Prince insists that he doesn't care about the charts, and I would be inclined to believe him if he was still making albums like The Rainbow Children, One Nite Alone, Xpectation etc.

But you can't tell me he wrote songs like Chocolate Box or Laydown for the artistic merit. This is the sound of a man who wants to sound contemporary, who wants to fit in with the current musical climate. The same man who wrote Rave, a tailor-made "I'll-deliver-the-goods-you-give-me-a-hit" album.

But with Rave, at least he tried to see it through. He performed on every TV show going, did magazine interviews, promoted the hell out of it in a desperate attempt to get TGRES on the radios and on MTV. Over ten years later, his music is still gunning for commercial relevance (I've lost count of the amount of times I've seen his recent output be compared to the Black Eyes Peas) and yet he just gives his albums away for free.

Am I the only one who thinks that this doesn't seem to make any sense??

You're under the mistaken impression that there is a logic behind any of Prince's career decisions.

MattyJam said:

Am I the only one who thinks that this doesn't seem to make any sense??

the only thing about Prince that makes any sense to me is his music .

wish i could reply in more detail to your post but i got nuthin.

Don't want to sound rude, but does it matter?

So long as we get new music and so long as i like some or all of it, i'm happy.

put it this way............

as cool-brilliant-clever, intelligent, funky-whatever we think he is

around music-he is still like a kid in a candy shop

i genuinely think-after seeing him live so many times that a simple new sound, a beat-a drum sound, whatever triggers him

and he's gone just like a child would be so you can understand if he does not wanna fight his most natural instinct

to feel it.

sorry to say this -but mabey you just plain

don't....................

Maybe he LIKES the music he writes. I like simple pop music, too.

polkadotbliss said:

put it this way............

as cool-brilliant-clever, intelligent, funky-whatever we think he is

around music-he is still like a kid in a candy shop

i genuinely think-after seeing him live so many times that a simple new sound, a beat-a drum sound, whatever triggers him

and he's gone just like a child would be so you can understand if he does not wanna fight his most natural instinct

to feel it.

sorry to say this -but mabey you just plain

don't....................

I wasn't criticising the quality of his music. I've enjoyed his last few albums, and I quite like 20Ten.

Perhaps he just likes making that kind of music, maybe it really is as simple as that.

MattyJam said:

But you can't tell me he wrote songs like Chocolate Box or Laydown for the artistic merit.

You're right, I can't. But I can't tell you he didn't either. Unless we hear it from Prince himself, we don't know his reasons and intentions. We can only speculate - but why should we, really?

I don't see how speculation would enhance our perception of the music.

Let me quote myself from another thread:

Unless we know otherwise, we must always assume that every artist creates what he wants to create, and that every work of art is supposed to be exactly the way it is.

RealMusician said:

MattyJam said:

But you can't tell me he wrote songs like Chocolate Box or Laydown for the artistic merit.

You're right, I can't. But I can't tell you he didn't either. Unless we hear it from Prince himself, we don't know his reasons and intentions. We can only speculate - but why should we, really?

I don't see how speculation would enhance our perception of the music.

Let me quote myself from another thread:

Unless we know otherwise, we must always assume that every artist creates what he wants to create, and that every work of art is supposed to be exactly the way it is.

Never a truer statement said.

RealMusician said:

MattyJam said:

But you can't tell me he wrote songs like Chocolate Box or Laydown for the artistic merit.

You're right, I can't. But I can't tell you he didn't either. Unless we hear it from Prince himself, we don't know his reasons and intentions. We can only speculate - but why should we, really?

I don't see how speculation would enhance our perception of the music.

Let me quote myself from another thread:

Unless we know otherwise, we must always assume that every artist creates what he wants to create, and that every work of art is supposed to be exactly the way it is.

Exactly.

You can only speculate as to what motivates Prince to write. From the very beginning, he has written pop music...it is rare when he doesn't. It is ignorant to make assumptions about Prince writing for "commercialism" or "artistic merit". I mean, the "commercial music" accusation could be leveled at most of his work....the entire Purple Rain album for example. How much artistic merit does "Take me with U" warrant?

MattyJam said:

Prince insists that he doesn't care about the charts, and I would be inclined to believe him if he was still making albums like The Rainbow Children, One Nite Alone, Xpectation etc.

But you can't tell me he wrote songs like Chocolate Box or Laydown for the artistic merit. This is the sound of a man who wants to sound contemporary, who wants to fit in with the current musical climate. The same man who wrote Rave, a tailor-made "I'll-deliver-the-goods-you-give-me-a-hit" album.

