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Thread started 06/07/13 12:51pm

JabarR74

10 reasons Prince was the greatest artist of the 1980s

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Black Music Month: 10 reasons Prince was the greatest artist of the 1980s

10:13 AM EDT
6/7/2013 by Stereo Williams

prince

Happy Birthday, Prince Rogers Nelson.

The legendary funk-rock-pop-soul musician turns 55 today (June 7th) and there isn’t a better time to acknowledge the greatness and remarkable legacy of one of the greatest artists of his era.

No, actually–the greatest artist of his era.

No disrespect to the King of Pop or the Boss or the Material Girl, but from a strictly musical standpoint, no other artist influenced the sounds and styles of recording artists in the Decade of Excess quite like Prince. Maybe he didn’t have the most iconic videos of his era and maybe he wasn’t a constant fixture in the media, but when it comes to the actualmusic, there’s really no debate as to who cast the biggest artistic shadow.

Don’t agree? Well, here are 10 reasons why Prince was the greatest artist of the 1980s…

prince2

No. 10 Re-igniting black rock music for the MTV generation

Prince embraced hard rock and New Wave just as the video age dawned; and by the end of the decade, acts like Lenny Kravitz and Living Colour were charting hits. Even Michael Jackson’s more rock-oriented songs came after Prince’s 1980 breakthrough album, Dirty Mind.

prince4

No. 9 Constant musical reinvention

At the start of the 80s, Prince was known for funk music and was beginning to embrace New Wave. By 1984, his “Minneapolis Sound” was in full swing. He never stayed in one place creatively: moving on to Beatle-esque psychedelia in 1985 and 1986 before embracing everything from hip-hop to Velvet Underground-ish minimalism in 1987 and ’88.

red_hot_chili_peppers

No. 8 Providing a template for funk-rock bands

By the end of the 1980s, funk rock bands like Jane’s Addiction, Faith No More and the Red Hot Chili Peppers were gaining momentum with a brash mix of funky grooves and guitar-driven rock riffs–a sound that was largely popularized by The Purple One.

prince1

No. 7 Insanely prolific

He released virtually an album-and-a-half every year from 1980 to 1989, and that’s not counting bootlegs, B-sides and the numerous side projects that served as outlets for his creativity. To put that in perspective: in the time between Michael Jackson releasingThriller (1982) and Bad (1987), Prince released five albums–including a double set.

ready_for_the_world

No. 6 The “Minneapolis Sound” came to dominate popular music

After Prince’s crossover stardom with 1999, his “Minneapolis Sound” (a continuation of Stax-ish soul that essentially replaced horns with synths and featured hard funk and dance grooves) became the defining sound of 80s pop. From Ready For the World’s “Oh Sheila” to Stevie Nicks’ “Stand Back,” to Full Force’s work with Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam.

the_time

No. 5 Also brought to you by Prince…

The Time, Vanity, Sheila E., The Family, Jesse Johnson, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Alexander O’Neal. They were all at one point or another shepherded by His Royal Badness during his creative and commercial peak.

prince5

No. 4 “Written, produced, arranged and performed by Prince”

No artist of the MTV era epitomized the idea of a self-contained creative force better than Prince. Even though he would often work with bands like The Revolution or New Power Generation and others, his ability to put together entire albums on the strength of his own ability made him one of pop’s most respected hitmakers.

sheena_easton

No. 3 He wrote how many hits for other artists?

