The Hits/The B-Sides
A definitive double-dose of chart-topping anthems and elusive studio rarities from the Purple Reign era.
The Hits/The B-Sides stands as a monumental double-album compilation in the discography of Prince Musician, released during the height of his creative dominance. It serves not merely as a greatest hits collection but as a curated archive that bridges his commercial triumphs with the experimental, unreleased gems often hidden from mainstream radio. By pairing chart-topping anthems with deep-cut B-sides and rarities, the release offers fans an unprecedented look at the breadth of his songwriting and studio prowess during the 1980s.
- Artist
- Prince
- Release Type
- Compilation Album (Double LP/CD)
- Era Covered
- 1978–1987
- Label
- Warner Bros. Records
- Format
- 2x Vinyl, 2x CD, Cassette
Lore & Background
The compilation also serves as a historical marker of his relationship with his record label and the music industry. By bundling these tracks together, Prince effectively controlled the narrative of his back catalog, ensuring that fans received high-quality recordings rather than relying on bootlegs or low-fidelity singles. It cemented his reputation not just as a pop star, but as an artist who viewed every recording session as a potential masterpiece, regardless of whether it was destined for a single release.
In Their Own Story
The neon lights of the Paisley Park studio flickered softly in the darkened control room. Prince sat alone at the mixing console, the glow of the VU meters reflecting in his sunglasses even though he had long since taken them off to rest his eyes. He spun through the reels of tape, stopping on a track that had been shelved years ago—a song with a funky bassline and a melancholic lyric that never made it onto the radio waves. 'They need to hear this,' he whispered to the empty room, realizing that these forgotten songs were just as much a part of his soul as the anthems screaming from the speakers outside.
Reader's Guide
The collection is structured across two discs, with the first dedicated to his most iconic singles from 1978 through 1987. These tracks include massive radio staples that defined an era, showcasing his evolution from a funk-rock newcomer to a global superstar. The second disc is where the true magic lies for collectors, featuring B-sides, alternate versions, and previously unreleased material recorded during those same sessions. Production credits are almost entirely attributed to Prince himself, often working alongside his band, The Revolution, or later, The New Power Generation. He handled the majority of instruments, engineering, and arrangement duties, reinforcing his status as a one-man army in the studio. The album was met with immediate commercial success, debuting high on charts worldwide and eventually achieving multi-platinum certification. Critically, the release is praised for its curation, offering fans a comprehensive survey of his songwriting without diluting the impact of his original albums. Key musical themes range from upbeat funk and R&B to synthesizer-driven new wave and introspective ballads. It remains an essential listening experience for understanding the sheer volume and variety of Prince's output during his most fertile period.
Did You Know?
- The album includes several tracks that were originally intended for other artists but were ultimately kept by Prince.
- It was one of the first major compilations to successfully pair hit singles with their corresponding B-sides in a cohesive double-album format.
- Many of the B-side tracks featured on this compilation were recorded during sessions for his classic albums like 'Purple Rain' and 'Sign o' the Times'.
- The release helped solidify Prince's reputation as one of the most prolific songwriters in music history.