Since returning the "1999" album, this track has stood out 4 me a whole lot, just like it always has.

Although in bad quality, I saw the video. I honestly don't understand why Prince would subject himself 2 such, heh, "abuse"... but I overlook that 2 enjoy the song as much as I do.

Over 9 minutes is just the perfect length and not a second was left to waste and the combined efforts of the several instruments is amazing.

Got anything u'd like 2 add?

I know this track is a "fan"-favorite.

I love that song. He did that one in concert that year nice

I don't really like "Automatic" to be honest, or "Pop Life", which uses the same nursey rhyme keyboard motif.

How can you not love a song with the line...

I'll go down on you all night long...it's automatic.

I mean...c'mon. Women everywhere owe him a debt of thanks for that one.

Genesia said:

Much as I like Prince, I don't really want him going down all me all night long


that's not how I roll

LittleSmedley said:

I wasn't aiming that comment at you, sweetie. It was just a general observation.

It's a-u-t-o matic-I LOVE it! Prince at his sexiest.

sexxydancer said:

Personally, I could think of a few other songs where he's "at his sexiest"...

I pinpointed this song 2b a potential 1999 favorite from the first listen, even though the length was 2much 2 take at the time. I think it was because the overall sound & vibe, I've heard in the past 1999 tracks I was familiar with. I guess that's why it became a single.

I'm curious about something that I wonder if anyone could answer 4 me.

This is supposedly the B-side 2 the infamous "(Does not Compute) Something in the Water". So, does that mean that he wrote Automatic after it?

Or was he working on Automatic and after finishing "Something in the Water", he decided to add the 2nd half of the song that starts with "I hope u have mercy, don't torture me."

The mood dramatically changes 1/2 thru the song... that can't be just my imagination... or he tinkering on the brink of insanity?

It's just one of those songs that makes me wonder....

Deep track. The funk is on point here. When he says "prepare for take off" and he switches up that groove it's over. Trent Reznor loves this song i read.

check out that bass solo 2wards the end ..funk!!!

L4OATheOriginal said:

oh man... that's one of my fav., if not my favorite part of the song... it's awesome.

Looooove this song!
[Edited 9/11/07 11:12am]

I love it 2

All right, we've got it going a little bit.

Let's list all the things that are so awesome about the song.

And if anyone knows any of the history behind it (other than the video being too risque 4 MTV), DO TELL...

This song's just gotta have some sort of story behind it... or something... c'mon guys, I'm dying 4 details.

great shout out, should be in a porn movie!. It was ahead of its time, my fave version though is the Live one from the Parade tour where the Horns replace the keyboards/synths. Just amazing!.

Prince at his best dark,hypnotic,synth based groove self!

Cuz everytime u cry me cry {boo hoo}, it'a Automatic too!

My favorite track on the album

DifferentPsuedenum said:

Yeah, "Let's Pretend We're Married" kinda sets me up 4 that. It's a very hypnotic track... with the same synth-based groove thing going on.

But that's something eerie, yet mesmerizing about the synth-chord in Automatic that sounds like strings... maybe that's why I can never get the song out of my head when I hear it.

This song is AWESOME beyond words!

The Full 8-9 minute video is cool...i got it on vhs in my vault

Heres one for U :

I remember i helped my girlfriend do some work around her house.
She was all like "thanks for helping...."
I was like "U dont have to ask, For U it's Automatic"
She thought it was the sweetest thing to say...
Little did she know..i stole that line from prince

mplsmike said:

mplsmike said:

Stop the lies!

This jam makes me feel so sexy! I love it!

DreamyPopRoyalty said:

Only in Australia... and actually "Automatic" was the A-side and "Water" was the b-side. Not that either was written before the other -- I think he just wanted a final chance to get both songs heard commercially, thinking perhaps that "Automatic" would have a wider appeal, or at least be more radio friendly, especially considering that it was edited down to 3:38, but never having heard the edit, I'm not sure if that's 3:38 from the very start, or from somewhere inbetween.

"Automatic" is definitely a fan favorite, and is often mentioned by several fans as their favorite song of all Prince tunes. Interestingly enough, Rolling Stone's review of the 1999 album makes no mention of "Automatic" whatsoever.

"Automatic" was chosen as one of a handful of 1999 songs to be included in Prince's famous 1st Avenue (Minnesota Dance Theatre benefit) performance in 1983 where he debuted not only Wendy Melvoin but no less than 5 of the 9 songs which would later end up on the Purple Rain album, in addition to "Electric Intercourse" which was later replaced by "The Beautiful Ones."

funkyhead said:

Wow. Just sitting here trying to wrap my mind around how that would sound. That must have been great.

it!!

I agree Dreamy, it's very eerie and the mood definitely changes halfway through.

I prefer the music rather than the lyrics to this song.

And with the video, it's just acting remember

They say nothing's perfect, but did they hear this song?