“Sugarwalls” by Sheena Easton. “Manic Monday” by the Bangles. “I Feel For You” by Chaka Khan. “Nasty Girl” by Vanity 6. “Get It Up” by the Time. “Glamorous Life” by Sheila E. “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinead O’Connor. Those are just some of the hit songs he tossed out to other artists.

around_the_world_in_a_day

No. 2 Prince, Controversy, Around the World In A Day, Parade andLovesexy

There’s something to be said for watching an artist at their creative pinnacle. And Prince in the 80s was at his pinnacle. Even the albums that weren’t quite universally-acclaimed still sound fresh and spawned hit singles and classic album tracks.

sign_o_the_times

No. 1 Dirty Mind, 1999, Purple Rain and Sign o’ the Times

But if you don’t quite grasp why people make such a big fuss over some little guy from Minneapolis that dresses funny–these are the albums that cement his greatness. Like all great art, Prince’s best work both defines its era and transcends it; on these albums (and virtually everything he did over that period) you hear the Prince that influenced everyone from D’angelo to Pharrell Williams, and you see the vision and undeniable talent of a man who shaped his era as much as any artist ever could.

Source: http://rollingout.com/mus...the-1980s/

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Reply #1 posted 06/07/13 1:34pm

thedance

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wrong: “Written, produced, arranged and performed by Prince”...



right: "Produced, arranged, composed and performed by Prince"... music


Thanks for posting, and right: Noone could beat Prince back then..!



worship worship

Prince 4Ever. heart
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Reply #2 posted 06/07/13 3:47pm

SuperSoulFight
er

^C'mon, Dance, that's nitpicking... I totally agree with all of the above & would like 2 add 2 things:
-He survived the biggest flop ever (the Under the Cherry Moon film.)
-He had the sheer guts to withdraw a ready-made album at the very last moment.
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Reply #3 posted 06/07/13 4:22pm

Shawy89

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Despite being a producer on his own, and writing his own material, Prince failed to have an impact on 80's music listeners, cuz y'all noticed that he had an impact on artists, on bands, on musicians, but not all the listeners who know nothing but listening, unlike MJ who managed to make everybody fall in love with his music. In terms of creativity and musicanship, nobody back then was better than Prince, but in terms of good music that doesn't lack a thing and suits everybody's taste, and shows that everyone would die to go to, MJ killed that, and MJ had a sick impact on the whole world.. he's IMO the greatest artist of 1980's because he respected what others like so he presented them a music that would last in their homes for generations.

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Reply #4 posted 06/07/13 5:18pm

nursev

all true cool

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Reply #5 posted 06/07/13 5:27pm

JabarR74

Shawy89 said:

Despite being a producer on his own, and writing his own material, Prince failed to have an impact on 80's music listeners, cuz y'all noticed that he had an impact on artists, on bands, on musicians, but not all the listeners who know nothing but listening, unlike MJ who managed to make everybody fall in love with his music. In terms of creativity and musicanship, nobody back then was better than Prince, but in terms of good music that doesn't lack a thing and suits everybody's taste, and shows that everyone would die to go to, MJ killed that, and MJ had a sick impact on the whole world.. he's IMO the greatest artist of 1980's because he respected what others like so he presented them a music that would last in their homes for generations.

Well, there was one thing Prince managed to accomplish that MJ never did. And that's this..............

he won an Oscar

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Reply #6 posted 06/08/13 5:10am

SuperSoulFight
er

Shawy89 said:

Despite being a producer on his own, and writing his own material, Prince failed to have an impact on 80's music listeners, cuz y'all noticed that he had an impact on artists, on bands, on musicians, but not all the listeners who know nothing but listening, unlike MJ who managed to make everybody fall in love with his music. In terms of creativity and musicanship, nobody back then was better than Prince, but in terms of good music that doesn't lack a thing and suits everybody's taste, and shows that everyone would die to go to, MJ killed that, and MJ had a sick impact on the whole world.. he's IMO the greatest artist of 1980's because he respected what others like so he presented them a music that would last in their homes for generations.


NO! I admit to being a MJ fan when I was 16, but a year later I discovered Prince and have had no need to listen to Jacko ever since. So saying he made everybody love his music gets on my nerves as much as...eh... Jacko's music. I usually avoid making comments about him because you can't argue about taste, but for just this one time: MJ represents everything I don't like about pop music: videos, drum machines, image, moneymaking, in other words, everything that's not music! I admit he was a good dancer though.
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Reply #7 posted 06/08/13 5:44am

Sassey

I agree with Stereo Williams. Prince was the greatest artist of the 1980's.

