Imago777 said:

so u take pills instead?
[Edited 8/24/05 22:39pm]

When I think of Prince's music, I think of so many things. As far as his talents go as an individual, he's a master at changing and blending styles, a fantastic producer, has a great ear for melody and harmony, can play like nobody's business, is great with images and themes, etc...

I think there are a lot of hybrids in his music, but he's really excelled at several styles.

1. Funk.

2. Guitar heroics and anthems.

3. Studio wizkid/electronic wunderkind

4. A great bandleader that knows the ins and outs of jazz/blues

5. Pop. The guy knows how to write a perfectly catchy superhit.

The song that comes closest to encasulating all of those facets as a whole would probably have to be "Crystal Ball". Not just cuz it does it all, but cuz it does it all so well.

As far as nailing each individual style, the most representative in each case is a much more subjective thing. But for today, I'm feeling these.

1. Lady Cab Driver - his funkiest

2. The Cross - his best guitar fueled anthem

3. When Doves Cry - electro genius

4. Joy In Repetition or Power Fantastic - jazz masterpieces

5. I Wish U Heaven - not one of his most important pop songs, but one of my favorites. A perfect slice of, well...heaven.