Prince’s Vault Unearths Funky, Previously Unreleased Track ‘Stone’

Prince possessed an uncanny ability to transform the mundane into the extraordinary. Whether he was crafting a stadium anthem or a quiet, introspective ballad, his signature funk-infused sensibilities remained constant. This is perhaps best exemplified by his previously unreleased track, “Stone,” a song that has remained hidden in the artist’s legendary vault for nearly three decades.

“Take your icy hand and press it on this heart of stone,” Prince sings, delivering a metaphor that could easily feel cold or detached in other hands. Yet, under his direction, the track is anchored by a heavy, driving beat and a buoyant bassline that demands movement. Recorded in 1995—the same year he released The Gold Experience—the song was written by songwriters Sandra St. Victor, Tom Hammer, and Jules Van Even. It now serves as a centerpiece for the upcoming compilation, Timeless, which is scheduled for release on Aug. 28.

The 10-song collection, Timeless, offers a curated journey through the Purple One’s prolific career, featuring one track from every decade of his life. The compilation concludes with a poignant live performance of “How Come You Don’t Call Me Anymore?,” recorded in 2016, the year of his passing. The Prince Estate is currently previewing the album during the annual “Prince Celebration” in Minneapolis, with the full project set to be available on streaming platforms, CD, and vinyl.

This release follows the April debut of “With This Tear,” another archival gem featured on Timeless. Released to mark the 10th anniversary of his passing, that track showcases a different side of the artist; recorded in November 1991, shortly after the release of Diamonds and Pearls, it features Prince playing every instrument himself. While the song was later recorded by Celine Dion in 1992, the original version remains a testament to his singular creative vision.

Timeless Track List:

1. “I Am You” (1977)
2. “Tick Tick Bang” (1981)
3. “Heaven” (1985)
4. “I Wonder” (1989)
5. “With This Tear” (1991)
6. “Stone” (1995)
7. “Calabama” (2003)
8. “The Guilty Ones” (2007)
9. “Bestest Friend” (2012)
10. “How Come You Don’t Call Me Anymore? (Live)” (2016)