But with Rave, at least he tried to see it through. He performed on every TV show going, did magazine interviews, promoted the hell out of it in a desperate attempt to get TGRES on the radios and on MTV. Over ten years later, his music is still gunning for commercial relevance (I've lost count of the amount of times I've seen his recent output be compared to the Black Eyes Peas) and yet he just gives his albums away for free.

Am I the only one who thinks that this doesn't seem to make any sense??

He writes music because it sounds good. What's your point?

so if a song happens to become a hit he can say " i never really expected this to be a hit"

knowing good and well he wanted it to be a hit but he doesnt want people to think that hes trying to make a hit

its just that simple people

[Edited 7/11/10 11:56am]

I think Chocolate Box or Laydown are the two most obvious recent examples of Prince looking at what is selling/popular, and putting his own spin on it (own spin/copying the vocal delivery/musical style whatever you wanna call it).

Don't you think Prince has often done this?.... I do. Purple Rain didn't come out of nowhere, U Got The Look, Batdance and Gett Off weren't innovative, but were going for a sound he'd picked up on.

It's just that CB and Laydown are horrible and shitty, and so was their source material.

MikeyB71 said:

Don't want to sound rude, but does it matter?

So long as we get new music and so long as i like some or all of it, i'm happy.

Thank you, that's all I care about too. If we go too deep into trying to figure Prince out, we will lose our minds faster than we can say "Prince". It's not that serious.

It does sound commercial but strange thing is Prince is not even looking to release singles on this one. But don't tell me that you think "Lay Down" wouldn't go well on the charts! But alas it would probably be a hit if it was done by someone else presumably younger lol

These are not contradictory concepts.

Prince may not care about the charts at all--though it's all strictly conjecture. He actually may be obsessed with the charts. WHo knows?

But he's growing his spread through distribution deals through outlets to people who otherwise may not listen to his music. This is stuff that will never appear on a chart. But it ***may*** gain him fans and it will definitely get him attention.

He's focusing on growing his footprint obviously; but, at this point, he may have given up on the charts---and no, I'm not playing a game of semantics. I do believe he's writing very chart friendly material...I just don't think he's focused on scoring #1 on billboard right now.

MikeyB71 said:

So long as we get new music and so long as i like some or all of it, i'm happy.

That's my main problem. For the last 6 years I have disliked nearly 100% of his output.

In 1999 he said he'd sooner be #1 in the bank than in the charts. That's very true because his main concern as of late is having a big deal and not being bothered about an album rotting in the sale shelves at Target or being trashed away with a newspaper. His only concern is getting as much paid as possible and not the quality of the music he's been releasing. And his current music is tailored for THAT, it's music he himself can afford not caring much about.

But even if he'smore interested in earning a lot of money than in the air he breathes, I'm sure he'd love being #1 in che charts.

For some reason he remains absolutely unfocused when attempting to target his work, so -being aware that it has become nearly impossible for him to have a real smash hit- I'm afraid he tries to 'appear cool' by saying he doesn't care about the charts.

vitriol said:

MikeyB71 said:

So long as we get new music and so long as i like some or all of it, i'm happy.

That's my main problem. For the last 6 years I have disliked nearly 100% of his output.

In 1999 he said he'd sooner be #1 in the bank than in the charts. That's very true because his main concern as of late is having a big deal and not being bothered about an album rotting in the sale shelves at Target or being trashed away with a newspaper. His only concern is getting as much paid as possible and not the quality of the music he's been releasing. And his current music is tailored for THAT, it's music he himself can afford not caring much about.

But even if he'smore interested in earning a lot of money than in the air he breathes, I'm sure he'd love being #1 in che charts.

For some reason he remains absolutely unfocused when attempting to target his work, so -being aware that it has become nearly impossible for him to have a real smash hit- I'm afraid he tries to 'appear cool' by saying he doesn't care about the charts.

As many people have said on this thread already...statements like this are speculation on your part. For all we know, Prince has always been about getting paid. Look at how he lost interest in the Sign O' The Times project in America in '87. You could level the accusation at Prince at any point in his career.

vitriol said:

That's my main problem. For the last 6 years I have disliked nearly 100% of his output.

Now you've done it. Cue a million replies asking you why you're still a member of the forum, and a pitchfork-wielding mob demanding your forceful ejection.

MattyJam said:

Prince insists that he doesn't care about the charts, and I would be inclined to believe him if he was still making albums like The Rainbow Children, One Nite Alone, Xpectation etc.

But you can't tell me he wrote songs like Chocolate Box or Laydown for the artistic merit. This is the sound of a man who wants to sound contemporary, who wants to fit in with the current musical climate. The same man who wrote Rave, a tailor-made "I'll-deliver-the-goods-you-give-me-a-hit" album.