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Reply #8 posted 06/08/13 5:53am

thedance

avatar

Shawy89 said:Despite being a producer on his own, and writing his own material, Prince failed to have an impact on 80's music listeners, cuz y'all noticed that he had an impact on artists, on bands, on musicians, but not all the listeners who know nothing but listening, unlike MJ who managed to make everybody fall in love with his music. In terms of creativity and musicanship, nobody back then was better than Prince, but in terms of good music that doesn't lack a thing and suits everybody's taste, and shows that everyone would die to go to, MJ killed that, and MJ had a sick impact on the whole world.. he's IMO the greatest artist of 1980's because he respected what others like so he presented them a music that would last in their homes for generations.

^ only 2 (yes, 2 only!) albums was released by Michael Jackson, 82 + 87.

Prince had no less than 10 excellent albums in that decade (if you includes the Black Album bootleg).

Prince was unbeatable in the 1980s, sure he was the greatest artist of the decade.

Like in the case of MJ who faded away in 95 (right after HIStory), Prince faded away at the same time, right after 1995 (The Gold Experience).

But both were amazing - and defined the 80's,

I still think Prince was the most interesting and definately the most productive, back then he just was unstoppable, changing styles, and musical directions all the time..

And yes he won an Oscar. headbang

.

[Edited 6/8/13 5:55am]

Prince 4Ever. heart
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Reply #9 posted 06/08/13 6:06am

Shawy89

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So that means Adele is better than Amy Winehouse cuz Adele has an oscar?

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Reply #10 posted 06/08/13 6:08am

thedance

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^ Oranges and apples, oil and water... wink



Edit: I love both the music by MJ and Prince,

But like oil and water: they sure don't mix that well...

maybe you could say that MJ was "bad" (good) for the kids,

Prince was a sexxy motherf*cker for the grownups.

The King of Pop versus the King of sexual Funk.

[Edited 6/8/13 6:14am]

Prince 4Ever. heart
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Reply #11 posted 06/08/13 6:22am

thedance

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ps. now I fear this thread will turn out the bad way.... and might get locked... -- like it usually does when it's about Prince & MJ.... confused

Prince 4Ever. heart
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Reply #12 posted 06/08/13 9:30am

shayde

2 points:

One: Michael Jackson has an oscar. I think it is for "Ben", back in like '73.

Two: Say what you want about the other big three, Prince was just so much more interesting to follow. He took real CHANCES.

When he toured, he made sure to play small clubs and do covers and obscure tunes.

He would work with older artists both for selfish reasons (to learn from them) and for unselfish reasons (to introduce them to a younger audience and promote their careers that might otherwise be in decline).

He regularly turned off fans by talking about God and faith to an audience that was continually craving more carnality from him.

I think what impressed me most about Prince was his musical lifestyle. He was raising MUSICAL hell, more interested in challenging your ears rather than eyes, but he wasn't above that either ... lol

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Reply #13 posted 06/08/13 10:45am

JabarR74

shayde said:

One: Michael Jackson has an oscar. I think it is for "Ben", back in like '73.

Correction, Ben was nominated for an Oscar, but never got it.

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Reply #14 posted 06/08/13 12:05pm

theblueangel

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Shawy89 said:

Despite being a producer on his own, and writing his own material, Prince failed to have an impact on 80's music listeners...

Were you of age in the 80's? Because based on this statement I can only assume that you weren't. Trust those of us who lived through it: Prince absolutely had an impact on 80's music listeners. From 1984 through 1987, a new Prince album was the equivalent of what we just saw with the new Daft Punk (which kicks ass, by the way)...it's as if no other music exists because literally everyone is talking about it. Just like with Prince in the 80's.

