Prince releases surprise new single, 'The Breakdown'

The Purple One is just full of surprises these days.

Hours after announcing plans for a new album, the release of previously unavailable material, and a special reissue of Purple Rain — all in partnership with “slave” label Warner Bros. Records, though it appears the two parties have made amends — Prince dropped another bombshell: his new single, “The Breakdown.”

It’s a contemplative, string-orchestrated funk ballad that Prince promises could be “the saddest story ever told.” Listen here and judge for yourself: