Prince Classic Topped the Charts 40 Years Ago Today. Is It His Greatest Hit?

Understandably, much attention is being paid this week to the  “King of Pop," as Michael Jackson’s biopic Michaeldebuts in theaters nationwide on April 24. However, this also marks an important week for Jackson’s “friendly rival,” the legendary Prince. It will mark 10 years on April 21 since he unexpectedly passed away at the age of 57. And today, April 19, is another momentous occasion in the life and legacy of “The Purple One,” as one of his most popular songs topped Billboard’s Hot 100 40 years ago. Remembering the track, it’s worth taking a moment to ask if it’s his greatest song ever. 

Prince’s “Kiss” Became a #1 Hit on April 19, 1986

Written and produced by Prince, “Kiss” was the lead single from his critically-acclaimed Parade album. The uptempo mastery in funk was released on February 5, 1986, and climbed its way to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 on April 19, a position it held for two weeks. In 2024, Rolling Stone dubbed it the 85th greatest song of all time, and with good reason. 

Outside of it being a top-charting hit, “Kiss” has managed to survive decades in pop culture. Even 40 years later, real lovers of music instantly know the song when they hear it, and at the very least can sing the chorus. The song has been sampled a few times, arguably most notably by Biggie Smalls featuring Lil' Kim and Puff Daddy for 1999’s “Would You Die for Me?”. And those younger millennials and Gen Zers know a cover of the song was prominently featured in 2006’s animated triumph, Happy Feet.

Now, is it fair to say “Kiss” is Prince’s best hit? There’s clearly an argument to say yes, but it’s worth debating against the point. 

“Kiss” is Great, But Prince Has an Even Better Song

As wonderful as the song is, and as much affinity as I have for it, it’s hard to say “Kiss” is Prince’s absolute best. He has so many hits under his belt and such an extensive catalog of music that arguments could be made for several other tracks, both uptempo and ballads, to be named his greatest. His most iconic album, Purple Rain, alone has a few songs that could be ranked higher than “Kiss”, including “When Doves Cry,” Let’s Go Crazy,” and, of course, “Purple Rain”. 

With all of that being said, and trying to be as objective as possible, I’d say that “Kiss” is, in fact, not his most iconic hit. Although it charted higher than “Purple Rain,” the legacy of the latter was cemented as the most significant song of his career in 2007 when he headlined the Super Bowl Halftime Show and sang “Purple Rain” in the rain. Take a look at the clip on YouTube, and don’t forget to queue up your Prince playlist to commemorate him this week.

Related: Janet Jackson Celebrates Another Milestone Today with Classic Album