The Zen Pretzel Trick: The 25 Best Songs to Mourn Prince

On April 21st, 2016, the musical universe lost one of its brightest stars: Prince Rogers Nelson, known all over the world simply as Prince.

One of the reasons I adore* Prince's music, is that it is so diverse and covers such a wide range of topics. In his long career, he crafted songs about nuclear holocaust, music critics, sex tapes, religious awakenings, and more. No matter what your mood, your situation, your wants or your needs...there's likely a Prince song or two to help you celebrate, purge, guide, uplift, and grieve.

And so, as we adjust to a world without the unique brilliance of Prince Rogers Nelson, naturally, we turn to his music to celebrate his life and mourn his loss.

Whether you are a lifelong fan like yours truly...or are only now, after his death, learning why Prince is so cherished by so many, here's a list of the 25 Prince songs best suited for mourning this true musical genius who left us far too soon. And just as his music was diverse, so is this list: these songs run the gamut between heartfelt ballads to club hits and almost everything in between.

25) Welcome 2 the Dawn ("The Truth," 1998)

24) Starfish & Coffee ("Sign o' the Times," 1987)

23) Love ("3121," 2006)

22) My Love is Forever ("For You," 1978)

21) The Love We Make ("Emancipation," 1996)

20) Into the Light ("Chaos and Disorder," 1996)

19) The Arms of Orion ("Batman," 1989)

18) The Ladder ("Around the World In a Day," 1985)

17) Wherever U Go, Whatever U Do ("Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic," 1999)

16) Cream ("Diamonds and Pearls," 1991)

15) It's Gonna Be a Beautiful Night ("Sign o' the Times," 1987)

14) The Cross ("Sign o' the Times," 1987)

13) Anna Stesia ("Lovesexy," 1988)

12) Future Soul Song ("20Ten," 2010)

11) Let's Go Crazy ("Purple Rain," 1984)

10) Money Don't Matter 2 Night ("Diamonds and Pearls," 1991)

9) Call My Name ("Musicology," 2004)

8) Everywhere ("The Rainbow Children," 2001)

7) Beautiful, Loved & Blessed ("3121," 2006)

6) Free ("1999," 1982)

5) Still Would Stand All Time ("Graffiti Bridge," 1990)

4) Gold ("The Gold Experience," 1995)

3) Purple Rain ("Purple Rain," 1984)

2) I Wish U Heaven ("Lovesexy," 1988)

There is a particular sad irony in the #1 spot: this song is all about the death of a friend and the profound emotions that accompany such a terrible loss. I have used this song for years & years to help me get through the deaths of those near & dear to me...and never in a million years did I think that Prince's death would occur in the same month as the subject of this song. Like the true showman he was, he got his curtain call at exactly the right time. Although this song isn't one of his most popular or well-known tunes, it was the clear choice for #1:

1) Sometimes it Snows in April ("Parade," 1986)