Songs That Prince Wrote For Other Artists

You know that feeling when you hear a song and think, “Wait, that’s Prince?” It happens more than you’d expect. The Purple One wasn’t just a legendary performer—he was a gift machine for other artists. He’d toss off a hit like you or I might order a coffee, then just walk away.

Why Should You Care?

Because these songs are like secret handshakes from music history. They’re little windows into Prince’s wild, genius brain. Plus, they sound like he’s winking at you from the speakers.

Imagine you’re at a party, and someone puts on “Manic Monday” by The Bangles. It’s a bouncy, perfect pop song. But here’s the kicker: Prince wrote it. He originally recorded it for his side project, then handed it over like a spare key.

The Big Hits You Never Knew

Let’s start with “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinéad O’Connor. Yes, that heart-wrenching ballad. Prince wrote it in 1985 for his band The Family, but it became a global smash for Sinéad. The story goes that Prince watched her music video and cried—and you will too, every time you hear that opening line.

Or take “I Feel For You” by Chaka Khan. It’s a funky, celebratory jam where Chaka spells out “Chaka Khan.” Prince originally recorded it for his 1979 album, but it was Chaka who turned it into a Grammy-winning monster. You can’t help but smile when you hear her shout his name.

Then there’s “The Glamorous Life” by Sheila E. This one’s pure Prince—synth hooks, playful lyrics, and a beat that makes you want to strut. He produced it and even sang backup. It’s like he lent her his favorite sequined jacket for a night.

Everyday Prince Magic

Think of Prince as that friend who bakes amazing cookies and then gives them away just to see people happy. He wrote “Kiss” for a different artist first—a male singer named Mazarati. When they didn’t click with it, Prince took it back and made it a classic. But he still gave them the production credit.

Remember the soft rock hit “How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore?” from Alicia Keys? Yep, Prince wrote that in 1982 as a B-side. She covered it decades later, and it felt like he’d slipped her a love note in a time capsule.

Even country stars got the treatment. He penned “U’ve Got the Look” for—wait for it—a collaboration with Sheena Easton? Actually, that one was his own. But he did write “The Right Kind of Love” for the TV show Beverly Hills, 90210. Because why not? He was that generous.

The Weird and the Wonderful

Prince also wrote songs that were too wild for him to release. Like “You Got the Look” (no, that’s not it)—try “Sexy Dancer” for Apollonia. Or the track “Wouldn’t You Love to Love Me?” for—well, he gave it to The Time, his protégé band. It’s a funk workout that sounds like a boxing match in a disco.

He even wrote for Celine Dion? Yes: “Love Is All We Need” in 1997. It’s a tender ballad that sounds like Prince humming through a red velvet curtain. Celine’s voice soars, but you can hear his ghost in the arrangement.

Why This Matters Over Coffee

Let’s bring it home. You’re at your desk, sipping lukewarm coffee, and your playlist shuffles to “Jungle Love” by The Time. You start nodding your head. That’s Prince’s funky fingerprint on your day.

Or maybe you’re driving, and “Sugar Walls” by Sheena Easton comes on. The lyrics are naughty, the beat is sleek. Prince wrote that one under a pseudonym, because he wanted the world to just enjoy it without his name getting in the way. That’s pure Prince: generous to a fault, a little mischievous.

These songs aren’t just footnotes. They’re little love letters from a genius who believed music belonged to everyone. He didn’t hoard his magic—he spread it like confetti. So next time you hear one, smile. Give a little nod to the lad from Minneapolis who made your day a tiny bit more purple.

And if someone asks, “Who wrote that?” you can lean in and whisper, “Prince.” Watch their eyes go wide. Then hit replay.