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Thread started 08/16/08 10:56am

MattyJam

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Surely you Rave haters can't dispute the greatness of these four tracks....

I can understand the hate for Hot Wit U and I'll admit that the title track sounds out-of-place... but c'mon... give the record some credit for these songs at least:

The Greatest Romance Ever Sold - This is surely one his biggest missed opportunities as far as hit singles go. This got a lot of airplay upon release here in the UK and could've been a massive hit if they hadn't fucked up with the amount of remixes they put on the single, rendering it illegible for chart entry.
I remember a lot of my friends who aren't really into Prince really digging this when it was out. Prince's vocals are classy, the lyrics have that wonderfully poetic quality which made When Doves Cry so great and Mike Scott's guitar playing over the verse is sublime.


I Love U But I Don't Trust U Anymore - One thing that astounds me when I see so many Prince fans dismissing Rave as complete fodder is how they can overlook how painfully autobiographical much of this record is. Whatever went down between him and Mayte, it inspired what is surely his most sincere and heartfelt ballad since Adore.


Wherever U Go Whatever U Do - Another lost hit. Lenny Kravitz had massive success with this when he released Again... and this would've made a perfect second single release from Rave.


Strange But True - Again, very personal lyrics, spoken in an almost hypnotic, mantra-like manner. Kinda reminds me of an updated All The Critics Love U In New York. There are so many interesting elements to this song, from the weird synth effects to that great funky guitar line buried deep into the mix.
[Edited 8/16/08 10:58am]
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Reply #1 posted 08/16/08 11:19am

Efan

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Sure I can. Sorry. The only one I agree with you on is Strange but True. That's one of my favorite songs of his, absolutely wonderful.

But TGRES is tedious and has such inscrutable lyrics that it's not enjoyable to listen to. I have no idea what the hell he's talking about in this song, so I just lump it in with the other songs where he preaches religious mumbo jumbo that I don't relate to.

I Love U... is overwrought and affected, in my opinion. From the opening cough (which seems so self-conscious) to the end, it just doesn't seem truly sincere. I know it gets a lot of love and people consider it great, but sorry. It seems full of false sentiment to me.

And Wherever U Go... is, I think, truly awful. It has weak lyrics and such a childish melody. I've said it before on this board: I think it's way worse than Graffiti Bridge.
[Edited 8/16/08 11:19am]
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Reply #2 posted 08/16/08 2:18pm

MattyJam

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Efan said:


And Wherever U Go... is, I think, truly awful. It has weak lyrics and such a childish melody. I've said it before on this board: I think it's way worse than Graffiti Bridge.
[Edited 8/16/08 11:19am]


No way. Graffiti Bridge is tacky, camp and pompous. Wherever U Go is genuinely moving.
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Reply #3 posted 08/16/08 2:22pm

rusty1

The greatest romance is very bland 2 my ears. Strange but true doesn't hold a candle 2 critics. wherever u go is a 4ever in my life rip-off.
BOB4theFUNK
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Reply #4 posted 08/16/08 2:23pm

jjonezy

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MattyJam said:

I can understand the hate for Hot Wit U and I'll admit that the title track sounds out-of-place... but c'mon... give the record some credit for these songs at least:

The Greatest Romance Ever Sold - This is surely one his biggest missed opportunities as far as hit singles go. This got a lot of airplay upon release here in the UK and could've been a massive hit if they hadn't fucked up with the amount of remixes they put on the single, rendering it illegible for chart entry.
I remember a lot of my friends who aren't really into Prince really digging this when it was out. Prince's vocals are classy, the lyrics have that wonderfully poetic quality which made When Doves Cry so great and Mike Scott's guitar playing over the verse is sublime.


I Love U But I Don't Trust U Anymore - One thing that astounds me when I see so many Prince fans dismissing Rave as complete fodder is how they can overlook how painfully autobiographical much of this record is. Whatever went down between him and Mayte, it inspired what is surely his most sincere and heartfelt ballad since Adore.


Wherever U Go Whatever U Do - Another lost hit. Lenny Kravitz had massive success with this when he released Again... and this would've made a perfect second single release from Rave.


Strange But True - Again, very personal lyrics, spoken in an almost hypnotic, mantra-like manner. Kinda reminds me of an updated All The Critics Love U In New York. There are so many interesting elements to this song, from the weird synth effects to that great funky guitar line buried deep into the mix.
[Edited 8/16/08 10:58am]



Hey hey i say that So far So Pleased is a fantastic track with Gewn Stefani!!!
Take of your clothes, egh, 319!
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Reply #5 posted 08/16/08 3:16pm

Se7en

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The Greatest Romance Ever Sold: new classic

I Love U But I Don't Trust U Anymore: a real gem, might be too personal for some. I love this song, but I can't listen to it often for that reason.

