It’s been quite a while since my last roundup post, but this time I’m excited to delve into what I consider my personal favorite era for Prince, starting with the iconic album Dirty Mind. This album truly marks the beginning of a unique period in Prince’s career, and I’m eager to explore its depths and influence, particularly in the realm of 1980s Dance Songs. Let’s jump right into ranking the tracks from Dirty Mind and see how they contributed to the landscape of dance music in the 80s.
8. “Do It All Night”
Let’s be clear from the start: Dirty Mind is, in my view, Prince’s first album filled with back-to-back classics. So, when I place “Do It All Night” at the bottom of this list, it’s hardly a harsh critique. On an album that introduced a more daring and raw Prince, “Do It All Night” is one of the few tracks that could almost fit onto his previous record. While it’s still undeniably catchy, it leans slightly towards his earlier sound. However, as I’ve mentioned before, this song truly transforms in a live performance, becoming an extended jam session that highlights its danceable groove. Though it may be the ‘least’ groundbreaking track on Dirty Mind, within the context of 1980s dance songs, it showcases the foundational funk and R&B elements that Prince would build upon and revolutionize. It’s a solid dance track, just not as pioneering as others on this album.
7. “Sister”
Again, no disrespect is intended towards what remains Prince’s most direct nod to the punk aesthetic. “Sister” isn’t necessarily a standout song on its own, but it acts as a crucial bridge within the album. It escalates the playful vulgarity introduced in “Head” before transitioning into the politically charged “Partyup.” “Sister” embodies the raw energy and rebellious spirit that was also bubbling in the broader 1980s music scene, including dance music which was starting to incorporate punk and new wave influences. While you might not put “Sister” on repeat at a dance party, it’s integral to the album’s overall statement and the eclectic sound that was defining 1980s music. It shows Prince’s willingness to experiment and push boundaries, even within the framework of danceable music.
6. “Gotta Broken Heart Again”
I’ve previously confessed my fondness for Prince’s early, straightforward R&B ballads, and “Gotta Broken Heart Again” is among the simplest and purest of them. In the realm of 1980s dance music, ballads might seem out of place, but Prince often blended genres seamlessly. While not a typical high-energy dance track, “Gotta Broken Heart Again” showcases the emotional depth that Prince brought to his music, even within a decade known for its upbeat synth-driven sounds. This song, with its simple yet effective melody and heartfelt delivery, demonstrates the softer side of Prince’s artistry, a contrast that made his dance anthems even more impactful. Sometimes, I even think I might prefer it to “How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore?” (but please keep that between us!).
5. “Uptown”
This might be considered controversial, but for me, the significance of “Uptown” lies primarily in what it represents: the first glimpse into Prince’s grand utopian visions. It paints a picture of an idealized, multicultural Minneapolis, forged through sheer force of will. “Uptown” is an early example of the intersectional identity exploration that Prince would master in the years to come. As a song within the 1980s dance music landscape, “Uptown” is pivotal. It captures the spirit of urban life and the desire for inclusivity that resonated with many during that era. Musically, it might not excite me as much as “Controversy” would later, but “Uptown” is an essential building block in Prince’s discography and a vibrant example of the socially conscious dance music emerging in the 80s. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to cruise down city streets with the windows down, singing along.
4. “Dirty Mind”
Similar to “Do It All Night,” the title track “Dirty Mind” doesn’t break entirely new ground in terms of subject matter, but its sonic landscape is pure, pulsating future erotica. “Dirty Mind” points directly towards the deeper New Wave and electronic explorations that Prince would embrace later in the 1980s. As a cornerstone of 1980s dance songs, “Dirty Mind” is incredibly influential. Its raw, synth-driven sound and provocative lyrics epitomize the大胆ness and innovation that characterized the decade’s dance music. It’s a song that’s both sexually charged and sonically adventurous, perfectly capturing the spirit of a musical revolution. The minimalist yet powerful production makes it an unforgettable and undeniably danceable track.
3. “When You Were Mine”
“When You Were Mine” is arguably Prince’s best pop song to date and certainly one of his catchiest ever. In the context of 1980s dance songs, it showcases Prince’s ability to craft infectious melodies and relatable lyrics that transcend genre. This track has a universal appeal and a timeless quality that makes it perfect for any 80s dance playlist. Plus, it’s the one song on Dirty Mind that I can (somewhat) comfortably listen to with my five-year-old, which definitely earns it some bonus points in my book! Its upbeat tempo, singalong chorus, and emotional core make it a standout example of Prince’s pop sensibilities within his broader dance music repertoire.
2. “Head”
Yes, “Head” is “just” a funky song about oral sex, but it’s difficult to overstate its importance within Prince’s oeuvre. So much of his 1980s output, from the blending of musical styles to the controversial lyrics that landed him on the “Filthy Fifteen” list, can be traced directly back to “Head.” Within the realm of 1980s dance songs, “Head” is a seismic shift. It’s Prince’s “Brown Sugar” in a way: an unfiltered, almost obscene outpouring of raw desire that, nonetheless, reveals something profoundly significant about rock and roll and the evolving landscape of popular music. Its unapologetically explicit nature was groundbreaking for the time and paved the way for greater lyrical freedom in dance music and popular song in general. The funky bassline, the driving beat, and Prince’s audacious delivery make “Head” an unforgettable and utterly danceable anthem.
1. “Partyup”
My absolute favorite track on Dirty Mind is perhaps the least overtly “dirty” on the album. In my opinion, though, this sudden shift towards conventional politics at the album’s close actually amplifies the liberating charge of the other songs. “Partyup” is not just a great song; it’s a statement. In the world of 1980s dance songs, political and social commentary was becoming increasingly prevalent, and “Partyup” is a prime example. While Prince would explore current events even more explicitly on his next album, he wouldn’t achieve this level of effortless coolness, conciseness, or flair again. “Partyup” is a call to action wrapped in a funky, danceable package. Its message of unity and resistance, combined with its infectious groove, makes it the perfect culmination of Dirty Mind and a powerful anthem for the 1980s and beyond. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to move your feet while also thinking about the world around you.
In case anyone was wondering, this series of posts about Dirty Mind has been my longest yet, averaging 1,653 words per post, compared to 1,383 for Prince and 1,379 for For You. This album clearly gave me a lot to say!
I’m looking forward to venturing into the exciting post-Dirty Mind era next week. In the meantime, enjoy this Spotify playlist featuring these incredible 1980s dance songs from Prince’s Dirty Mind!
