"For You" is the debut studio album by American recording artist Prince. It was released on April 7, 1978, by Warner Bros. Records. The album is the first to feature the production and singing skills of Prince.
Prince was only 19 years old when he began recording the tracks for the album. This album exhibits the remarkable breadth of Prince's abilities, marking him as a prodigious talent able to produce at a high level of quality across various genres. The album was written, arranged, composed, produced and performed entirely by Prince, with the singer also playing all the 27 instruments on the album.
"For You" includes nine songs, with the most notable hit being the single "Soft and Wet." The album also includes tracks like "Just as Long as We're Together." It is known for its rich blend of genres, including elements of funk, R&B, soul, pop, and soft rock.
The album was a modest success. Prince was far from the global superstar he would later become, but "For You" put him on the map and demonstrated his wide-ranging talent that would come to fruition in the following years. Despite its commercial performance, the album was critically well-received and is still appreciated by fans for its eclectic mix and innovative style.
Within this musical project, Prince began to form his characteristic style, which would evolve and become more distinct in his later works. Thus, this album is an essential part of his musical journey, revealing the foundations of his musical identity.
