Prince’s 1984 single “When Doves Cry” became his first US No. 1 hit and helped build anticipation for Purple Rain and its accompanying film. The article highlights the song’s unusual production choice: Prince removed the bass line, creating a distinctive sound that set it apart from many contemporary pop records.

Engineer Peggy McCreary said Prince recognised that omitting bass was unconventional and saw it as a bold creative risk. Purple Rain was commercially successful, with the film grossing more than $70 million and winning an Academy Award for Best Original Score, though Prince later said the project’s enduring fame felt restrictive.