Prince (album)

"Prince" is the second studio album by the American musician Prince, released on October 19, 1979, by Warner Bros. Records. The album was entirely written, arranged, composed, produced, and performed by Prince. It was regarded as more diverse than his debut album, For You, and received better critical and commercial acclaim. Robert Christgau noted in his review for Christgau's Record Guide that "this boy is going to be a big star, and he deserves it."

The album peaked at number 22 on the Billboard 200 and reached number three on the Billboard R&B Chart. It featured three hits on the Billboard Hot Black Singles: "Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?", "Sexy Dancer," and "I Wanna Be Your Lover." The latter became Prince's first hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number eleven, while also topping the Hot Black Singles chart. The album was certified Platinum by the RIAA just four months after its release.

Prince recorded the album in five weeks after Warner Bros. requested a follow-up to his debut. He had initially spent twice his recording advance on For You, which failed to produce a pop hit, though "Soft and Wet" reached number twelve on the R&B chart. Frustrated with his lack of success, Prince moved quickly to record his next album.

On October 19, 2019, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the album's release, Prince's estate released an acoustic demo version of "I Feel for You" as a single.