What do you think Prince's best underrated album is and why? Honestly all his albums are underrated, with the exception of Purple Rain. But what's one that should of gotten airplay but didn't?

My personal choice is Emacipation. I think that album covered so many genres and nailed them all. Doing a 3 disc set is a risk and has more potential of people not liking more of your songs, but I really do love this album. Mr. Happy and Damned If I do were really the only ones that I didn't admire.
[Edited 3/20/10 12:13pm]

Lotusflow3r

WetDream said:

Interesting

For You

Its 3cds that not one other can do.

The latest and greatest evidence of the most complete virtuoso in music.
[Edited 3/20/10 12:19pm]

xlr8r said:

For You is a topper, love the 1st 2 albums.

BATMAN & Chaos and Disorder.

annastesia101 said:

I agree....a lot of people seem to dislike Emancipation but there are some great songs on it.

WetDream said:

THANK You.

The Lotusflow3r disc by itself is mind-blowing.
Prince said it himself: no one is qualified to critique music such as that.

torahwarrior said:

actually he said anyone is qualified if they do it with a sense of love.

Come

The Truth. Thread can be locked now.

CallMeCarrie said:

thedance said:

(Although I have to admit I can do without Loose.)

Not to sure if these album's count but LoveSexy has been on repeat a lot lately, love that album. And Graffiti Bridge!

Graffiti Bridge.

Although ever since hearing "I Like It There" at the Conga Room, Chaos & Disorder has gotten mad spins, lol.

dance4me3121 said:

actually

He's said both. On Tavis' show he answered that "well anybody, really" is qualified to judge his music, and later on in the same year in the Paris AFP interview he answered the same question with "nobody."
That has to be a record self-contradiction for him, timewise.

I contend with his most recent decision.

Come.

torahwarrior said:

didnt catch the paris interview. Prince is always changing his mind.

Im actually starting to dig Come.

Parade, Batman.

I would say Gold Experience, but it was actually recieved quite well. Just wasnt pushed enough by WB.

annastesia101 said:

I often answered Rainbow Children because of the lack of attention and sales - however it get good critical reviews. But I have to say Emancipation for the same reasons the OP cited. It got a good amount of support by Prince but I think the public missed a masterpiece. It is Prince's most unsung masterpiece.

There should have ben at least 3 hit singles rfom that album. It is a matter of opinion if the tracks that would have made te best singles were released as singles. I would not have led off with a cover - Betcha by Golly Wow - as the first single. Holy River was a good single. I think Mr Happy would have been a good single.
[Edited 3/20/10 18:04pm]

Emancipation,Come,Crystall Ball

Come is his most underrated album, in my view.

WetDream said:

First time I heard this album was yesterday (UK Here). \was back in touch with someone who had bought it for me as a Xmas present. I was shocked by how bad it was. Not just the sound of indifference but weakness

CuddlyBear said:

I love Come as well, but the Truth was the hidden extra to the Crystal Ball set and it slipped under the radar. At least Come got a bit of radio play back in the day.

The Truth cd gets my vote.

I really, really enjoy Come and Lotusflow3r/MPLSound. I think the latter could use a little more loving, but that's just me. I hated the album(s) at first too, but they grew on me pretty quickly. And Come is just a roller coaster of music awesomeness.

Controversy

Its always overlooked.

Prince (the album), Batman, Chaos and Disorder, Rave, The Vault (I know it's a compilation but I absolutely love 90% of the album).