On the tenth anniversary of Prince's death, an unreleased composition “With This Tear” was presented. The release was timed to the date of April 21 — the day in 2016 when the musician passed away at the age of 57.
The new release is part of a broader initiative to unveil the artist's archives: representatives of his estate have already stated that this is just the beginning of a series of unreleased recordings that may be included in a full new album scheduled for release later this year.
Archive Recording from Paisley Park
The composition “With This Tear” was recorded back in 1991 at the Paisley Park studio. In working on the track, Prince took on all key roles — as a songwriter, producer, arranger, and performer, fully controlling the sound of the song. Later, this ballad gained fame in another interpretation: the song was performed by Celine Dion, who included it in her self-titled album in 1992. However, the original version by Prince remained in the archives for a long time and was not officially released.
Celine Dion's Reaction
After the release of the original version, Celine Dion publicly responded to the release, emphasizing the personal significance of this composition. According to her, the song has always held a special place in her life: “With This Tear was a gift from Prince that I will always cherish. I have carried this song with me for so many years. Hearing his version for the first time is truly a special moment.”
A New Chapter in Musical Legacy
The release of “With This Tear” highlights the scale of Prince's creative legacy, a significant portion of which remains unreleased. The musician, known for his versatility and ability to create music independently — from writing to recording all parts — left behind an extensive archive of recordings. The new release showcases a more lyrical and emotional side of the artist: the composition is a piano ballad with an emphasis on vocals and melody, revealing an intimate and sensitive aspect of his creativity.
What’s Next
Representatives of the artist's estate have already hinted that “With This Tear” is just the first in a series of upcoming releases. More previously unreleased recordings are expected soon, which may be compiled into a new posthumous project. Thus, a decade after Prince's death, his music continues to be rediscovered, offering listeners not only nostalgia but also previously unknown facets of the work of one of the most influential artists in contemporary music.
