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Why Musicology wasn't the comeback I'd hoped for... ... I'm not overly keen on the CD as a whole, but was fairly excited about the prospect of a "Prince comeback".
The album may have faired pretty well, especially Stateside... but the record still didn't have any hit singles on it. Musicology has to be one of the first commercially successful albums without any hit singles on it (proof, if proof was needed, that without the free CD with every ticket scam, it wouldn't have been half as successful). I'm not having a bitch... but how cool would it be if people started giving Prince props for some of his newer work? How cool would it be if he didn't have to perform medley's of tracks that are over 20 years old when he opens huge award ceremony's? It seems the only time he tours his new material is in small theatres with the hardcore fans (ala One Nite Alone). It's kinda sad that the only way he can fill out a decent sized venue is when he promises to perform tracks from an album he wrote twenty-two years ago.... Everyone says that Prince doesn't care about hits anymore, and if that is the case, why is he making comeback albums in the first place? Is Prince even capable anymore of writing a hit song? Based on a lot of the old-skool sounding material on Musicology, I'm starting to doubt it. | |
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MattyJam said: Is Prince even capable anymore of writing a hit song? Based on a lot of the old-skool sounding material on Musicology, I'm starting to doubt it.
That has less to do with Prince's songwriting ability than it has to do with the practices of the mainstream music industry of today. | |
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A lot of people think that Musicology wouldn´t have been half as successful if it hadn´t been a giveaway cd...but then again, someone on the org came up with the real retail sales some while ago and it showed clearly that this album would have been a hit even without the free cds given away at concerts. ...
and keep in mind that it wasn´t Prince´s "masterplan" to trick out Billboard charts...he merely wanted his music to be heard. But you do have a strong point saying that it´s a hit album without any hit single...I think it has a lot to do with bad timing and wrong single at the wrong time.....I liked TRC ( the music, at least, and also some of the lyrics like Everywhere, She Loves Me For Me, Last December etc) and I loved the ONA tour, so this commercial and lighthearted album kind of makes me curious about his next "concept" album. But all in all, I understand what you mean...but looking back , he´s released A LOT of songs that could´ve been hits if promoted better. The last decade was one of lost opportunities. Maybe he should re-release some of them, if possible. Just think about what could have been done with Right Back Here In My Arms, Dreamin About U, The One, I Hate U, Shhhh, Days of Wild, Cinnamon Girl, etc. All a matter of timing and promotion. " I´d rather be a stank ass hoe because I´m not stupid. Oh my goodness! I got more drugs! I´m always funny dude...I´m hilarious! Are we gonna smoke?" | |
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I don't think Musicology was meant to be a "comeback" album. Sure, in many ways it was a comeback to the mainstream, but overall I think it was moreso the seizing of the opportunities that 2004 presented. It was the 20th anniversary of Purple Rain, so that makes for plenty of nostalgia to take advantage of. Then, there was the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. With those things going on, it made sense to release an album and do a fun tour. I think Prince did a superb job of seizing the moment this year (in order to promote the album, and make lots of extra chee$e for himself.
Hit singles?? I don't know if that even matters anymore. You gotta keep in mind that a legendary 46-year-old who has done it all can afford to look at the big picture rather than scrambling to be accepted. Everything from here on out is going to be about further growth and rounding out his entire body of work. I think this makes Musicology a send off, actually. Now that he's supposedly done the hits for the "last time" (I know, we'll see) the door is wide open to just do whatever. It also challenges him, because he knows he can't rely on the old hits anymore. This forces him to have to write and play more interesting things. In my opinion, that's a healthy thing for an artist. In the late 90's, Michael Jordan had nothing else to prove to anyone. He was already considered the greatest of all time. Every time he went out and scored 50 to 55 points, he was just adding to the legend. I believe Prince will continue to make music until he is physically incapable of doing so, but in my opinion he won't be scrambling to be accepted. I believe he will attempt to try things he hasn't done yet. This is why he isn't interested in going back to a particular sound of the past. He'd rather spend this time trying to move forward, and maybe tap into something new again. You gotta admit, as much as some Prince fans like to complain, we have been spoiled in so many ways. I believe whatever Prince does from here on out will just add to the legend. | |
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OdysseyMiles said: I don't think Musicology was meant to be a "comeback" album. Sure, in many ways it was a comeback to the mainstream, but overall I think it was moreso the seizing of the opportunities that 2004 presented. It was the 20th anniversary of Purple Rain, so that makes for plenty of nostalgia to take advantage of. Then, there was the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. With those things going on, it made sense to release an album and do a fun tour. I think Prince did a superb job of seizing the moment this year (in order to promote the album, and make lots of extra chee$e for himself.
