A new Prince single has been released to mark the 10th anniversary of the iconic artist’s death. Listen to ‘With This Tear’ below.
The singer-songwriter passed away exactly a decade ago today, on April 21, 2016, of an accidental fentanyl overdose. He was 57 years old.
‘With This Tear’ has been shared from Prince’s extensive musical vault via his label NPG Records and Sony Music Entertainment’s Legacy Recordings.
“Recorded in 1991 at Paisley Park and newly mixed by Chris James, this track finds Prince in full command, writing, producing, and performing every note,” a description reads on Prince’s official social media channels.
“Later recorded and released by Céline Dion, the song now returns in its original form.”
James, a Grammy-nominated engineer/producer, is a longtime Prince collaborator who has also worked with the likes of Frank Ocean, Miguel and Janelle Monáe.
As aforementioned, Dion’s version of the emotional piano ballad appeared on her 1992 self-titled album – her second English-language record.
Reacting to Prince’s rendition finally landing on streaming platforms, the Canadian singer wrote: “‘With This Tear’ was a gift from Prince that I will always treasure. I have carried this song with me for so many years.
“To now hear his version, shared for the very first time, feels truly special. Celine xx…”
According to Prince’s estate, ‘With This Tear’ marks “the beginning of a number of unreleased Prince recordings scheduled for release this year, as part of a never-before-released Prince album project”. Further details are not yet known.
Today, Prince’s legendary Paisley Park studios outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is hosting a tribute event, dubbed ‘A Day 2 Reflect. A Night 2 Remember’. “We look forward to gathering with you to celebrate Prince’s spirit, music, and the love that continues to bring us together,” a post reads.
The late artist’s estate is staging another celebration in June, including a special live show featuring Prince’s former band members. Chaka Khan, Morris Day, Tevin Campbell, Sounds Of Blackness, Cassandra O’Neal and Bobby Z are also among the participating acts. Find more information here.
Earlier this year, Prince’s estate refused to allow his music to be used in the new Melania documentary. Producer Marc Beckman explained that a “lawyer that manages the estate” had got in touch, saying: “Prince would never want his song associated with Donald Trump.”
You can revisit NME‘s rundown of the best Prince songs ever here.
