Controversy
by Prince
Released: October 14, 1981
Pop, new wave, funk, rock, R&B
Why This Album Matters
This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.
The Album
"Controversy" is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Prince, released on October 14, 1981, by Warner Bros. Prince produced the album, wrote nearly all the songs, and performed most of the instruments. This album marked the first time Prince was associated with the color purple and featured sensational spelling in its song titles.
Interesting Facts
The title track opens the album, raising questions…
The title track opens the album, raising questions about Prince's race and sexuality.
"Private Joy" showcases a lighter, bubblegum pop-funk sound…
"Private Joy" showcases a lighter, bubblegum pop-funk sound, followed by "Annie Christian," which references significant historical events, including the murder of African-American children in Atlanta and John Lennon's death.
The final track, "Jack U Off," features a…
The final track, "Jack U Off," features a synthesized rockabilly style.
Essential Tracks
Do Me, Baby
It includes a chant of The Lord's Prayer, which some critics noted as "flirting with blasphemy." "Do Me, Baby" is an extended ballad with explicitly sexual lyrics, while "Ronnie, Talk to Russia" presents a politically charged message directed at President Ronald Reagan.
Private Joy
"Private Joy" showcases a lighter, bubblegum pop-funk sound, followed by "Annie Christian," which references significant historical events, including the murder of African-American children in Atlanta and John Lennon's death.
Ronnie, Talk to Russia
It includes a chant of The Lord's Prayer, which some critics noted as "flirting with blasphemy." "Do Me, Baby" is an extended ballad with explicitly sexual lyrics, while "Ronnie, Talk to Russia" presents a politically charged message directed at President Ronald Reagan.
Annie Christian
"Private Joy" showcases a lighter, bubblegum pop-funk sound, followed by "Annie Christian," which references significant historical events, including the murder of African-American children in Atlanta and John Lennon's death.
Jack U Off
The final track, "Jack U Off," features a synthesized rockabilly style.
Explore the Album
Prince - Controversy
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Reception
The album reached number three on the Billboard R&B Albums chart and was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. It was also voted the eighth best album of the year in the 1981 Pazz & Jop critics poll conducted by The Village Voice. It includes a chant of The Lord's Prayer, which some critics noted as "flirting with blasphemy." "Do Me, Baby" is an extended ballad with explicitly sexual lyrics, while "Ronnie, Talk to Russia" presents a politically charged message directed at President Ronald Reagan.
The Complete Album Story
"Controversy" is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Prince, released on October 14, 1981, by Warner Bros. Records. Prince produced the album, wrote nearly all the songs, and performed most of the instruments.
The album reached number three on the Billboard R&B Albums chart and was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. It was also voted the eighth best album of the year in the 1981 Pazz & Jop critics poll conducted by The Village Voice.
This album marked the first time Prince was associated with the color purple and featured sensational spelling in its song titles.
The title track opens the album, raising questions about Prince's race and sexuality. It includes a chant of The Lord's Prayer, which some critics noted as "flirting with blasphemy." "Do Me, Baby" is an extended ballad with explicitly sexual lyrics, while "Ronnie, Talk to Russia" presents a politically charged message directed at President Ronald Reagan. "Private Joy" showcases a lighter, bubblegum pop-funk sound, followed by "Annie Christian," which references significant historical events, including the murder of African-American children in Atlanta and John Lennon's death. The final track, "Jack U Off," features a synthesized rockabilly style.
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