I wrote a thread just about the guitar intro to this song. So it's obvious what I like most about the song. The simple fact that the first half of the intro is backwards and then the second half is forward is genius. It gives the song a very exotic, almost animal sound. I like how P sings in his natural voice, which is alto. His overall vocal sound is very mature and edgy. Which was a first for P. You have to understand that when this song was first released, there was NOTHING that sounded like it. Or ever sounded like it. It was totally original. People flipped out over this song. It's one of the best singles of all time. It's vey alien sounding. Much like Strawberry Fields Forever was for The Beatles. When the strings come in towards the end, it gives it a classical vibe. It's a one of a kind song and one of if not the best song P has ever written.

blackguitaristz said:

For me, this is one of the songs I like best!

We have in common the thing liked best about this song, the guitar intro, I also like the beat, but love the guitar intro! But your observance is very keen because I did not notice all what you mentioned and am listening to it again to see if I can catch

I remember back in the day, I thought that this song, the video and Prince was so cool!

SexyBeautifulOne said:

I guess I just glossed over those threads...

Thanks for the vote of confidence, much appreciated (I went hog-wild with the videos and posts last night)!

CoolTarik1 said:

did you sit down at the piano and pick it out when you were a kid?

I love the lyrics about touching his stomach and 'see how it trembles inside, you've got the butterflies all tied up'

komputerbleu said:

Yep I know sexy lyrics

I don't think I ever read too much into the lyrics.
I think it was all pretty obvious.
Like, give me a challenge, haha
I like lyric guessing games

The music speaks so much louder here and singing is part of music, so Prince's voice does add quite a bit to this song. I doubt he had ever used so many different vocals for himself in one song that he's used here. Him knowing how many different ones and which ones to add... that takes a clear vision.

Keyboards and synths throughout are awesome.

It's strange, though. WB wanted him to add more instruments to this song. All he had were a few different keyboards & synths, a drum machine and an electric guitar. He didn't need any more instruments.

Few instruments= simplicity, but few of his songs have such a complex layering fo these instruments. Therein lies a contradiction... see, this song really does represent Prince as an artist more than any other.