When Doves Cry / "17 Days..."
by Prince
- Type: Single
- Released: 16 May 1984
- Label: Warner Bros.
- Country: United States
- Length: 7:43
- Community rating: 4.49/5 from 5 ratings
Album Notes & Community Reviews
Written specifically for the 'Purple Rain' film, this avant-garde pop masterpiece famously lacks a bassline鈥攁 last-minute mixing decision by Prince to give the track an unusually stark, haunting atmosphere. The song opens with an aggressive, heavily distorted guitar solo before transitioning into a skeletal drum-machine beat and layered synthesizer motifs. It became the top-selling single of 1984, showcasing Prince's absolute control over every aspect of his production.
Genres
Descriptors: rhythmic, melodic, breakup, male-vocals, funky