I definetly think Prince's guitar skills go understated on his albums -- Two Examples: (1) The Lovesexy Album -- amazing guitar, but all in the background, sometimes you even forget it's there. That's the beauty of it. (2) Style from Emancipation -- it's sorta a corny song, but listen to the whole thing for the guitar in the background, it's hard to hear because it melds in w/ the song, but it's amazing, and works so seamlessly w/ the music - and that's the point.

He's not trying to be "the best" at a particular instrument, but construct a SONG of which the instruments all form a role to create what he sees as a "child" (which, while it may be a bit much, illustrates his view of songwriting and the role of his musicianship in creating them) - that's the point.

One extremely observant orger (I forget who exactly, sorry) reminded me of the kick ass guitar solo in the background of 'Annie Christian'. The keys and Prince's voice are dominant, but if you listen you can hear a damn good solo.

TheBluePrince said:

I agree, I didnt quite catch the guitar the first time around but the second time yep it is there and really good. Think the song would have been better had the guitars been more out in the front? Then again I bet that was what he was going for, so better to leave a work of art alone.

terinkydink said:

I guess that's part of being a good musician, being able to solo and standout but at the sametime contribute to the overall sound of the band or song.

Prince's guitar low in the mix is a great thing indeed. It will do all kinds of counter-melodies the listeners can construct in their heads.