July 7 marks Prince Day, a celebration of one of the most groundbreaking and influential artists in modern music history. This year is especially significant as it marks 10 years since Prince passed away, while his music and influence continue to shape artists and audiences around the world.
Prince was far more than a performer. He was a songwriter, producer, arranger, bandleader, and multi-instrumentalist whose work reshaped pop, funk, rock, soul, and R&B. Famous for recording entire albums largely on his own, Prince pushed musical boundaries while maintaining complete creative control, inspiring generations of artists to embrace individuality and artistic freedom.
Over four decades, Prince built a catalogue defined by fearless experimentation, unforgettable grooves, emotional honesty, and extraordinary musicianship. He could shift effortlessly from stripped-down funk to arena rock, from intimate ballads to explosive dance tracks, often within the same album. His influence can be heard across artists like Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, the Weeknd, Janelle Monáe, and Lenny Kravitz, all of whom reflect elements of his blend of performance, rhythm, style, and genre-defying creativity.
Prince also transformed live performance and visual identity in popular music. His flamboyant stage presence, towering heels, statement suits, and unapologetic embrace of androgyny helped redefine what a mainstream artist could look and sound like. He wrote, produced, and elevated the careers of artists including Chaka Khan, Sheila E., the Time, and the Bangles. Long before it became common, Prince fought publicly for ownership of his music, helping inspire artists to demand greater creative and financial control over their work.
Prince was also one of music’s greatest live performers. His 2007 Super Bowl halftime show remains one of the most iconic performances in music history, featuring a rain-soaked rendition of “Purple Rain” that perfectly captured his stage presence, musicianship, and ability to turn performance into pure emotion. Whether playing guitar solos, leading a band, or commanding an arena with minimal production, Prince understood how to create tension, release, and connection through rhythm.
That same sense of groove and momentum makes his music exceptionally powerful in the studio. His songs can drive climbs, lock riders into tempo, and create moments of emotional release that feel larger than the room itself.
To celebrate Prince Day, we suggest adding one or more of his songs to your playlist. Below are a few iconic tracks that continue to move generations of listeners and riders alike.
When Prince left this world in 2016, Jennifer created a tribute ride (threshold intervals). This ride is timeless; use it as is, or as a foundation to create your own tribute.
Purple Rain, 4:05 or 8:41, 113 bpm
One of Prince’s most emotional and recognizable songs, “Purple Rain” builds patiently before opening into a soaring release of sound and feeling. Available in both a shorter and extended version, the track works beautifully for a sustained seated climb or progressive resistance effort. At 113 bpm, instructors may choose to ignore the rhythm entirely and instead use the song’s energy and emotional build to guide the climb as riders settle in and let the music carry the work forward.
Kiss, 3:46, 111 bpm
Impossible not to move to, “Kiss” earned Prince a Grammy Award and remains one of his funkiest and most recognizable tracks. Its crisp rhythm and playful energy make it a great fit for cadence work. Start below the beat, then surge the legs to catch the rhythm on each interval. The song works especially well with 20 seconds on/20 seconds off efforts, creating a controlled but energetic push.
When Doves Cry, 5:52, 126 bpm
The #1 song of 1984, “When Doves Cry“ is dark, layered, and emotionally charged. Its intensity and driving pulse make it well-suited for a sustained climb, and at nearly 6 minutes long, it creates a great challenge for riders to settle in and hold threshold as the tension steadily builds throughout the track.
Let’s Go Crazy, 4:40, 98 bpm
Beginning with one of the most iconic spoken introductions in pop music, “Let’s Go Crazy“ quickly transforms into pure release and momentum. The song is about rising above temptation and living life to the fullest, making it a perfect way to start a ride. Use it as a warm-up or flat road effort, allowing riders to gradually build energy and settle into the rhythm.
1999, 6:19 or 3:38, 119 bpm
This party anthem captures Prince’s ability to make music that feels both carefree and urgent. The chorus, “So tonight I’m gonna party like it’s 1999,” essentially means to live in the moment and enjoy life to the fullest because—as the song states—“parties aren’t meant to last.” Use the chorus to surge the legs, or add resistance in a standing or seated position for this 60 rpm climb. For the shorter version, the chorus is at 1:04–1:20 (16s), 1:52–2:09 (17s), and 2:48–3:26 (38s).
Little Red Corvette, 3:08, 123 bpm
One of Prince’s signature crossover hits, “Little Red Corvette” combines synth-driven momentum with a smooth, steady groove. Picture yourself cruising up a mountain as you power through with leg surges. Start at 62 bpm and surge the legs +10 rpm at 0:46–1:02 (16s), 1:33–2:05 (32s), and 2:20–2:55 (35s).
Prince’s music rewards individuality, expression, and commitment. His songs remind us that rhythm is not just about keeping time. It is about emotion, feeling, confidence, and knowing when to push beyond expectations.
A musical innovator. A fearless performer. And an artist whose sound still feels completely his own.
We’d love to know your favorite Prince tracks and how you would use them in the cycling studio.