Prince

Diamonds and Pearls

First released1991

Diamonds and Pearls was recorded primarily at Paisley Park Studios in Minneapolis between 1989 and 1991, with Prince serving as the primary producer alongside co-producer L.A. Reid. The album marked a significant shift toward a more mainstream, funk and new jack swing-influenced sound, incorporating contemporary production techniques and guest vocalists including Rosie Gaines and Mayte Garcia. Notable engineer and collaborator Sheila E. contributed percussion and arrangement work throughout the sessions. The production process reflected Prince's adaptation to early 1990s radio trends while maintaining his signature multi-instrumental approach and studio mastery. The album was released in October 1991 and became one of Prince's most commercially successful records, reaching number three on the Billboard 200.