Do you think Prince got Naked for the Lovesexy album cover because John Lennon did it?

[Edited 7/24/09 19:13pm]


[Edited 7/24/09 19:21pm]

Are you punking us?

think he did it because that's how the album felt. It was vulnerable, innocent and slightly naughty all at once. It played on the music and was a come hither tease to the fans.

Dayclear said:

Nah, he was just trying to push the envelope as usual. I miss that about him.
Growing old is a bitch!

I think he did it as a rebirth. It's obvious since he's coming out of a flower, etc etc.

I think a couple of artist were getting away with it at the time,you know "pushing the envelope" and Prince wanted to try it too.

It got the album a big media push as well since Walmart wouldn't sell it. It wouldn't look right next to the rifles and ammo!

"Hello, Chris. This is Prince."

He says he just wants "to say hello." Still, I am talking-to him. It's the first time we've spoken since Prince seemed to finger me as a disciple three years ago, after I had given Lovesexy one of its few positive reviews. (Apparently, he had appreciated my interpreting his nude cover pose as a spiritual statement.) In Paris, on the opening night of the Lovesexy tour, Prince and I were introduced. He stood and grasped my hand for an unusually long period of time and said, quietly, with a smile, "You understand." There was no irony; this was some form of induction. By way of a reply, I simply mumbled, "I hope so."

ernestsewell said:

He's freaking gorgeous and he knew he could pull it off

I just remember all of my friends teasing me SO bad at the time and asking me what was going on, and try as I mayI just couldn't think of a reason why he decided to go nude. Although he got half-naked in a lot of his concert performances anyway. guess I'm still looking for the reason.

was he not meant to be wearing womans clothes for lovesey - but he din't in the end. i though there were rare photos of the original album cover. maybe that was a dif album though.

Sometimes a brotha get let his shit breathe!
Yea son!
We gon' get our Lovesexy on up in dis' piece!
Word!

ernestsewell said:

also a choice (one of many)that stifled album sales...many potential buyers(males especialy) wouldnt be caught dead picking up that album..i was one of them who passed on it...i know many who also did...i did however get a used copy later.

3232 said:

I was in the very homophobic Navy in Philly in 1987 and walked right into the Tower Records and bought it. Didn't bother me or my shipmates. But I do get what you're saying.

However, Prince was already naked or shirtless on at least two former albums, three if you count the bikini shot on Dirty Mind. I think the success of the album had zippo to do with the cover, but more the content. People weren't funking out to "Eye No" or "I Wish U Heaven".