Wherever You Go, Whatever U Do: somewhat generic music for Prince, and suffers from the same childish-lyrics that also plagues Graffiti Bridge and Resolution. It does have a simplistic quality to it, but doesn't belong on this album - perhaps it would've been best on a children's album. Easily forgettable.

Strange But True: very original and personal - love this track. This song, to me, was instantly "Prince"; the poetic spoken lyrics, and the techno-ish music. Not hit potential, but a deep cut as a reward for die-hards.

I think Rave is a great album overall; and I'm glad that we have 2 versions to choose from!
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Reply #6 posted 08/16/08 4:00pm

zucris

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The Greatest Romance Ever Sold
I Love U But I Don't Trust U Anymore
Wherever U Go Whatever U Do
I like them so much... I can avoid to relation them with relationship Prince and Mayte, but I think "Wherever U Go Whatever U Do" is so sweet
Forever in my life...
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Reply #7 posted 08/16/08 8:07pm

lottielooloo19
68

MattyJam said:

I can understand the hate for Hot Wit U and I'll admit that the title track sounds out-of-place... but c'mon... give the record some credit for these songs at least:

The Greatest Romance Ever Sold - This is surely one his biggest missed opportunities as far as hit singles go. This got a lot of airplay upon release here in the UK and could've been a massive hit if they hadn't fucked up with the amount of remixes they put on the single, rendering it illegible for chart entry.
I remember a lot of my friends who aren't really into Prince really digging this when it was out. Prince's vocals are classy, the lyrics have that wonderfully poetic quality which made When Doves Cry so great and Mike Scott's guitar playing over the verse is sublime.


I Love U But I Don't Trust U Anymore - One thing that astounds me when I see so many Prince fans dismissing Rave as complete fodder is how they can overlook how painfully autobiographical much of this record is. Whatever went down between him and Mayte, it inspired what is surely his most sincere and heartfelt ballad since Adore.


Wherever U Go Whatever U Do - Another lost hit. Lenny Kravitz had massive success with this when he released Again... and this would've made a perfect second single release from Rave.


Strange But True - Again, very personal lyrics, spoken in an almost hypnotic, mantra-like manner. Kinda reminds me of an updated All The Critics Love U In New York. There are so many interesting elements to this song, from the weird synth effects to that great funky guitar line buried deep into the mix.
[Edited 8/16/08 10:58am]


i've grown to REALLY like this album, especially the songs you've mentioned.
i'd add 'hot with u' to this list! very sexy song... the remix is very cool

Wherever U Go Whatever U Do is possibly the only prince song that gets me tearing up touched

& strange but true... i love that horn (or whatever tht thing is).. very haunting/mystical vibe!
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Reply #8 posted 08/16/08 11:50pm

smiler69

strange but true - kinda like The Vault's My Little Pill in terms of weird tracks but like it nonetheless

the other Rave tracks were ok in themselves, I even like the Everyday Is A Winding Road cover, but if you want to talk about weakest tracks then Lemoncrush from the Batman soundtrack is my least favourite of all...

Graffitti Bridge has a mix of strong/weak songs, but then wasn't the early 90's a very questionable era for music?
This is what it's like in the dream factory...
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Reply #9 posted 08/16/08 11:52pm

Christopher

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MattyJam said:




Strange But True - Again, very personal lyrics, spoken in an almost hypnotic, mantra-like manner. Kinda reminds me of an updated All The Critics Love U In New York. There are so many interesting elements to this song, from the weird synth effects to that great funky guitar line buried deep into the mix.


its okay i guess.i much pefer sun moon and stars or so far so pleased actually the album isnt bad. tangerine is still cool
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Reply #10 posted 08/17/08 12:03am

smiler69

Sun, Moon & Stars - first time I heard this I had the bass cranked up and thought it was a drum n bass track with vocals....brilliant track

Partyman - nice reward for waiting 10 minutes after last track

also liked the song he did with Gwen Stefani
This is what it's like in the dream factory...
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Reply #11 posted 08/17/08 12:25am

Gimmesomehorns

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MattyJam said:

I can understand the hate for Hot Wit U and I'll admit that the title track sounds out-of-place... but c'mon... give the record some credit for these songs at least:

The Greatest Romance Ever Sold - This is surely one his biggest missed opportunities as far as hit singles go. This got a lot of airplay upon release here in the UK and could've been a massive hit if they hadn't fucked up with the amount of remixes they put on the single, rendering it illegible for chart entry.
I remember a lot of my friends who aren't really into Prince really digging this when it was out. Prince's vocals are classy, the lyrics have that wonderfully poetic quality which made When Doves Cry so great and Mike Scott's guitar playing over the verse is sublime.

