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Prince Rogers Nelson, more popularly know as Prince, would have today (June 7) celebrated his 64th birthday.

The star, who died in 2016, rose to prominence in the 1980s. The musician, who made hits upon hits, in 1979 was a part of the band, Prince and Revolution, who split seven years later.

He is widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians of his generation, known for his flamboyant, androgynous persona and wide vocal range,

Known for taking risks and crossing lines, be prepared for a few unorthodox music videos and lyrics ahead as we take a look at eight Prince songs to add to your playlist.

8. Let’s Go Crazy

The 1984 Prince-produced track, Let’s Go Crazy is from the star’s Purple Rain album. Let’s Go Crazy, the first track on the album, opens the Purple Rain film as well.

The record inspires all to rise above the occasion.

7. Sign O’ The Times

The lead single from the album of the same name, was released in 1987.

This very bleak track speaks about drugs, AIDS and violence, which at the time were prominent issues in the United States.

6. When Doves Cry

Another track from the Purple Rain album, When Doves Cry, is said to have been inspired by the star’s relationship with vocal trio Vanity 6 member, Susan Moonsie.

Aside from writing and composing the track, the Purple Rain star played all the instruments.

5. 1999

The first track on the star’s album of the same name, 1999 was released in 1982. The song asks the listener to live their life until they can’t anymore, or party ‘til it’s 1999′.

4. Kiss

The lead single from Prince’s eighth studio album Parade, Kiss, became one of the singer’s most popular songs.

Heavily featured on the singer’s second film, Under The Cherry Moon, Kiss was released in 1986.

3. Darling Nikki

The fifth track on the Purple Rain album, Darling Nikki, done by Prince and the Revolution, tells the story of the singer’s sexual encounter with someone named Nikki. The song, explicit in nature, delves into sex, S&M and masturbation, very taboo topics at the time of its release.

Met with much backlash, the track is said to be partly responsible for the mid-80s music censorship movement.

2. Purple Rain

The ninth track on the album of the same name, Purple Rain performed by Prince and The Revolution, was released in 1984.

Explaining the song’s meaning, Prince said it, “pertains to the end of the world and being with the one you love and letting your faith/god guide you through”.

1. The Beautiful Ones

This 1984 Prince-produced track begins as a plaintive ballad, Prince’s falsetto, with expressions of passion for unrequited love. 

As agitation over the situation builds the drumming becomes more intense, an angry electric guitar line is introduced, and Prince’s falsetto turns to an all-out wail.

The track was covered by American singer-songwriter Beyoncé at her 2011 Glastonbury performance and on her Formation World Tour.