For You (1978)
A song steeped in seventies sheen and Stevie panache, with tantalising glimpses of the future artist peeking through the mirrorball bokeh. There’s the multi-tracked vocals and a synth solo signalling the Minneapolis Sound he would later pioneer, but it’s the electric guitar that really imprints – imprince – his mark. An unconventional addition for the genre but more candidly emotive than anything the lyrics could muster. The words were not even Prince’s. Borrowed largely from a song a former producer had written, they later resulted in litigation and an out of court settlement. But they’re the weakest element of My Love is Forever and as meaningful as the “doo doo doo”s in the refrain. Aural texture. So play the song over the sound of running taps as you pour yourself a bubble bath and write ‘DEVOTION’ in reverse writing in the bathroom mirror. It’s music to soundtrack pampering and puppy love and the feeling there’s actually nothing conceivably terrible in this world. Innocent fun. Can you believe only two years separate this release from the wedding-gown-ruining Head?