Prince famously tried to destroy all 500,000 copies before release, making original pressings some of the rarest records in existence. Originals (2019):
: 39 studio albums and 9 compilation albums . prince discography blogspot
Before we list the records, understand this: Prince released 39 studio albums during his lifetime. But that number is a lie. It doesn’t count the three albums he made with The Revolution as a band, the funky detours with The New Power Generation, or the hundreds of unreleased tracks locked in the legendary Vault at Paisley Park. Prince famously tried to destroy all 500,000 copies
Prince as a solo powerhouse, often performing every instrument himself. Essential Albums: Sign O' The Times Diamonds and Pearls Key Insight: Sign O' The Times But that number is a lie
Focus on Prince finding his sound and challenging boundaries. Essential Albums: Dirty Mind Key Insight: Dirty Mind
This is where the discography gets weird—and wonderful.
These archives served a crucial purpose. Because Prince was notoriously protective of his copyright—often scrubbing YouTube and social media of his content—these fan-run blogs were the only places where new listeners could learn about the "lost" albums. Projects like Camille, The Dawn, and the original configurations of Crystal Ball became legendary because of the detailed tracklists and histories shared in the blogosphere. The Vault Opens: From Underground to Official