No confusion, no tears. No enemies, no fear. No sorrow, no pain. No ball, no chain.

Sex is not love. Love is not sex. Putting words in other people's mouths will only get you elected.

Need more sleep than coke or methamphetamine.
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Reply #15 posted 06/08/13 11:40pm

thedance

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Prince had very much impact on the 80s:


HE had 3 simultaneous #1 hits on the mainstream hitlists:

the #1 single: When Doves Cry

the #1 album: Purple Rain
the #1 movie: Purple Rain


All at the #1 position, simultaneously.

Not done since Elvis Presley and The Beatles.

And not done since back then, the summer of 84.

worship worship

Prince 4Ever. heart
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Reply #16 posted 06/09/13 1:14am

Free2BMe

Michael won the Golden Globe for "Ben".
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Reply #17 posted 06/09/13 7:01am

2elijah

theblueangel said:

Shawy89 said:

Despite being a producer on his own, and writing his own material, Prince failed to have an impact on 80's music listeners...

Were you of age in the 80's? Because based on this statement I can only assume that you weren't. Trust those of us who lived through it: Prince absolutely had an impact on 80's music listeners. From 1984 through 1987, a new Prince album was the equivalent of what we just saw with the new Daft Punk (which kicks ass, by the way)...it's as if no other music exists because literally everyone is talking about it. Just like with Prince in the 80's.

(Bolded part) Most definitely. nod There's no denying both artists made an impact in the music industry during the 80s. MJ was good for 'pop' and 'safe, feel good music' but Prince took it to the edge and made it more exciting, by not only how he seduced and captured his audience with his music and stage performances, but also how he often incorporated religion, sex, politics, race, gender, and many other societal issues into his music, as well as how he presented his mysterious image/sexual prowness of his stage presence off and on stage.

[Edited 6/9/13 9:14am]

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Reply #18 posted 06/09/13 8:11am

TikiColadas

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In my opinion, Prince is still the greatest artist today and of his generation.
Dad. Cartoonist. Illustrator. TOPPS Star Wars and Walking Dead Illustrator. Film Illustrator. JEDI. PRINCE Fan. www.theartofprince.com

www.jonathancaustrita.com
www.theartofprince.com
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Reply #19 posted 06/09/13 9:51am

BabyImASTAR84

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SuperSoulFighter said:

Shawy89 said:

Despite being a producer on his own, and writing his own material, Prince failed to have an impact on 80's music listeners, cuz y'all noticed that he had an impact on artists, on bands, on musicians, but not all the listeners who know nothing but listening, unlike MJ who managed to make everybody fall in love with his music. In terms of creativity and musicanship, nobody back then was better than Prince, but in terms of good music that doesn't lack a thing and suits everybody's taste, and shows that everyone would die to go to, MJ killed that, and MJ had a sick impact on the whole world.. he's IMO the greatest artist of 1980's because he respected what others like so he presented them a music that would last in their homes for generations.

NO! I admit to being a MJ fan when I was 16, but a year later I discovered Prince and have had no need to listen to Jacko ever since. So saying he made everybody love his music gets on my nerves as much as...eh... Jacko's music. I usually avoid making comments about him because you can't argue about taste, but for just this one time: MJ represents everything I don't like about pop music: videos, drum machines, image, moneymaking, in other words, everything that's not music! I admit he was a good dancer though.

His name is MICHAEL JACKSON, not jacko. get it right.

What's underneath your hair,Is anybody living in there?
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Reply #20 posted 06/09/13 10:02am

thedance

avatar

BabyImASTAR84 said:

SuperSoulFighter said:

Shawy89 said: NO! I admit to being a MJ fan when I was 16, but a year later I discovered Prince and have had no need to listen to Jacko ever since. So saying he made everybody love his music gets on my nerves as much as...eh... Jacko's music. I usually avoid making comments about him because you can't argue about taste, but for just this one time: MJ represents everything I don't like about pop music: videos, drum machines, image, moneymaking, in other words, everything that's not music! I admit he was a good dancer though.

