The Purple One’s legacy continues to expand, proving that even a decade after his passing, the “Vault” at Paisley Park remains an inexhaustible goldmine of musical genius. To mark the 10th anniversary of Prince’s death, a hauntingly beautiful, unreleased recording of “With This Tear” has been officially unveiled, offering fans a raw glimpse into his creative process during one of his most prolific eras.
A Masterclass in Solo Craftsmanship
Recorded in November 1991 at the legendary Paisley Park studios, this version of “With This Tear” is a pure Prince solo performance. In his signature fashion, the multi-instrumentalist composed, produced, and performed every single note on the track. While the song eventually found a home on Celine Dion’s self-titled 1992 album—after Prince personally offered it to her—this original demo captures a vulnerability that only the High Priest of Pop could deliver.
The 2026 release isn’t just a dusty archive find. It has been meticulously remixed and remastered by Chris James, the acclaimed engineer and producer who worked closely with Prince on his final trilogy of albums: Art Official Age, Plectrumelectrum, and HITnRUN Phase Two. James’s involvement ensures that the track maintains its 90s soul while meeting modern sonic standards.
The Anniversary Celebrations: A Day 2 Reflect
The release of “With This Tear” serves as the opening act for a year-long tribute to the icon. Today, Paisley Park hosts the emotional event “A Day 2 Reflect | A Night 2 Remember,” where fans gather to honor his life and music.
This is just the beginning of a massive summer of tributes. From June 3rd to 7th, the 10th Anniversary Celebration of Life will take over both Paisley Park and Minneapolis. The five-day gathering promises more surprises, with “With This Tear” being the first in a scheduled series of unreleased gems set to drop throughout the year.
| Highlight Category | Details & Data |
|---|---|
| Song Title | “With This Tear” (Unreleased Solo Version) |
| Recording Date | November 1991 |
| Credits | Prince (All Instruments), Chris James (Remastering) |
| Trivia | Written for Celine Dion (Released in 1992) |
| Key Event | 10th Anniversary Celebration of Life (June 3-7) |