Prince Estate Unearths Unreleased 1991 Track: A Glimpse Into His Vault

An intimate peek into Prince’s unreleased 1991 song “With This Tear” reveals the artist’s raw creativity during a pivotal era.

A Vaulted Gem: Prince’s Unreleased 1991 Track Emerges

Even more than ten years after Prince’s passing, his music continues to surprise and delight fans with fresh releases from his legendary vault. The latest treasure to see the light of day is “With This Tear,” a studio recording crafted in November 1991 that had remained unheard—until now. Released through NPG Records in partnership with Legacy Recordings, this track was written, produced, and performed entirely by Prince himself at Paisley Park, his iconic Minnesota studio.

The song has been carefully revived with a new mix and master by Chris James, a trusted collaborator who has worked with Prince over the years. It’s a rare chance to experience Prince’s artistry unfiltered and solo, providing an intimate snapshot of his early ’90s creative soul.

From Prince’s Hands to Céline Dion: A Tale of Two Versions

What makes “With This Tear” fascinating is its link to Céline Dion, who recorded and released her own rendition of the song in 1992 shortly after Prince created the original. While Dion’s version is marked by sweeping adult-contemporary grandeur, Prince’s own recording takes a completely different sonic path.

Instead of orchestral bombast, Prince offers a sparse, piano-driven arrangement punctuated by soft synthesizer textures and subtle orchestration. This stripped-down approach brings an intimate, vulnerable feel—making it less of a showpiece and more of a direct conversation with the listener.

The official video accompanying this release enhances that feeling beautifully. It stitches together archival footage and photos from across Prince’s life and career, creating a visual memoir that perfectly complements the song’s mood. Fans get to relive the enigmatic artist’s journey while soaking in the tender emotions behind this newly resurrected track.

A More Extensive Treasure Trove: What’s Next for Prince’s Vault?

The arrival of “With This Tear” is just the beginning. It’s being positioned as the lead single in a wider rollout of unreleased recordings tied to a never-before-heard Prince album project slated for release later this year. For longtime fans and music historians alike, this signals a thrilling new chapter in uncovering unheard music from one of the most prolific artists in history.

Honoring Prince’s Legacy: 10th Anniversary Commemorations

The timing of this release is no accident. It coincides with the 10th anniversary of Prince’s death on April 21, a date that fans and the music community observe with reverence through the event A Day 2 Reflect | A Night 2 Remember at Paisley Park. This all-day program offers a rich lineup of activities:

• Public tours of Paisley Park, the legendary creative hub
• Fan meetups at the NPG Music Club
• A listening lounge showcasing Prince’s music
• A poignant candle-lighting ceremony at 4:21 p.m.—a symbolic moment for his followers

As night falls, attendees enjoy a concert screening and gain expanded access to Paisley Park’s complex, further deepening the connection to Prince’s world.

Prince Celebration 2026: A Star-Studded Tribute in Minneapolis

Looking forward, the anniversary also kicks off the highly anticipated Prince Celebration: 10th Anniversary Celebration of Life, running from June 3 to 7 across Minneapolis. This event is historic in itself because it brings together members of Prince’s core bands—the New Power Generation and The Revolution—on the same stage for the first time in years.

Key participants include:

• Bobby Z and Lisa Coleman, longtime collaborators
• Morris Hayes and Tevin Campbell
• Other musicians from Prince’s expansive musical family

The event will also feature performances by an all-star lineup such as Chaka Khan, Miguel, Morris Day, Bilal, and El DeBarge.

In addition to live music, the celebration will spotlight seminal albums like Parade, Emancipation, and 3121. Fans can look forward to a large downtown sing-along and various fan events at the iconic First Avenue venue, making it a week full of shared memories and musical joy.

Reflecting on a Music Legend

Prince’s influence on music and culture remains profound, and releases like “With This Tear” help keep his spirit alive. Diving into this previously unheard track is like stepping into a private moment with an artist who always pushed boundaries and poured his soul into every note.

“With This Tear” trades the sweeping grandeur of Dion’s take for a sparse, piano-led arrangement with soft synth textures and subtle orchestration.

If you’ve ever been fascinated by Prince’s artistry, this track is a must-listen and a reminder of the vault’s hidden gems yet to be unveiled.

FAQ

• What is the significance of the track “With This Tear”?
  It is a previously unreleased song from 1991, showcasing Prince’s solo artistry before he passed it to Céline Dion for her 1992 version.
• Who handled the mixing and mastering of this release?
  Chris James, a longtime collaborator of Prince, remixed and mastered the track to preserve its intimate essence.
• What makes Prince’s original version different from Céline Dion’s?
  Prince’s version is a minimalist, piano-led arrangement with subtle synths, contrasting Dion’s grand, adult-contemporary style.
• Are there more unreleased tracks coming from Prince’s vault?
  Yes, “With This Tear” is the first release linked to a forthcoming album project of unreleased Prince material, expected later this year.
• What events are planned for Prince’s 10th death anniversary?
  Activities include public tours of Paisley Park, fan meetups, a candle-lighting ceremony, concert screenings, and the Prince Celebration in Minneapolis featuring core band members and guest artists.

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