i can't make u love me

furygirl said:

good one.

I love the song in general... but also everything about it.

I haven't really given background vocals much of a listen yet, im just working my way through his album at my own pace... maybe in a week, I'll have a better answer.

3121 said:

sitruk7 said:

I agree with u sitruk7

I like to sing along in my flat, "everyman's journey...don't be afraid...i'm at that road..."

My picks in no particular order:

1. Adore: indeed one of his best songs when it comes to background vocals. Near
the end he sings 'addoooorrreee yoooouuu' two times in such a beautifull way
its mesmerizing.

2. Thieves in the temple (extended version): a prime example that he can create
great musical tension by putting the background vocals in a key that is not
really / or just nearly suiting the lead vocals. Its an effect he uses on
dozens of his songs, a trademark element of his sound.

3. We Can Funk: the background vocals near the end are as intricate as some
classical compositions, Prince probably arranged them with the co-writer of
the song, George Clinton and by that pays hommage to one of his main
influences when it comes to arranging background vocals.

4. If i was your girlfriend: a classic example of Prince using layers of
different of distorted, detached and creepy sounding background vocals.

5. When doves cry: again its the contrast that makes this song so special: the
detached, stataco sounding lead vocals combined with the creepy and more
emotional background vocals.

6. Do U lie: possibly Wendy and Lisa's best background vocals on a Prince song.
The clear, sultry sounding vocals 'grounding' Princes acrobatic leadvocals.

7. Betcha By Golly Wow: a more traditional sounding song, but nonetheless
splendid background vocals (the same goes up for 'Slow Love')

8. When you were mine: the 'funny' and 'white' sounding background vocals
contrasting very nice with his falsetto lead vocals.

9. Forever in my life: a brilliant 'trick' to let the lines in the background
vocals come before they are sung by the lead vocal (the little guitar-fade
out near the end is also brilliant in its simplicity)

10.Positivity: again using the contrast between 'controlled', understated lead
vocals and soulfull background vocals.

My favorite background lyric by Prince is on Chaka Khan's song The Drama, where he echoes her line 'You must be busier than a one-legged man in a kick-fight (one-legged man in a kick-fight)'. Classic stuff right there.

7...at various points in the song it sounds like a complete wall of Prince voices.

Riverpoet31 said:

I love Prince's vocals on this song. I adore the low note in the end.

Love 2 the 9s

Shhh

BobGeorge909 said:

Definitely

theodore said:

this song is vocal perfection.Prince sounds great and so do his backup singers.

Sometimes It snows in april
reflection

pink cashmere and 7

Automatic

Love, Thy Will Be Done....

A-maze-ing!

I love the background vocals on Man O' War, Mountains, Money Don't Matter, 7, definately Forever in My Life and When Doves Cry.

BT11 said:

Great, great call. Just listened to it again and again. Starting about 1:36 into that song,Prince sings the lead and (I think) Wendy and Lisa deliver the backing vocals. By the 1:52 mark, Wendy and Lisa actually are singing lead and Prince is echoing their lines. It's the slickest little production trick.

theodore said:

co-sign

also...

It
7
Lovesexy
Girls and Boys
Anotherloverholenyohead
Adore
319
1+1+1=3

and so much more!

wonder505 said:

Those are the only two on the list that I've heard, but I totally agree with both.

Money Don't Matter 2night is such a good song and I love everything about it.

New Position.

Just listened to that cut again. He does a real nice job of mixing the background vocals into his usual smooth harmonies. Also sounds like there's some half-sung, half-spoken backing vocals throughout the song.

Does anybody else hear Prince spell out h-a-p-p-y at the 1:42 mark, then spell out p-u-s-s-y around the 1:52 mark when he says he wants to "be Ur pappy." Am I the only pervert who hears that?

I'm no producer, but I'm pretty sure Prince did a lot of his backing vocals without a harmonizer, an expensive piece of equipment that automatically layers vocals in real time. Prince was creating that sound long before any asshole with a lot of money could replicate it.

Put his production skills in the long list of the man's under appreciated talents.

Great thread.

For The Tears In Your Eyes

oh and i forgot Anna Stesia

shaedove99 said:

Definitely

FrankSerpico said:

and you know that makes the live Detroit '86 version excellent is how Prince with his vocals and Wendy, Lisa and Susannah on backup delivered it so well - made it one of the greatest live numbers to watch.

wonder505 said:

Same with Forever in My Life--the live version from the Sign 'O the Times movie with the harmonies from Sheila and Bonnie (was there a third person? Can't remember) is just AMAZING!

wonder505 said:

Man O' War, yes definitely, I second that!!!

accident/posted twice
[Edited 3/23/07 22:18pm]

Some great choices here people!

Adore - when he says "til the end of time, I'll be there for you...etc" I cry every time...

money don't matter tonight - it just grabs you...

when 2 r in luv - collection of high and lows makes me shiver

too many to put down but his ballads have most of those amazing background vocals....that just draws you in...
[Edited 3/24/07 8:01am]