn’t a huge hit, it marked one of the rare occasions the two icons came together. Prince’s influence can be heard in the track’s sultry, electronic production, which added an extra layer of sensuality to Madonna’s already provocative style.

Prince’s legacy as a songwriter extends far beyond the music he released himself. Many of the songs he penned for other artists not only became massive hits but also shaped the careers of those who recorded them. His unique blend of funk, rock, and soul lives on in these tracks, each one a testament to his brilliance as a musical architect.