His name is MICHAEL JACKSON, not jacko. get it right.

You MJ fans here: Aren't you a little too easy to offend. eek

And yes, Prince had a huge impact on the decade, 10 brilliant Prince albums in the 80's speak for themselves.

Prince had THIS impact: excited

I have always been a bigger Prince fan, and the "mantra" that MJ is "The King Of Pop", well he/ Michael Jackson invented that title himself. In the early 90's.

To me, and a lot of others: they are about equal,


MJ was great, but I really heart Prince music a lot more. This imho.. smile

Prince 4Ever. heart
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Reply #21 posted 06/09/13 11:56am

purplesnowlove

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ughh tired of this discussion, but prince is ten million times better than mj no matter what!!!!! cool

if no prince, there would be no mj bad era, mj fans don't get offended, i'm just speaking for the truth!

a prince news a day, keeps the doctor away prince
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Reply #22 posted 06/09/13 1:58pm

Shawy89

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purplesnowlove said:

ughh tired of this discussion, but prince is ten million times better than mj no matter what!!!!! cool

if no prince, there would be no mj bad era, mj fans don't get offended, i'm just speaking for the truth!

No Prince = No MJ Bad era? That whatchu mean?
EXPLAIN. smile smile smile

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Reply #23 posted 06/09/13 2:13pm

SuperSoulFight
er

^I guess she's referring to the story that Bad was intended as a duet with Prince.
[Edited 6/9/13 14:16pm]
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Reply #24 posted 06/09/13 2:15pm

BabyImASTAR84

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thedance said:

BabyImASTAR84 said:

His name is MICHAEL JACKSON, not jacko. get it right.

You MJ fans here: Aren't you a little too easy to offend. eek

And yes, Prince had a huge impact on the decade, 10 brilliant Prince albums in the 80's speak for themselves.

Prince had THIS impact: excited

I have always been a bigger Prince fan, and the "mantra" that MJ is "The King Of Pop", well he/ Michael Jackson invented that title himself. In the early 90's.

To me, and a lot of others: they are about equal,


MJ was great, but I really heart Prince music a lot more. This imho.. smile

Acutally Elizabeth Taylor gave him that title fyi. Im a Prince fan and a MJ fan. A MJ song saved my life along time ago so i will not stand by and let anyone bash him for no reason.

What's underneath your hair,Is anybody living in there?
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Reply #25 posted 06/09/13 3:44pm

BabyImASTAR84

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purplesnowlove said:

ughh tired of this discussion, but prince is ten million times better than mj no matter what!!!!! cool

if no prince, there would be no mj bad era, mj fans don't get offended, i'm just speaking for the truth!

im sorry i don't understand. please clarify smile

What's underneath your hair,Is anybody living in there?
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Reply #26 posted 06/09/13 3:49pm

smoothcriminal
12

Meh. I don't know about this one.

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Reply #27 posted 06/10/13 4:25am

purplesnowlove

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lol..


[Edited 6/30/13 0:48am]

a prince news a day, keeps the doctor away prince
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Reply #28 posted 06/10/13 4:45am

thedance

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^ How strange.. lol + confused


Correction:



[img:$uid]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v67/ecnirp2004/Prince/Prince1983_zps9a14a1a6.jpg[/img:$uid]


.

[Edited 6/10/13 4:46am]

Prince 4Ever. heart
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Reply #29 posted 06/10/13 4:56am

purplesnowlove

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thedance said:

^ How strange.. lol + confused


Correction:



[img:$uid]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v67/ecnirp2004/Prince/Prince1983_zps9a14a1a6.jpg[/img:$uid]


.

[Edited 6/10/13 4:46am]

thank u for the correction lol ; got sick wen ppl trying to say prince wanna be like mj, the fact is, mj copied a lot from prince! over the year!

a prince news a day, keeps the doctor away prince
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