Amen for that one.
A very sensuall song, i also like the instrumental version with maceo parker. cool
Freedom is to trust that you're doing what you must according to your lust
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Reply #12 posted 08/17/08 1:01am

muirdo

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smiler69 said:

Sun, Moon & Stars - first time I heard this I had the bass cranked up and thought it was a drum n bass track with vocals....brilliant track

Partyman - nice reward for waiting 10 minutes after last track

also liked the song he did with Gwen Stefani


That would be Pretty Man lol
Fuck the funk - it's time to ditch the worn-out Vegas horns fills, pick up the geee-tar and finally ROCK THE MUTHA-FUCKER!! He hinted at this on Chaos, now it's time to step up and fully DELIVER!!
woot!
KrystleEyes 22/03/05
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Reply #13 posted 08/17/08 1:02am

smiler69

sorry typo smile

been up all night sad
This is what it's like in the dream factory...
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Reply #14 posted 08/17/08 1:42am

MattyJam

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Gimmesomehorns said:


Amen for that one.
A very sensuall song, i also like the instrumental version with maceo parker. cool


Never heard that one...
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Reply #15 posted 08/17/08 2:43am

robinesque

i bought this on casette originally while backpacking. I was not really into at all

Some of the songs have finally grown on me

'strange but true' is one
'man o war' is the other

I don't mind 'i love u' but not a fan of the other songs you mentioned

'pretty man' didn't make it onto the cassette, thus it's a new discovery for me
I like it

Beautiful strange is one I like too... do most people dislike this song?
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Reply #16 posted 08/17/08 2:45am

HamsterHuey

Efan said:

Sure I can.


And so can anybody who's got a different taste.
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Reply #17 posted 08/17/08 4:36am

Tame

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I really don't know how, a couple of you can go from supporting, "Rave," to calling, "Grafitti Bridge," a childish melody with childish lyrics...

Grafitti Bridge is a sweet-light hearted tune...along with the philosophical gift of making a sweet statement....

Everbody wants to find Grafitti Bridge
Something to believe in
A reason to believe that there's a Heaven above
Everybody wants to find Grafitti Bridge
Everybody's looking 4
Everybody's looking 4
Everbody's looking 4 love

Everybody wants to find the perfect one
Someone that makes you happy
Someone that makes you laugh when you want to cry
Everybody's looking 4
Everybody's looking 4
Everybody's looking 4 love.

The song isn't rockin' out with guitar like some battery operated pyrotechnic bonanza...but it tells the main truth.
See this song for being what it was supposed to be...Sung by a group of people that are delivering an enchanted message....

When you listen to the song, "It's a small world after all," do you walk away from the song saying...Led Zeppelin's..."Whole Lotta Love," blows it away? No! You just let it be what it is...gosh you guyz... cool



The love of a boy
The love of a girl
The love that comes from someone
In a cold cold world.
"The Lion Sleeps Tonight...
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Reply #18 posted 08/17/08 4:42am

MattyJam

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I just find Grafitti Bridge pompous and OTT. It's the kind of song you wouldn't want your friends to hear when you have your i-Pod on shuffle.
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Reply #19 posted 08/17/08 7:03am

wasitgood4u

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SBT - interesting, but doesn't quite work
ILUBIDTUAM - beautiful

TGRES - annoyingly horrible
WYGWYD - embarrasingly puerile

Prettyman - best song on there, obviously.
"We've never been able to pull off a funk number"

"That's becuase we're soulless auttomatons"
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Reply #20 posted 08/17/08 7:59am

ejnbmore

I love the songs listed AND Man o War, Everyday is a Winding Road..I also loved the blue one piece, so actually his hair was the only thing horrible about this album. Although I do have a very nice close up of him during that hair period that would melt the Titanic iceberg.
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Reply #21 posted 08/17/08 10:09am

purplecorvette
1

Gimmesomehorns said:

MattyJam said:

I can understand the hate for Hot Wit U and I'll admit that the title track sounds out-of-place... but c'mon... give the record some credit for these songs at least:

The Greatest Romance Ever Sold - This is surely one his biggest missed opportunities as far as hit singles go. This got a lot of airplay upon release here in the UK and could've been a massive hit if they hadn't fucked up with the amount of remixes they put on the single, rendering it illegible for chart entry.
I remember a lot of my friends who aren't really into Prince really digging this when it was out. Prince's vocals are classy, the lyrics have that wonderfully poetic quality which made When Doves Cry so great and Mike Scott's guitar playing over the verse is sublime.