Hit singles?? I don't know if that even matters anymore. You gotta keep in mind that a legendary 46-year-old who has done it all can afford to look at the big picture rather than scrambling to be accepted. Everything from here on out is going to be about further growth and rounding out his entire body of work. I think this makes Musicology a send off, actually. Now that he's supposedly done the hits for the "last time" (I know, we'll see) the door is wide open to just do whatever. It also challenges him, because he knows he can't rely on the old hits anymore. This forces him to have to write and play more interesting things. In my opinion, that's a healthy thing for an artist. In the late 90's, Michael Jordan had nothing else to prove to anyone. He was already considered the greatest of all time. Every time he went out and scored 50 to 55 points, he was just adding to the legend. I believe Prince will continue to make music until he is physically incapable of doing so, but in my opinion he won't be scrambling to be accepted. I believe he will attempt to try things he hasn't done yet. This is why he isn't interested in going back to a particular sound of the past. He'd rather spend this time trying to move forward, and maybe tap into something new again. You gotta admit, as much as some Prince fans like to complain, we have been spoiled in so many ways. I believe whatever Prince does from here on out will just add to the legend. Great post !  " I´d rather be a stank ass hoe because I´m not stupid. Oh my goodness! I got more drugs! I´m always funny dude...I´m hilarious! Are we gonna smoke?" | |
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OdysseyMiles said: I don't think Musicology was meant to be a "comeback" album. Sure, in many ways it was a comeback to the mainstream, but overall I think it was moreso the seizing of the opportunities that 2004 presented. It was the 20th anniversary of Purple Rain, so that makes for plenty of nostalgia to take advantage of. Then, there was the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. With those things going on, it made sense to release an album and do a fun tour. I think Prince did a superb job of seizing the moment this year (in order to promote the album, and make lots of extra chee$e for himself.
Hit singles?? I don't know if that even matters anymore. You gotta keep in mind that a legendary 46-year-old who has done it all can afford to look at the big picture rather than scrambling to be accepted. Everything from here on out is going to be about further growth and rounding out his entire body of work. I think this makes Musicology a send off, actually. Now that he's supposedly done the hits for the "last time" (I know, we'll see) the door is wide open to just do whatever. It also challenges him, because he knows he can't rely on the old hits anymore. This forces him to have to write and play more interesting things. In my opinion, that's a healthy thing for an artist. In the late 90's, Michael Jordan had nothing else to prove to anyone. He was already considered the greatest of all time. Every time he went out and scored 50 to 55 points, he was just adding to the legend. I believe Prince will continue to make music until he is physically incapable of doing so, but in my opinion he won't be scrambling to be accepted. I believe he will attempt to try things he hasn't done yet. This is why he isn't interested in going back to a particular sound of the past. He'd rather spend this time trying to move forward, and maybe tap into something new again. You gotta admit, as much as some Prince fans like to complain, we have been spoiled in so many ways. I believe whatever Prince does from here on out will just add to the legend. This post should be featured in the quotes section on the homepage.  | |
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OdysseyMiles said: I don't think Musicology was meant to be a "comeback" album. Sure, in many ways it was a comeback to the mainstream, but overall I think it was moreso the seizing of the opportunities that 2004 presented. It was the 20th anniversary of Purple Rain, so that makes for plenty of nostalgia to take advantage of. Then, there was the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. With those things going on, it made sense to release an album and do a fun tour. I think Prince did a superb job of seizing the moment this year (in order to promote the album, and make lots of extra chee$e for himself.
Hit singles?? I don't know if that even matters anymore. You gotta keep in mind that a legendary 46-year-old who has done it all can afford to look at the big picture rather than scrambling to be accepted. Everything from here on out is going to be about further growth and rounding out his entire body of work. I think this makes Musicology a send off, actually. Now that he's supposedly done the hits for the "last time" (I know, we'll see) the door is wide open to just do whatever. It also challenges him, because he knows he can't rely on the old hits anymore. This forces him to have to write and play more interesting things. In my opinion, that's a healthy thing for an artist. In the late 90's, Michael Jordan had nothing else to prove to anyone. He was already considered the greatest of all time. Every time he went out and scored 50 to 55 points, he was just adding to the legend. I believe Prince will continue to make music until he is physically incapable of doing so, but in my opinion he won't be scrambling to be accepted. I believe he will attempt to try things he hasn't done yet. This is why he isn't interested in going back to a particular sound of the past. He'd rather spend this time trying to move forward, and maybe tap into something new again. You gotta admit, as much as some Prince fans like to complain, we have been spoiled in so many ways. I believe whatever Prince does from here on out will just add to the legend.  Fantastic Response!! You really made some excellent points! | |
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OdysseyMiles said: I don't think Musicology was meant to be a "comeback" album. Sure, in many ways it was a comeback to the mainstream, but overall I think it was moreso the seizing of the opportunities that 2004 presented. It was the 20th anniversary of Purple Rain, so that makes for plenty of nostalgia to take advantage of. Then, there was the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. With those things going on, it made sense to release an album and do a fun tour. I think Prince did a superb job of seizing the moment this year (in order to promote the album, and make lots of extra chee$e for himself.
