My favorite Prince song, I’m reticent to admit, is “Purple Rain.” The choice is a bit clichéd—it’s the title track from Prince’s most successful album (and first film)—and it’s hardly representative of Prince’s eclectic musical style or risqué lyrics. But what I love about “Purple Rain” is the searing guitar solo that transforms the gospel ballad into a showcase for Prince’s most defining qualities: his musicianship and technical prowess.

Watch the video of a live performance of the song below: