Click above to hear an audio version of this review, with musical selections. Audio produced by Derrick Stevens.

In 1978, Prince hit the ground running with his debut album For You. At 19 years old, Prince is listed as playing all 27 instruments on this album. It was the first to be stamped with the accolade "produced, arranged, composed and performed by Prince."

His upbringing was marked by a diverse collection of music: influences from James Brown, Miles Davis, Carlos Santana and Earth, Wind and Fire. They're all evident, even on this early release.

Singles like "Just as Long as We're Together" and "Soft and Wet" still hold up in Prince's canon, and they indicate an early mastery of pop composition and funky production. Even though it only saw modest success on the charts, that's not too shabby for a debut album.

For You would set the stage for what was to come from this legendary artist.