What is Chino Moreno’s favorite song? The Deftones frontman revealed that his all-time favorite track comes from one of the biggest artists of the ’80s and was a significant part of his youth. During an appearance on Aaron Bruno of AWOLNATION’s Totally Committed Podcast, the Deftones singer discussed his all-time favorite track and what makes it special.

What Is Chino Moreno’s All-Time Favorite Song?

The Deftones frontman confidently proclaimed, “My favorite song of all-time would have to be ‘The Beautiful Ones‘ [by] Prince.”

Explaining why the Purple Rain soundtrack song resonates with him, Moreno shares, “[It’s] an emotional rollercoaster. Great vocals, music’s fucking beautiful.”

He adds, “The first time I heard it was probably when I watched the movie [Purple Rain] as a kid. So you really get the visual of what’s happening in the movie. It’s a real kind of transition in the film when Apollonia first realizes that she’s truly down for Prince as opposed to Morris [Day]. But he wins her over with that song, and by the end, she’s just crying.”

Moreno comments, “Musically, there are so many little things that happen. I think it’s maybe two-thirds of the way through the song when this keyboard, a real sort of diminished keyboard, comes in and it’s an emotional tune, man.”

Despite Moreno’s affection for the song, it was not released as a single at the time of the soundtrack and film’s release. However, he is not alone in his fondness for the track; it has been covered by Mariah Carey with Dru Hill and the Bad Plus among others.

Prince and the Revolution, “The Beautiful Ones”

Where Does Prince Rank for Chino Moreno?

In the same discussion, Bruno asked Moreno how he felt about Prince compared to other superstars of that era. When asked about how Prince compared to ’80s era Michael Jackson, the singer revealed, “I had that same debate with my sisters and everybody growing up as a kid.” Although he did not pick a side, he confessed, “I loved them all. And it’s crazy. It was like that was pop music. When we were kids, that was on the radio. It was pretty rad.”

When another one-on-one battle was proposed with Bruno bringing up the chameleonic David Bowie, Moreno was less diplomatic, adding, “I’d still have to go Prince.”

READ MORE: Deftones Chino Moreno Addresses Status of Lost ‘Eros’ Album

While Moreno has an affinity for Prince, he’s only dared to cover the purple one once. According to Setlist.fm., on Halloween 2003, the Deftones played a partial cover of “Purple Rain” during a performance in San Diego.

Deftones’ Chino Moreno Guests on the Totally Committed Podcast