Hit singles?? I don't know if that even matters anymore. You gotta keep in mind that a legendary 46-year-old who has done it all can afford to look at the big picture rather than scrambling to be accepted. Everything from here on out is going to be about further growth and rounding out his entire body of work. I think this makes Musicology a send off, actually. Now that he's supposedly done the hits for the "last time" (I know, we'll see) the door is wide open to just do whatever. It also challenges him, because he knows he can't rely on the old hits anymore. This forces him to have to write and play more interesting things. In my opinion, that's a healthy thing for an artist. In the late 90's, Michael Jordan had nothing else to prove to anyone. He was already considered the greatest of all time. Every time he went out and scored 50 to 55 points, he was just adding to the legend. I believe Prince will continue to make music until he is physically incapable of doing so, but in my opinion he won't be scrambling to be accepted. I believe he will attempt to try things he hasn't done yet. This is why he isn't interested in going back to a particular sound of the past. He'd rather spend this time trying to move forward, and maybe tap into something new again. You gotta admit, as much as some Prince fans like to complain, we have been spoiled in so many ways. I believe whatever Prince does from here on out will just add to the legend. BEAUTIFUL!!! + there was (i believe) a level of "proving" himself one last time before he continues his journey. A "reminder" before going foward, if you will. The Musicology album was actually well received without a hit single and still was nominated for This and That. There was a snippet of most of the Prince-ly colors of yore, as well as some newer, "lost-in-the-obscurity" sounds (ie. the end of IIWTMIYL). It pretty much covered the spectrum as a whole. I think (me, myself) that perhaps the "CRUNCH" of the disc was a letdown to many fans because he didn't really focus on one particular scene of his ever growing body of styles. Like the true man that he is, he's hunting and gathering! ...but, he's not leaving, so, in 10 years time, perhaps this phase was just an escellating(sp?) step. later! "Whatever skin we're in
we all need 2 b friends" |
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call my name was a huge urban AC hit where it's still #12 after spending quite a while at #1. I know this isn't a broad chart, but even after all of this time, it's still generating a lot of interest on these stations. In fact, it's right now one of the top gaining songs this very week.
http://www.mmr247.com/mmr...format=u2R http://www.mmr247.com/mmr...p?chart=U2 it's odd this song never crossed over to the AC stations. |
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The above post by OM is right on the money. Musicology is not a comeback for the rabid fans, but casual listeners are rediscovering Prince - so it is a significant comeback.
I was driving home yesterday, following a bus with an advertisement for WHUR (in D.C.), a station I never listened to. On a whim, I tuned it in; as I did, they were playing "Musicology" (single). Seems that some of this CD is in the current playlist. One of my son's 17 year old friends, a bassist in a punk/ska band was going on about the bass playing on the "Musicology" single. (After which, I burnt him a copy of the"Symbol" CD + "work that fat" - he can't stop playing it, and has been sharing it with others in his school.) Like early in his career, and unlike more recently, Prince planned his moves in 2004 "strategically". (I expect he had some "help" thinking through these moves, which may mean he's becoming less insular.) *****************************************
"Yes - bold steps must be taken, 2 bump a nation, their scrutiny is what I'm facin' " - "Jughead" W. Bush | |
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OdysseyMiles said: I don't think Musicology was meant to be a "comeback" album. Sure, in many ways it was a comeback to the mainstream, but overall I think it was moreso the seizing of the opportunities that 2004 presented. It was the 20th anniversary of Purple Rain, so that makes for plenty of nostalgia to take advantage of. Then, there was the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. With those things going on, it made sense to release an album and do a fun tour. I think Prince did a superb job of seizing the moment this year (in order to promote the album, and make lots of extra chee$e for himself.