But with Rave, at least he tried to see it through. He performed on every TV show going, did magazine interviews, promoted the hell out of it in a desperate attempt to get TGRES on the radios and on MTV. Over ten years later, his music is still gunning for commercial relevance (I've lost count of the amount of times I've seen his recent output be compared to the Black Eyes Peas) and yet he just gives his albums away for free.

Am I the only one who thinks that this doesn't seem to make any sense??

What are you babbling about? Sometimes dude just likes to put out some jams. The songs on 20Ten have no chance of getting radio airplay and I would say with the exception of "Musicology " P has not been killing himself promoting any of his projects with in the last few years.

laurarichardson said:

MattyJam said:

Prince insists that he doesn't care about the charts, and I would be inclined to believe him if he was still making albums like The Rainbow Children, One Nite Alone, Xpectation etc.

But you can't tell me he wrote songs like Chocolate Box or Laydown for the artistic merit. This is the sound of a man who wants to sound contemporary, who wants to fit in with the current musical climate. The same man who wrote Rave, a tailor-made "I'll-deliver-the-goods-you-give-me-a-hit" album.

But with Rave, at least he tried to see it through. He performed on every TV show going, did magazine interviews, promoted the hell out of it in a desperate attempt to get TGRES on the radios and on MTV. Over ten years later, his music is still gunning for commercial relevance (I've lost count of the amount of times I've seen his recent output be compared to the Black Eyes Peas) and yet he just gives his albums away for free.

Am I the only one who thinks that this doesn't seem to make any sense??

What are you babbling about? Sometimes dude just likes to put out some jams. The songs on 20Ten have no chance of getting radio airplay and I would say with the exception of "Musicology " P has not been killing himself promoting any of his projects with in the last few years.

Learn to read properly jackass, and you'll see.

I was questionning the logic of Prince producing tailor-made radio friendly music obviously created with commercial appeal in mind, only to then give it away for free with a newspaper.

How is that hard to follow?

MattyJam said:

Prince insists that he doesn't care about the charts, and I would be inclined to believe him if he was still making albums like The Rainbow Children, One Nite Alone, Xpectation etc.

But you can't tell me he wrote songs like Chocolate Box or Laydown for the artistic merit. This is the sound of a man who wants to sound contemporary, who wants to fit in with the current musical climate. The same man who wrote Rave, a tailor-made "I'll-deliver-the-goods-you-give-me-a-hit" album.

But with Rave, at least he tried to see it through. He performed on every TV show going, did magazine interviews, promoted the hell out of it in a desperate attempt to get TGRES on the radios and on MTV. Over ten years later, his music is still gunning for commercial relevance (I've lost count of the amount of times I've seen his recent output be compared to the Black Eyes Peas) and yet he just gives his albums away for free.

Am I the only one who thinks that this doesn't seem to make any sense??

He write that kind of music because he wants to, commercial intentions doesn't have anything to do with charts or radio airplay, there is many way to do business in this planet.

Prince gave up on radio in general ages ago. Other than the one off track releases he's been doing he doesn't seem to have a use for radio stations. I don't believe he goes into the studio with any objective other than to make music. What is done with that music (airplay or clubplay) once it's released is probably the farthest thing from Prince's mind.

MattyJam said:

laurarichardson said:

What are you babbling about? Sometimes dude just likes to put out some jams. The songs on 20Ten have no chance of getting radio airplay and I would say with the exception of "Musicology " P has not been killing himself promoting any of his projects with in the last few years.

Learn to read properly jackass, and you'll see.

I was questionning the logic of Prince producing tailor-made radio friendly music obviously created with commercial appeal in mind, only to then give it away for free with a newspaper.

How is that hard to follow?

Because Jackass the music is not tailor-made for the radio. Nothing that P has recorded over the last four CDs was in sync with radio play list.

Especially RnB radio but I forgot you are an orger so you probably do not know shit about RnB music or what is popular with RnB audiences but it does not stop you from running off at the mouth about a topic you are clueless about. In addition, since P is not signed to a major label none of this music will get radio airplay so how could he be trying to fit in with the radio. Now stop being a dickhead and go get a fucking clue.

laurarichardson said:

MattyJam said:

Learn to read properly jackass, and you'll see.

I was questionning the logic of Prince producing tailor-made radio friendly music obviously created with commercial appeal in mind, only to then give it away for free with a newspaper.

How is that hard to follow?

Because Jackass the music is not tailor-made for the radio. Nothing that P has recorded over the last four CDs was in sync with radio play list.

