Dearly Beloved - A Prince Songbook

This new 3CD digipack is the most comprehensive compilation to date of Prince’s songs as recorded by other artists. Among the 52 tracks are many written and produced specifically for other acts, plus hit cover versions and obscure homages to the songwriting genius. Featuring major pop hits penned for The Bangles, Sheena Easton, Martika and more, plus R&B smashes for Nona Hendryx, André Cymone and Meli’sa Morgan, as well as lesser- known latter-day collaborations with Shelby J, Ana Moura and Van Gogh.

Artists showcased range from crossover superstars (Kenny Rogers, Pointer Sisters) to jazz- funk legends (Maceo Parker, Herbie Hancock), electro pop pioneers (Robyn, Peaches) to alt rock and country mavericks (Amanda Palmer, Lambchop) and beyond.

With a full colour 32-page booklet that includes new interviews with many of the acts featured and historic quotes, plus essay by album curator ex-Attitude editor Adam Mattera

A must for all die-hard Prince fans.

The most expansive compilation to date of the great Prince Roger Nelson’s deep and diverse songbook as covered by other artists with 52 tracks, spanning a wildly diverse range of styles from giddy pop to blistering R&B, sophisticated jazz to alt country balladry.

Disc 1 focuses on tracks he gifted specifically to other artists, including million-selling hits for The Bangles (‘Manic Monday’) and Sheena Easton (‘Sugar Walls’), songs crafted for his funk forebears (Patti LaBelle, Kid Creole) and longterm bandmates (Brownmark, Rosie Gaines), as well as rare, lesser- known cowriting collaborations with the likes of gospel powerhouse Shelby J and fado starlet Ana Moura.

Disc 2 collates a range of soul, funk and jazz-leaning covers that showcases major US R&B hits for Meli’sa Morgan (‘Do Me Baby’) and Stephanie Mills (‘How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore’) alongside dynamic takes on Prince classics by Corinne Bailey Rae, Cypress Hill founding member Mellow Man Ace and more, plus heartfelt homages like Grammy-winning jazz star Bobby Sparks’ recording of ‘Sometimes It Snows In April’.

Meanwhile, Disc 3 widens the remit to feature more leftfield takes on his catalogue including 7 Hurtz’ punchy Peaches-led electro pop rework of ‘Sexy Dancer’, Hue & Cry’s bebop-inspired reimagining of ‘Sign O’ The Times' and alt rocker Amanda Palmer’s majestic take on ‘Purple Rain’.