just put on the holy river and it dawned on me that it's such a beautiful track, a song which i very rarely listen 2, which is a shame cos i love it, but most of the time i 4get it's there.
was it an underrated track and did it get overlooked by the critics??
i'm gonna put it on more often!!

Yes indeed. What a beautiful song and video!

I really like the part where it breaks down and he sings "so i went on down to the holy river, i called my girl and told here i had something to give her. I asked her to marry me and she said 'yes'. i cried"

i just really love that part.

I like "If you ask God love you longer, every breath you take will make you stronger". So true

yes the video was excellant 2, i love the bit were he sings that part 2, actually thats my fave bit!
my fave bit is " and then it hits u like a fist 2 a wall, who gave u life when there was none at all, who gave the sun permission 2 rise up every day, let me tell ya"
think i'll play it again

i can always gripe about the production on that album, but this was one of the more inspired examples of the songwriting from 'emancipation'. good stuff. i'd like to hear it re-recorded someday and fleshed out even more.

yeah i agree, he really put his heart in2 that song, i'd love him 2 sing it in concert with a bit more edge 2 it

WOw, I honestly think this is one of the worst songs Prince has ever written. It was so corny to me. I am amazed that people like this so much.

Different Strokes....

It's my favorite song of all time, and one of my favorite guitar solos ever.

just about 90% of stuff Prince has put out since Purple Rain has been underrated

this is another example

some of Prince's music is just too good for radio or the average music listener

i have no idea what this song means but it doesn't matter because the music is so good

larksanders said:

I go back and forth on it, myself. There's part of me that likes it -- but a slightly bigger part of me that finds it silly and sentimental.

Just further proof that, over a span of nearly 30 years, he's written something for everyone.

larksanders said:

What are you made off. This is a song from the haert and has to do with love.
So what is expression of the heart make you so corny

Nefertete said:

Wow me not liking a song is making you question what I am made of. Good one! I personally find the song to be dull, boring, and pretty cliche'. I have no problem with Prince talking, singing, or shouting about love. I actually love it when he puts his emotion in these types of songs (Adore, The Beautiful Ones), but this sonds a bit contrived. The very first time I heard it I cringed, and when I heard he was releasing it as a single I just shook my head, VERY CORNY INDEED.

Again, this is just my PERSONAL opinion. It was nice to hear yours also...

this song and The Love We Make are my 2 favorites from the entire Emancipation era (including outtakes and ones released later on Crystal Ball and via NPGMC).

Anx said:

it always sounded to me like the guitar stuff at the end was tacked on (though i love it) and that this song was meant to be the opening number in medley with Into The Light and I Will.

I love the Holy River. I loved it from the first time I heard it!
This is my favorite part:

So over and over U ask your soul
Why'd U come down 2 a world so cold?
And the voice inside says 2night the truth will be told

Hmmmm, I always thought it was a bit over-rated - mainly because, at the time, so many people called it 'the new purple rain'. It is *not* in that league, IMO.

However, it's a pretty tune and I much prefer the edit. The album version tends to drag a little, I think.



.
[Edited 5/7/07 11:16am]

RodeoSchro said:

my fav is Still Would Stand All Time. But I like that one too

bjt57 said:

Still would stand all time and Thieves in the Temple are my favorite from the graffitti bridge soundtrack.

I've never really liked this song. "cliche" I think has been the best description here. Emancipation has some bright spots. In the oft mentioned "..should it have been a double album..." , this wouldn't have made the cut.
I prefer all 3 cd's for shear glutony.

YES!

larksanders said:

I'm kinda with you on this one, I never really liked it much, although it must be said, that I like it more now than I did. I like second half-ish of the track, when it gets into it a bit more.

i never liked this song

It's one of my favorites from the 90s era. He seems to be a peace and looking to start a new beginning. It's beautiful

Usually I don't like pissing on peoples praise for music, different strokes and all that but for me this song was a low point, but then I really don't like Emancipation and it's weak, half-assed, corny, crap-beats, lame-lyrics and ugly packaging/cover art.

Hated the stupid cheap video, doesn't even have the solo.

I love this song and the WHOLE Emancipation album. Call me crazy.

i think i must listen to it and get an opinion.
coz i don't play cd2 too often. more like close to never.