Amen for that one.
A very sensuall song, i also like the instrumental version with maceo parker. cool


I love this song, I have the one with 4 remixes, i'm now after the one with 8 mixes. Have'nt heard the maceo one.
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Reply #22 posted 08/17/08 10:15am

ButterscotchPi
mp

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Oh i can. BELIEVE ME i can.
But i won't.
I'm in a pretty good mood today.
http://www.facebook.com/p...111?ref=ts
y'all gone keep messin' around wit me and turn me back to the old me......
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Reply #23 posted 08/17/08 2:24pm

Se7en

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I wonder how rare the Rave In2 The Joy Fantastic CD is (the remix album)?


hmmm
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Reply #24 posted 08/17/08 6:13pm

jdcxc

Efan said:

Sure I can. Sorry. The only one I agree with you on is Strange but True. That's one of my favorite songs of his, absolutely wonderful.

But TGRES is tedious and has such inscrutable lyrics that it's not enjoyable to listen to. I have no idea what the hell he's talking about in this song, so I just lump it in with the other songs where he preaches religious mumbo jumbo that I don't relate to.

I Love U... is overwrought and affected, in my opinion. From the opening cough (which seems so self-conscious) to the end, it just doesn't seem truly sincere. I know it gets a lot of love and people consider it great, but sorry. It seems full of false sentiment to me.

And Wherever U Go... is, I think, truly awful. It has weak lyrics and such a childish melody. I've said it before on this board: I think it's way worse than Graffiti Bridge.
[Edited 8/16/08 11:19am]



Agree with you on TGRES and Wherever U Go lyrically. TGRES has a too polished but yet interesting sound. I Love U is brilliant, poignant and beautiful. The type of introspective song he rarely does anymore. And I was happy to see him work with Ani Difranco. I wish they would do more.

The entire album was uneven but not without it's merits. Why the covers on Emancipation and Rave? Too desperate for Prince. The Gwen Stefani duet is a great, clever pop shouldabeen hit. Too bad her record company nixed the single. I also like their other collab Waiting Room.

The real classic on the album is Tangerine. A lovely, melancholy and absorbing slice of beauty. Too short but I can listen to it 20 times in a row.
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Reply #25 posted 08/17/08 6:43pm

Risico

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The Greatest Romance Ever Sold - Like it quite a bit.

I Love U But I Don't Trust U Anymore - Love it, very starkly personal and definitely an overlooked track. It's almost hard to listen to sometimes.


Wherever U Go Whatever U Do - Arg. Never liked this track at all. For some reason the melody and chorus always struck me as something a boy band would write.

Strange But True - Love it. Very mysterious and cool, with some killer effects in there.
I've seen the future, and boy it's rough...
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Reply #26 posted 08/17/08 6:54pm

Efan

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Okay, I'm asking this in all seriousness, because I really would like to learn.

Could someone explain The Greatest Romance to me? It's not a love song, really, although it seems to be at first glance. But it really seems to be cutting and bitter to some extent.

The only way I've ever been able to explain the song is that it ties in with Prince's views that he and Mayte were reincarnated and had been lovers in ancient Egypt. So the verses carry out that theme of meeting up again in the present day after centuries apart, and the verses are intercut by the chorus, which expresses bitterness at the betrayal he's gotten from her (she has sold out the greatest romance).

Am I close to what other people feel about the song and love about it? Because I like the song in some ways, but the lyrics put me off it.

Oh, and if somebody could explain the real reason Adam never left Eve, that'd be great too (especially if you have an explanation that's not sexist and doesn't involve Eve "belonging" to him because of God's law or something like that).
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Reply #27 posted 08/17/08 6:57pm

rave777

I like the Rave album.

It has some good tracks on it.

My favourites are Man O War and So Far, So Pleased.
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Reply #28 posted 08/17/08 7:04pm

Efan

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jdcxc said:

The real classic on the album is Tangerine. A lovely, melancholy and absorbing slice of beauty. Too short but I can listen to it 20 times in a row.


I love that one too. The longer Rave in2 version is much better because it doesn't cut out so quick.
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Reply #29 posted 08/17/08 7:07pm

TheFreakerFant
astic

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Agree with the last two songs.

Strange But True
Wherever U Go, whatever u do
[Edited 8/17/08 19:08pm]
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