johnny2000 said:

Then again, I'd say the same about "You Found Me", "Whatever You Like" and "I Hate This Part".

The fact is, if Prince released 1999 or Purple Rain after 1995, they probably would not have been huge hits of the same scale. The ingredients and technicalities of popular music change so quickly that veterans often struggle to keep up. Prince really fell victim to updating his sound; it was inevitable that one day he would cease being a trendsetter, but rather than moving forward at that point, he moved backwards. "Love" and "Black Sweat" both had the potential to be top 20 hits because they conformed to what was fresh at the time, but something Prince fails at is creating a sensible marketing strategy for his strong material.

If he is to have any singles from the Lotusflow3r set perform reasonably well, they'll obviously come from the MPLSOUND disc. From what we've heard of the title disc, "4Ever" and "Wall of Berlin" are simply weak/mediocre tracks and while "Colonized Mind" and "Crimson & Clover" are both great work in my mind, they're obviously far too dated to sell to mainstream markets.

Anyhow, my concern is not with Prince gaining a number 1 single. However, if he is able to saturate the market with 3 singles hitting airwaves simultaneously and a few quality shows, he can shift some serious units. Selling through Target is probably a good move, it's worked for other artists recently (The Eagles scoring a #1 through Best Buy) and hopefully it will pay off for Prince - especially with the very generous price tag.

If he throws away the late 1980s drum machine, hes in with a shot. Have you noticed it in every song (Love for example), Tamars first song about a beat down going into 2007, 2008, 2009, its so kool 1989 style. Its old its tired, it must die, and yes I agree he should dump the Jehova Jesus shit too.

underthegraffitibridge said:

I'm not sure you can state it a 'fact' that 1999 or Purple Rain would not have been hits after 1995... thats just foolish. Back in the early 1990's when Prince stopped writing hits he always blamed everyone else for his musical flops, this has continued to this day. It amazes me that he would never think it might be the fact that he is not writing great songs anymore... it's that simple!! The fact that so little from the last 20 years is played in his concerts is a sign ?? But no, it's the gatekeepers holding him back haha. oh please.
We never hear his 1980's contemporaires complaining like he does ... they just get on with it, move with the times, work with the right people.

...YUP..prince remember the singles!?!..i mean that is how we got through the 80's..plus it ALWAYS is appreciated...
..mzsexybaby'cream..don't u stop'

..now that i think about it!..prince should release singles...that's xtra "$"..a different headache..but over-all 'good business'..
..mzsexybaby<--u know i L-O-V-E u

Right on !