Prince Dirty Mind (Vinyl LP)

Prince had made a name for himself with his self-titled sophomore record, but didn't really come into his own until the liberating Dirty Mind. The 1980 effort is the pop provocateur's third album, completely produced, arranged and composed by Minneapolis' favorite son. While it established parameters that Prince would follow for the remainder of the decade, the record also remains unique for its blend of rock, funk, pop, and new wave. Prince uses rock, rather than soul or R&B as the foundation here, and weaves the other styles around a demeanor that finds the singer/multi-instrumentalist both bluntly honest and fabulously furious. True to the album's title, Prince doesn't shy away from sexuality, with both "Head" and "Sister" guaranteed to make many ears blush and, well, nearly every other track on the record addressing desire, lust, and partying in one form or another. Seldom has any performer been so candidly outspoken and gifted with a genius reflected in the irresistible melodies, hooks, and grooves.