Raise your hands if you would have preferred the single version had the guitar solo kept intact.

Anyone know why he cut it? It's still a decent song without, but removing the guitar chopped the balls right off this song.

My guess is, cos it had 2 b radio and MTV/VH1 freindly!!!
[Edited 3/12/09 14:59pm]

Desire2006 said:

My guess is that single would have sold more with the guitar intact. Who doesn't love a little crunchy solo?

meow85 said:

i raise my hand dude

The single definitely cut out the catchiest part of the song, the hook that really made it. I never understood why.

jjonezy said:

Heh.



I really think that over the years Prince has shot himself in the foot somewhat when it comes to promoting his own work and himself as a musician. You'd be amazed how many non-fans have no idea he evens plays any instruments, let alone several and well.

As big as the Emancipation project was at the time, leaving the guitarwork in the single release for this song really could have highlighted what he could do to the general public.

Efan said:

Seems to me it was even more pared down than just cutting out the guitar. It's still nice, but it lacks the power of the album cut.

meow85 said:

I feel cheesy when I do it, but it's very, very hard for me not to sing along to the "...with only one" part. Not having that in there, but keeping the Jesus part, was a sure way to make the single fail, imo. Not that there's anything wrong with Jesus.

Whatever the version; this song is beautiful and spirt-led...IMHO.

I played that song while teaching English in Korea. My class was 10 Korean businessmen all dressed in suits at 6:00 a.m. and by the end of the class, they were all singing along to the song. It is one of my favorite songs. I do not think it is worthy of a hit though. It is too good for radio. The jesus part is corny though.

Love me some Holy River, with and without.

japanrocks said:

I don't find the Jesus part corny at all. The "with only one" bit, that's another story...

PaisleyPark5083 said: