Graycap23 said:

Prince still has “it” but things in 2010 are quite a bit different from things pre JW.

Prince built a career on the notion that he was “free” 2 do as he damn well pleased and his fans loved it. The wild outfits, the diverse styles, the women, the love of “God”, the movies, the concerts…….all of it. Then 1996/7 happened.

The loss of a child in 1996/7 was a terrible tragedy 4 Prince. I am happy that someone was there 2 help Prince piece things back together. Prince’s conversion 2 JW could have very well saved his life. So I’m glad 2 see that he came out of the other side of the loss of his child and marriage. Unfortunately while his personal life survived his artistic side suffered 2 some degree. Personally I still love the music but the Prince material post 1996 is quite different. Living your life according 2 someone else’s rules is quite constraining especially 4 an artist who built his entire career without conventional rules. The music is still as strong as it ever was but the lyrics are obvious in its attempt 2 remain within the boundaries of Prince’s religion. I can “feel” the restraints as I hear the music. It saddens me, but it is his art and he can take it down any path that he chooses.

At the end of the day, I’m just glad that he still chooses 2 make music and shares it with the world. After all, he could choose NOT 2 share it. With all of the complaints about Prince it seems that some of u would be happy if this were the case.

I don't know if we can really get into Prince's psyche and blame certain events for music we may not like or whatever. I see no reason to think that Prince's faith is the reason for the weak material. I think he should just tour without putting out new albums.

[Edited 6/26/10 20:53pm]