Hi guys

I listened to the Controversy and 1999 albums back to back the other day and it struck me how P seemed to use much more of his tenor voice on 1999 than Controversy - especially on the more popular singles like 1999, LRC, Delirious, DMSR, Critics, International Lover etc... Do you think he mainly abandoned his falsetto to be more commercial to middle America, who might have felt his falsetto was a bit feminine (those not aware or appreciative of the history of the male falsetto in soul and gospel music). Perhaps he wanted a more macho image in the conservative period of President Reagan in America, which he thought would give him broader appeal.

bigbrother said:

I don't think so: i think the falsetto just didn't fit with this material. But who knows...

I think you're over thinking things x1000.

I think he just grew more comfortable with his natural voice at that point and didn't need to hide behind the falsetto anymore. Also, the falsetto didn't really lend itself to the kind of material he was branching out to in '81/'82.

I think Prince had a rant on NPGMC once about the ramifications of using FALSEtto. Seems the Moors in Spain used it a lot.

squirrelgrease said:

You mean the Moops.

Genesia said:

Genesia said:

i think Prince started using his natural voice because he wanted to get rock audience the same that threw old rotten eggs and bottles
during 1981 Rolling Stones concert incident.
That incident alone is maybe the reason for Prince going more into rock direction.