The Dance is a song only Prince fans would like. You couldn't possibly play it for friends who don't like Prince. I think it is the lowest point on the album by far and the Emancipation era melody line near the end seems to be a reference to Mayte.....the whole song just sounds like he is trying to shake a monkey off his back...

The Dance is a song only Prince fans would like. You couldn't possibly play it for friends who don't like Prince. I think it is the lowest point on the album by far and the Emancipation era melody line near the end seems to be a reference to Mayte.....the whole song just sounds like he is trying to shake a monkey off his back...

I LOVE it! It's my favorite track on the album

SHOCKADELICA1 said:

you and PurpleCharm need to hook up. That song totally drags, Drags the cd down, drags the inspiration down, the vibe down and IS the weakest track on the cd.

What's different about this version, the musical arrangement or the lyrics?

-Tine

Those bontempi sounds in the beginning (strings and drum rolls) really sound (awful to me)... like a musical composer putting together the score by himself in his homestudio and then forgetting to have it played by real instruments. Same goes for that saxophone sound in "the word".
IMHO: Either have it played by real instruments or use "genuinely electronic" sounds...

That's one example for the negative aspects of Prince not being "supervised" by producers etc. On the other hand, of course: he's the artist and artistic freedom and artists being in control of what they want to express is an important value in itself today.

But, D***! Sometimes I feel the urge to shake him and ask him: "hey... where' your sense of hearing, where's your taste?..."

SHOCKADELICA1 said:

you and PurpleCharm need to hook up. That song totally drags, Drags the cd down, drags the inspiration down, the vibe down and IS the weakest track on the cd.

Those bontempi sounds in the beginning (strings and drum rolls) really sound (awful to me)... like a musical composer putting together the score by himself in his homestudio and then forgetting to have it played on real instruments. Same goes for that saxophone sound in "the word".
IMHO: Either have it played by real instruments or use "genuinely electronic" sounds...

That's one example for the negative aspects of Prince not being "supervised" by producers etc. On the other hand, of course: he's the artist, and artistic freedom and artists being in control of what they want to express is an important value in itself today.

But, D***! Sometimes I feel the urge to shake him and ask him: "hey... where' your sense of hearing, where's your taste?..."
[Edited 3/25/06 7:52am]

jthad1129 said:

I better get together with them also, because after several spins I absolutely love this song. It is very brooding, has some phenomenol "easter eggs" and the ending is kick ass

felixthenotcat said:

I totally disagree, the opening sets the dramatic tone for the song and to me is what makes the end so incredible, its so unexpected, you could just feel the mixture of love, anger, sorrow and much more. This song makes the chicks go crazy!!! My favorite track so far. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this song.

Kkirgirl said:

I also love the Dance. The buildup with the strings and the piano and the handclaps is killer. The only critique I have on it is the scream. It sounds like it wasn't long enough, like Prince was about to belt it for a few more seconds, and a fly flew in his mouth or something, making for the abrupt ending.

wonder505 said:

just to clarify my point: I'm not complaining about the songwriting or his decision to start by using strings and a drum roll.
What I can't understand is: if he wants drumrolls, why doesn't he step over to his (presumably set up) drum set and play it on that instrument? Same goes for the drums in general on that particular track and also the bass: He knows how to play bass, he has the bass guitar available next to him, so why use some cheesy keyboard bass sound? I, as a musician would be thrilled to have all that equipment ready for use and a sound engineer waiting behind the mixer "at my disposal". Instead, he chooses to content himself with "homestudio instrumentation"...

Housequake2K2 said:

That's true, but didn't the abrupt ending leave you wanting more.....I say it was a brilliant move.

Housequake2K2 said:

That's true, but didn't the abrupt ending leave you wanting more.....I say it was a brilliant move.

jthad1129 said:

I better get together with them also, because after several spins I absolutely love this song. It is very brooding, has some phenomenol "easter eggs" and the ending is kick ass

You negative people should learn to really listen to music. The scope, sweep and epic nature of this song is obviously to grand for you to understand. Prince has reached a new creative peak right now and this song is just magic! This song prickles hairs on the back of my neck, while the passion it evokes would set most buildings ablaze. Come on now, listen!

The Dance is easily the best song on 3121.

PurpleCharm said:

I agree. The Dance is an absolutely incredible song.

The whole way through, it sounds like a man struggling with the love he feels for such a special woman on such a romantic night, and the torment he feels for that love being unrequited now.

It's a brilliant balance of whimsical and ominous, and then the ending just culminates its sadness.
[Edited 3/25/06 12:52pm]

devilstwin said:

Everyone has their own likes and dislikes

LUV4U I couldn't agree more. Devilstwin obviously needs a few music lessons of their own. Not all music appeals to all people and there is no such thing as 'I am right and you are wrong'..its called taste Devilstwin and its different for each individual. Being a condescending twit just because people are giving their opinions and adding richness to the discussion doesn't reflect very well on you I am afriad.

luv4u said:

You negative people should learn to really listen to music. The scope, sweep and epic nature of this song is obviously to grand for you to understand. Prince has reached a new creative peak right now and this song is just magic! This song prickles hairs on the back of my neck, while the passion it evokes would set most buildings ablaze. Come on now, listen!