"Originals" is a posthumous album by American musician Prince, released through Warner Bros. Records on June 7, 2019, exclusively through Tidal, with a wide release following on June 21, 2019. The album consists of demos and outtakes of songs Prince had written and originally given to other artists for recording.
Recorded over the course of Prince's long-running career, the album includes songs that were eventually recorded by artists such as The Time, Sheila E., Vanity 6, Martika, and the Bangles. Highlights include the original version of "Manic Monday," which later became a hit for the Bangles; "The Glamorous Life," which turned into a successful single for Sheila E.; and "Nothing Compares 2 U," one of Prince's most-covered songs, made famous by Sinead O'Connor.
The album also highlights Prince's well-known practice of writing and demoing songs for other artists. The release of "Originals" reveals the creative process behind some of his biggest songs and gives fans a glimpse into his dynamic songwriting abilities.
With a comparatively prominent display of Prince's voice on songs performed by others and a focus on his formidable songwriting skills, the album stands as a testament to Prince's wide-ranging and influential career, besides providing an intriguing look at the songs that shaped pop culture during that period. All the tracks were selected collaboratively by Troy Carter, on behalf of The Prince Estate, and Jay-Z.
