Album of the Day

Prince was far from a household name when he released his eponymous second album, but in hindsight, the bold combination of R&B, funk and rock that would make him a global superstar was already coming into place. PRINCE was virtually a one-man-show, and the performer displayed significant growth as a singer, songwriter and instrumentalist in the short time since his debut. “I Feel For You” would later provide a hit for Chaka Khan, and with “I Wanna Be Your Lover,” released on this day in 1979, Prince scored his first Top 40 single. If the lyrics are less explicit than they would soon become, these songs are no less sexy, coaxed along by seductive vocals and some dazzling guitar work (check out the riffage on “Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?”). PRINCE certainly hints at future glories, but the Platinum-certified collection is also a mighty fine listen in its own right.