[youtube id=”FyfF20APPrA”]Graffiti Bridge was Prince’s fourth film and the sequel to Purple Rain. Prince returned as The Kid and his new battle with Morris Day was over ownership of Glam Slam, one of four clubs in the territory known as Seven Corners. The movie did not have the kind of excitement around it as to be expected for the followup to Purple Rain but the soundtrack proved to be another great step in his creativity. The ’80s had ended and Prince not that far away from the greatness of his 1989 Batman soundtrack. “Thieves In The Temple”‘s tranquil approach was a different sound that used a harmonica sample, Middle Eastern melodies and thunderous drums in its contemporary funk. The visage of Prince dancing in the video became synonymous with the song. “Thieves In The Temple” was a no. 1 R&B hit and a Top Ten pop song that was reintroduced in clubs after Junior Vasquez remixed it into a house music version. Herbie Hancock covered “Thieves In The Temple” The New Standard, his 1996 album of pop cover songs. Graffiti Bridge the movie did not equal the hype but fans were happy to see Prince in any circumstance The album had choice songs, excellent performances from Prince and the privilege of Mavis Staples and Tevin Campbell who also appeared in the movie. 

[youtube id=”fy4Scr_nbbI”] Mavis Staples recorded “Melody Cool” for Prince’s Graffiti Bridge soundtrack and the song also appeared on her ’93 album, The Voice. Prince wrote “Melody Cool” and worked with Staples on multiple occasions. He was a fan of Staples and her gospel star family members The Staple Singers. Prince produced Staples’ The Voice and Time Waits For No One albums for his Paisley Park Records. She became one of the few R&B veterans Prince made relevant again with his music. Staples performed “Melody Cool” in Graffiti Bridge and attracted a new generation of fans. The addition of Staples’ singing to the soundtrack is another reason why Graffiti Bridge is more admired for its music thank its cinematic value. Staples’ 14th studio album, Livin’ On A High Note was released at the beginning of 2016.

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Tevin Campbell – Round and round by welcomeback

“Round and Round” was Tevin Campbell’s first single from his debut album T.E.V.I.N. Prince wrote “Round and Round” and Campbell performed the song in his Graffiti Bridge movie. Campbell’s first hit earned him one of five career Grammy nominations and his appearance in Prince’s rock drama bolstered his fame as an R&B prodigy. Graffiti Bridge was the sequel to Purple Rain and critics called it a weak film but the soundtrack and musical performances engaged Prince’s fans with his new funk/pop output. Tevin Campbell is releasing his new single, “Safer On The Ground” in 2016.