Especially RnB radio but I forgot you are an orger so you probably do not know shit about RnB music or what is popular with RnB audiences but it does not stop you from running off at the mouth about a topic you are clueless about. In addition, since P is not signed to a major label none of this music will get radio airplay so how could he be trying to fit in with the radio. Now stop being a dickhead and go get a fucking clue.

MattyJam said:

Prince insists that he doesn't care about the charts, and I would be inclined to believe him if he was still making albums like The Rainbow Children, One Nite Alone, Xpectation etc.

But you can't tell me he wrote songs like Chocolate Box or Laydown for the artistic merit. This is the sound of a man who wants to sound contemporary, who wants to fit in with the current musical climate. The same man who wrote Rave, a tailor-made "I'll-deliver-the-goods-you-give-me-a-hit" album.

But with Rave, at least he tried to see it through. He performed on every TV show going, did magazine interviews, promoted the hell out of it in a desperate attempt to get TGRES on the radios and on MTV. Over ten years later, his music is still gunning for commercial relevance (I've lost count of the amount of times I've seen his recent output be compared to the Black Eyes Peas) and yet he just gives his albums away for free.

Am I the only one who thinks that this doesn't seem to make any sense??

Prince is a popstar. That's all nothing else. He is no great musician in terms of his musical intellect. He can memorize parts on his instrument and then tease and mezmorize us with it on stage. He has an extremely limited vocabulary on guitar and he doesn't really OWN his instrument like you might hear from some jazz players. This is real talk. I'm not trying to hate when I say it, I'm just trying to be real, but there is nothing musically advanced or next level about The Rainbow Children, or Xpectation or any of that stuff. Prince HAS to write for the pop world because he can'compete in any other realm.

I don't think he will ever have another song or album with real commercial success. He first needs to lose his religion, then maybe some sparks will fly.

MattyJam said:

Prince insists that he doesn't care about the charts, and I would be inclined to believe him if he was still making albums like The Rainbow Children, One Nite Alone, Xpectation etc.

But you can't tell me he wrote songs like Chocolate Box or Laydown for the artistic merit. This is the sound of a man who wants to sound contemporary, who wants to fit in with the current musical climate. The same man who wrote Rave, a tailor-made "I'll-deliver-the-goods-you-give-me-a-hit" album.

But with Rave, at least he tried to see it through. He performed on every TV show going, did magazine interviews, promoted the hell out of it in a desperate attempt to get TGRES on the radios and on MTV. Over ten years later, his music is still gunning for commercial relevance (I've lost count of the amount of times I've seen his recent output be compared to the Black Eyes Peas) and yet he just gives his albums away for free.

Am I the only one who thinks that this doesn't seem to make any sense??

I've read all the comments below and you are right. I have commented before that P has nothing left to prove so he is still the best. However in contemporary form I do believe he strives for this immiediacy. Again the problem is P can't win on this coz 1) If he wroet a pure pop track he would be seen as a hypocrite 2) He actually can't do it coz he Princes is it up too much so it can't stand as a pop song. He can make generic sound too personal and that is a combinaton that just ain't ever gonna work

Because he's a damn lie and the truth ain't in him.

Making commercial songs in the 1980s when commercial music was good is what he was supposed to do. But making commercial music in a shit hop infested era where commercial music is worse than it ever has been in the history of music is grounds for longtime fans (the ones with taste and the ones that aren't ass kissers) to stop buying his albums and stop being his backup sales that he can always count on. If he wants to sellout, stop buying his new music and see just how many of the no taste current commercial listeners he's going after buys it. When he starts feeling it in the pocketbook, he'll get his ass together. If not, fuck him.

laurarichardson said:

MattyJam said:

Learn to read properly jackass, and you'll see.

I was questionning the logic of Prince producing tailor-made radio friendly music obviously created with commercial appeal in mind, only to then give it away for free with a newspaper.

How is that hard to follow?

Because Jackass the music is not tailor-made for the radio. Nothing that P has recorded over the last four CDs was in sync with radio play list.

Especially RnB radio but I forgot you are an orger so you probably do not know shit about RnB music or what is popular with RnB audiences but it does not stop you from running off at the mouth about a topic you are clueless about. In addition, since P is not signed to a major label none of this music will get radio airplay so how could he be trying to fit in with the radio. Now stop being a dickhead and go get a fucking clue.

I believe songs like Chocolate Box and Laydown are Prince's attempt at sounding contemporary. Whether this material actually does fit in with the utter shit you hear on most R&B music channels is irrelevant, Prince's intentions are still the same.

Understand, jackass?