I went to see Madonna last night and while I was half impressed, when you start wondering how Prince would perform certain songs (He performs in TO next week) that's not exactly a good sign. This happened when Madonna performed a through-the-motions version of "Like A Prayer". Then I started thinking about Prince's involvement with Madonna at the time of "Like A Prayer". I heard rumors that he produced some tracks, that he recorded a version of "Like A Prayer", that he plays guitar on the extended version, blah blah blah. I already know he produced and performed "Love Song" for the album and I believe he produced "Act of Contrition", but to me Prince's sonic and aural influence on "Like a Prayer" is unmistakeable. I really believe Madonna was inspired. There's a psychedelic song on there that you just know Madonna was inspired by "Around the World..." and "Parade". So does anyone know just how much Prince had to do with what is argueably Madonna's most impressive effort?

I always remember an article from somewhere, Prince talked with some fan, I think it was the guy who used to produce Controversy magazine back in the day, and he said that in their conversation Prince had said he had a vision of all the big stars of the day, like Madonna and Whitney, devoting an album to god. And what happened next? Madonna put out 'Like a Prayer'. So maybe there was some general influence.

But in specific, they did Lovesong together and Prince did some guitar work which you can hear for a few seconds in 'Like a Prayer' and on 'Act of Contrition' and it is also believed he did something for 'Express Yourself' but is uncredited of course.

Most impressive effort? Now that is debatable.

And as far as I am concerned Prince had no influence on Madonna's music than the fact she really liked his music back then.

And artists feed offa eachother.

But they did try to write some songs together, which spawned Lovesong.

Actually, Prince asked Madonna to play Melody Cool in Graffity Bridge. She said no.

gooeythehamster said:

Just to nit-pick, the character he intended her to play was Ruthie Washington (from the first version of GB).

//

metalorange said:

Also he did guitar on 'Keep It Together' I read here recently.

Shit I just sold the 3 inch maxi cd single of Like a prayer for a little price

So Prince DOESN'T have his own version of "Like A Prayer" floating about?

You seem to know the answer to your own question but for the record I too think the album is easily her best effort and I don't think it is a coincidence that this album and the following tour were a more prosaic take on the themes of Lovesexy and Lovesexy '88 the year before. Even if he hadn't been involved with the album. She's always been good at taking something very cool and making it mainstream. In 88 there was noone cooler than P.

vivid said:

Yeah, I think it was Madonna's most important album. A few albums into a career composed of singing mostly cheesy pop songs, it was make-or-break time, and Madonna came out with something that sounded mature, classy, with great soul and feeling, and a surprising amount of risk, experimentation and creativity. It sealed her reputation as an artist with merit.

I was thinking the covers of both Lovesexy and Like a Prayer have somehow a vaguely similar feel. Prince naked but for the jewellery of his cross, and Madonna's bare midrift covered in jewels.

Prince's biggest inflence is that he wanted Madonna to make the booklet smell of petulia oil , and guess what , he got what he asked for. If you don't believe me get the booklet out and take a sniff.

CynicKill said:

Yes. He covered the song at the time. (Source: Turn It Up v2.0)

I think it would be great to hear his version.

I always found it to be more influenced by Sinead O'Connor's Lion + the Cobra album. She said she was a fan of Sinead's, and a few songs on there are reminiscent of Sinead's work at the time.

there's a guitar rif at the end of the 7" mix of Like A Prayer, as it's fading out, that's Prince. he also did Love Song and Act Of Contrition with her. and sent her the song By Alien Means, that went unused. also, Now I'm Following You (Part II) was inspired by Batdance.


and that's about it.

CynicKill said:

That's twice more impressed than I would have been. What is she charging for her "through-the-motions" concert (she's received 99.998% negative reviews)? I've heard it's around $150.00 (with no CD).

I can't stand Madonna. I never have been able to tolerate her. The only 2 songs I can even listen to without puking are Vogue and Like a Prayer.

Luv & Peace,
Alex
The ONLY Catwoman review w/ Prince!

Here we go again


Prince co-wrote and co-produced "Love Song" with Madonna.He also sings on it.

Prince plays guitar on the 12" remix of "Like A Prayer".

Prince plays guitar (uncredited) on "Keep It Together".

His guitar work can also be heard on the closiing track "Act Of Contrition".

The song "Like A Prayer" was written by Madonna and her producer Patrick Leonard.

Prince was so impressed with "Like A Prayer" that he recorded his own version,but it remains in his vaults.


Are we clear on that?

dodgydicko said:

Hey cool!

And I thought it was from the girl I bought it second hand.

They all smell that way?
And also the CD-versions?

DavidEye said:

`
Thaaaanks! I'l be saying it for the restof us.

Pellwormer said:

I think the perfume is Pachouli, or however you spell it.

gooeythehamster said:

Yeah, Pachouli. You're right. Real intense smell just 2 make u horny, like spanish fly.

I used it back in those days.....mmmhh, though I'm male....oops

Pellwormer said:

Pellwormer said:

I think you mean patchouli.

.

.....don't care, how english people spell it....