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Central to Prince's music was the groove. It was not just an element; it was the essence of his work. He believed that a track should remain compelling even if all vocals were muted, highlighting the strength of the rhythm section and musical performances. This unique perspective on groove ensured that his music remained danceable and engaging, maintaining momentum on the dance floor.

Melody and Rhythm: Dual Approaches

In crafting his songs, Prince oscillated between two main approaches: creating grooves first versus developing melodies upfront. While he often built rhythmic tracks first for dance-oriented songs, he also had occasions where he would start from a melodic idea, especially in ballads. This duality enriched his catalogue, ensuring versatility within his rich repertoire.