You know Musicology is cool. I like some songs but when I put it up against Rave? I like Rave so much better. When I think about how many songs I like on Musicology to how many songs I like on Rave...I just don't see how Musicology was the album to bring the media's attention back to Prince when I think Rave is a much better album overall.
[Edited 12/8/05 1:57am]

I used to prefer Rave to Musicology by a pretty wide margin. But after giving Musicology a bit more time, I definitely like it more as a whole.

The album doesn't really hit its stride until "A Million Days," but from there it's pretty consistently enjoyable. I've even grown to like the much-hated "Cinnamon Girl."

Despite having some gems, Rave is too inconsistent - I find myself skipping all over the place on the record, and the guest stars are just distracting. Still, songs like "Manowar" and "Strange But True" are some of Prince's strongest cuts of late, but the rest of the material is pretty uninspired. Musicology, despite being more low-key, at least sounds like Prince having fun again instead of going through the motions like he did in the Emancipation/Rave era.

Rave is inconsistent. But I still prefer it to Musicology. The latter comes across as more sedate and even boring in spots. Rave does too but not consistently. There are cuts that redeem the rest of the album. Admittedly, the guest stars are distracting. There's really no need for any Prince album to include rap. But hey, he does what he wants...

Undisputed and Hot With U woud both be better cuts without the rap. Pretty Man sounds like something he originally intended for Morris Day, but it's still cool. Kinda reminds me of the The Work on the RC cd. Okay not stellar works, but at least they're popping...get you out of your seat...Musicology seems so reserved by comparison.

there are *SONGS* on Rave that i prefer to anything on Musicology, but as a whole album, i prefer Musicology over Rave anyday. there's way more life in the production of Musicology - it sounds warmer and more alive to me. Rave sounds brittle and as if he's second-guessing himself all the way through. "Rave In2" really helped me appreciate the songwriting of this album with stronger remixes and alternate versions, but I think some really essential aspects of Prince's strengths as a producer came back with Musicology.

the two direst albums he has ever made... as bad as each other!

Rebeljuice said:

i don't see 'musicology' as dire. i just see it as kind of beige.

Anxiety said:

i would concur with this

my least favorite

i prefer rave over it frankly




it lacks heart

I'd happily throw both on the bonfire.

However, I'd enjoy watching Rave melt, just that little bit more.

I love the song "Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic" better than the whole "Musicology" album!!!

But as an album - I prefer "Musicology"!

"Call My Name", "A Million Days", "Reflection"...

Krystal666 said:

Agreed. Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic is highly underrated, and one of his best CDs from the 90's.

If I strictly go by number of songs I really like:

RAVE:

* Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic
* The Greatest Romance
* Tangerine
* So Far, So Pleased
* Man o War
* I Love U But I Don't Trust U Anymore
* Strange But True
* Pretty Man


MUSICOLOGY:

* A Million Days
* Call My Name
* What Do U Want me 2 Do?
* Dear Mr Man
* Reflection


9/5 ratio. I don't know, I just like Rave better. There
are bad songs on Rave too but only one is so bad you're
forced to skip it (Winding Road), on Musicology there r
a few more absolute stinkers imo. I just can't sit thru
that album at all.

**So Far, So Pleased is the best song of both albums,IMO. Other than that, Rave is pretty forgettable. Musicology is enjoyable from beginning to end.**

Apples to Oranges, but I'll go w/Rave.

I actually LOVE Rave (In2 and Un2)

Musicology is good, but just good. It served its purpose well

both albums were real good, but i have to go with musicology.

I loved some songs on Rave but not on Musicology. But Musicology as an album I like better. You really have to listen to it on a surround sound stereo or on headphones. Everytime I listen to it I hear something different. And it is better than the hype that came with it. Sure it is the more laid back and happy Prince but I think we are going to either have to get used to that idea or just stop listening all together.

Neither. They Both Suck Ass.

I bought Rave only yesterday and on first hearing, I felt that Prettyman sounded like some sort of prototype for Musicology's title song: very sparce use of guitar and quick, short horn parts (underneath Maceo's solo) and long-held keyboard chords. I think Prettyman has the better groove overall and cooler lyrics and finishes before it starts to sound like an idea that has nowhere to go.

PS. Can Prince come out to Australia again for the upcoming world tour? I missed him last time and I haven't been able to go to sleep at night since...

Musicology is a better album.

The songs are more soulful and have bit more life to them, while Rave was kind of cold and mechanical to me (with a few exceptions).


But Musicology sounds more like an album designed for live performances. It's easy to see how the songs on Musicology could translate to a great live show. The issue is that as a studio album, it's slightly bland.

Prince's choice of singles sucked on Musicology. I mean, "Call My Name" and "Cinamin Girl" ? :whafarted:

Rave all the way. i cant even listen to musicology album! ive tried and tried but still feel the same

catpark said:

Same here. I respect the opinions of others. But I just can't see the big deal in Musicology. It's just not as infectious as Rave. Look -- no one is saying Rave is another 1999. I just think it's preferable to Musicology. I cant' even listen to that cd. The only thing that sold it was Prince's live performances. Rave sounds contrived, true. But its still more accessible to the common man. Musicology is an acquired taste at best...

why are these two even being compared?!

SammiJ said:

Becuase they're both about vaginas. The issue here is the way in which each one expresses it's vaginal obsessions.

AsianBomb777 said:

ahhh...i see
thanks for clearing that up...
musicology is wetter, therefore...
it's better.

Anxiety said:

I couldn't have said it any better than that.

My least favourite song on "Musicology" I would take any day over anything on Rave. It's so clear which one is the better record. I mean, "Hot With U"? Gimme a break.

It's clear;Musicology as an album is better,has some
great song(A million Days,ICPC,What do U want me...,On the Couch,Life O'Party)
but Rave..does have some songs that touched me more,much more!
(ManO'war,I love U,but I don't trust...)but maybe that's because what I was
going through at the time.
Like So far,so pleased,Baby knows,Strange but true,Wherever I go a lot..
Damn,this album gets better listening 2 it now

Like we have said so many times be4,sometimes P could
use someone who just tells him:man,this song sucks!or this one doesn't
fit the album.

I posted a topic over 8 months ago asking which of the two albums people preffered, and most at that time seemed to prefer Musicology, by far if I recall correctly.

I reckon Rave may just stand the test of time a little better, for me Prince seems to have put more effort into it. Personally I can't really say I have a preference.

alxndrstff said:

I dont' doubt it. Musicology had a tour behind it. 8 months ago was 8 months closer to that tour and all the fond memories associated with it. It's not unlike the Purple Rain album. Many people feel that was his best work. Not because it necessarily was, but because of the hit movie and tour. Another reason why people preferred Musicology was because of the absence of guest stars. I'm the first to admit all the cameos grated on my nerves. The whole thing smelled like a publicity stunt. Just seemed like he was pandering to the public. None of that was the case with Musicology. So even though it wasn't a feast for the ears, Musicology comes across as a more genuine effort. I still prefer Rave though. Not because of the cameos, but in spite of them. Just like I love the Sxy MF song...but Tony M. has nothing to do with it..

one word; musicology