Hit singles?? I don't know if that even matters anymore. You gotta keep in mind that a legendary 46-year-old who has done it all can afford to look at the big picture rather than scrambling to be accepted. Everything from here on out is going to be about further growth and rounding out his entire body of work. I think this makes Musicology a send off, actually. Now that he's supposedly done the hits for the "last time" (I know, we'll see) the door is wide open to just do whatever. It also challenges him, because he knows he can't rely on the old hits anymore. This forces him to have to write and play more interesting things. In my opinion, that's a healthy thing for an artist. In the late 90's, Michael Jordan had nothing else to prove to anyone. He was already considered the greatest of all time. Every time he went out and scored 50 to 55 points, he was just adding to the legend. I believe Prince will continue to make music until he is physically incapable of doing so, but in my opinion he won't be scrambling to be accepted. I believe he will attempt to try things he hasn't done yet. This is why he isn't interested in going back to a particular sound of the past. He'd rather spend this time trying to move forward, and maybe tap into something new again. You gotta admit, as much as some Prince fans like to complain, we have been spoiled in so many ways. I believe whatever Prince does from here on out will just add to the legend. Outstanding words. Could not have said it any better!.... |
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*props*
Thanx, you guys.  | |
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i'd put my piece in, but odyssey summed it up for me already. | |
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Handclapsfingasnapz said: i'd put my piece in, but odyssey summed it up for me already.
Aw, 
You guys are makin' my day, here. | |
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OdysseyMiles said: *props*
Thanx, you guys. OdysseyMiles! U deserve it my dear one. There have been quite a few members speaking negative and showing dislike 4 Musicology from day one. They have also expressed some pretty negative things about the distribution of the CD, but u OdysseyMiles said a mouth full. I totally agree with DorothyParker in featuring this in the quotes section on the homepage 4 all 2 read. Much love 2 u. |
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Im quite suprised at SOME of the comments on the org in regard to musicology or toward one or two of the songs from it. from the perspective of someone who is a relatively new fan (me, not deeply being engrossed in Prince's albums from the last 20 odd years), Musicology was one of the best albums i bought this year. i agree with the free cd with every ticket theory, but c'mon if your a legendary artist like prince who wants to do a proper tour as opposed to intimate gigs, it would be customary that you would perform at least some of your classic songs. [Edited 12/30/04 17:01pm] | |
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While Musicology wasn't the greatest "comeback" album, I still don't understand why there seems to be this double-standard when it comes to Prince. Every artist has their heyday, perhaps they experience their peak and can never measure up that again. Even Stevie Wonder doesn't really sell albums anymore. Madonna certainly doesn't sell as well as she used to and has to resort to jacking up her concert ticket prices in order to make up for that fact. I just think people give Prince so hard of a time when it comes to this. I've listened to Musicology over and over again, and while it's not the best album, I do think it's consistently fair. We just need to give the Lil Man a break... | |
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OdysseyMiles said: I don't think Musicology was meant to be a "comeback" album. Sure, in many ways it was a comeback to the mainstream, but overall I think it was moreso the seizing of the opportunities that 2004 presented. It was the 20th anniversary of Purple Rain, so that makes for plenty of nostalgia to take advantage of. Then, there was the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. With those things going on, it made sense to release an album and do a fun tour. I think Prince did a superb job of seizing the moment this year (in order to promote the album, and make lots of extra chee$e for himself.
Hit singles?? I don't know if that even matters anymore. You gotta keep in mind that a legendary 46-year-old who has done it all can afford to look at the big picture rather than scrambling to be accepted. Everything from here on out is going to be about further growth and rounding out his entire body of work. I think this makes Musicology a send off, actually. Now that he's supposedly done the hits for the "last time" (I know, we'll see) the door is wide open to just do whatever. It also challenges him, because he knows he can't rely on the old hits anymore. This forces him to have to write and play more interesting things. In my opinion, that's a healthy thing for an artist. In the late 90's, Michael Jordan had nothing else to prove to anyone. He was already considered the greatest of all time. Every time he went out and scored 50 to 55 points, he was just adding to the legend. I believe Prince will continue to make music until he is physically incapable of doing so, but in my opinion he won't be scrambling to be accepted. I believe he will attempt to try things he hasn't done yet. This is why he isn't interested in going back to a particular sound of the past. He'd rather spend this time trying to move forward, and maybe tap into something new again. You gotta admit, as much as some Prince fans like to complain, we have been spoiled in so many ways. I believe whatever Prince does from here on out will just add to the legend. That says it all. Great post OM. For the last few years, I wondered what 2004 would bring just because of PR's 20th anniversary but Prince did what he needed to do this year and I couldn't be any happier for him. With all of the success from this year, my thing is, what is Prince going to do with it so that it carries over into 2005? I'm not a fan of "old Prince". I'm not a fan of "new Prince". I'm just a fan of Prince. Simple as that | |
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