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

In 1979, Prince released his second album, Prince. Prince took full control over the production and composition of this album, and fused together his funk, rock, and pop influences.

The album also featured the first signs of his signature Minneapolis Sound, and includes his first successful single and first Top 40 hit, "I Wanna Be Your Lover." This song spent two weeks at number one on the R&B singles chart, and peaked at number 11 on Billboard's Hot 100.

The second single released from the album, "Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?" was more rock and roll inspired, however, failed to chart on Top 40. Another song appearing on the album was one of Prince's most successful pop hits, "I Feel Free."

This song was originally recorded as a demo for R&B artist Patrice Rushen, though the most successful version of the song was released by Chaka Khan in 1985, and won Prince a Grammy Award as songwriter for Best R&B Song.

Prince's self-titled release was considered more diverse and well-received than his debut, both critically and commercially. With this second release, Prince embarked on his first U.S. tour, usually playing every song from the album. In February 1980, the album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.