purplethunder3121 said:

I've been listening again to some old favorites from the 1980s. Today, I'm listening to Around The World In a Day. I just started thinking about the controversy over Prince's last two albums and how many people are dissatisfied with his recent releases. I think part of what is missing in his recent music, compared to older classics, is QCC: Questioning, Conflict, and Complexity. It seems like in recent years he has replaced this with Quirkiness, Complacency, and Congruity. What do you think is missing from recent releases and why?

Inspiration, hunger and friends who tell him no.

music videos

singles of the album

finaly buying the album

going 2 the concert

ufoclub said:

So, I think what is missing from Prince's recent music is the true proximate influence of teenagers or young collaborators. If he were to get some teenage (or early 20's) interns or musician session players... I think we would see that sort of energy seep in.

But personally, I love a few tracks from every Prince album from current to old. I just hope he can continue to figure out ways to fund his ambition. So far he has done well! Prince is older and evolved now, and his musical excercises/experiments show a sophistication that beyond most of his 80's output (in my opinion). To me, the first track of 20ten is actually experiental in a obscure way, referencing a retro vibe of music that is not neccessarily familiar to contemporary masses.

I look at Prince the way I look at a contemporary visual artist and try to understand their work.

And I wouldn't think for a second he has slowed down recording in the studio... I think he has slowed down leaks.

Actually I love 'adult' music, I love hearing from someone in their 30's 40's 50's 60's who can still express life thru their music. It really is supposed to get better with time. I think it's almost like when we see Prince on stage with Sheila E, that history just brings something fantastic to the show. And Sheila E is definately not trying to be 20something.

I don't want Prince to be or sound like a 20 yr old but a lively 50something. I love a lot of other Rock stars who are still living life having real everyday human experiences that can come thru their music.

What I would like is some good visual interpretations of songs via Videos. I didn't like any from the LotusFlow3r/MPLSound set.

Controversy-Parade had the best videos. Parade videos to me have a visual that makes me want to listen to the song. I Wish U Heave, and Glam Slam are very good too

It is NOT what is missing...........it is what has been added.

JW lenses.

[Edited 12/29/10 10:06am]

I have come to the conclusion that what is missing is reverb, the running of the Linn LM1 through effects pedals, and Wendy and Lisa.

its gone far 2 preachy and he moans 2 much about the industry etc...gets abit boring after the 100th time...but i still like alot of his newer material...also isnt as sexual or fun as it used 2 be...when it is fun..it seems forced instead of natural

What's missing for me is the originality, freshness, thrills, and sure-fire hits like the bygone era. His recent releases are nice ear-candy but he's been repeating himself for years. He puts the same old Do-Me-Baby soul ballads on every single album. His early hits grabbed you instantly and strived to be thrilling; "Let's Go Crazy", "Kiss", "When Doves Cry", "Alphabet Street". The music was EXCITING. But these past 10 years, despite his masterful musicianship and guitar playing on many tracks, the songs are mostly mediocre. We've heard them all before, only better. I would love for him to stretch his talents to THE MAX with songs and new sounds that blow us away, and give us that old THRILL.

The wildness is gone, and you don't have to be 21 to be wild. I'm not talking about immaturity. I'm talking about that less loose electric energy that we hear on songs like Darling Nikki & Computer Blue Tick Tick Bang(original) Sexuality Tamourine

the mystery that we feel in songs, like there is a place that we are visiting. Tangible places, even Paisley Park was tangible, we could touch it, 3121 was tangible, but if you start getting to to spacy you loose people. Even his 'religious' ideology was tangible with mystery ie God the dance electric and God the love theme;-) Temptation

real songs about real life even if it's indirectly connected to him... that's one thing that the loss of his 1980's camp gave him. Old Friends 4 Sale(original)

the protege extensions: via the Time Sheila E Madhouse etc

Really I think it is the feeling that he isn't just 'whipping' something off quick for a tour. Take a jam like Future Sould Song...if that was on a Prince heyday CD like SOTT of Purple Rain...he would have PUSHED it! Screaming those vocals...soaring guitar...some weirdness thrown in. Now it sounds like he is a Prince impersonator.

I think it's impossible for the leopard to change his spots. But boy is Prince trying. He's preaching way too much noadays. He's best music delt with controversy, sexuality, explorations of religion. Now he seems to be restricting himself with his lyrics, trying to stay within the JWs guidelines. But to me it still seems like a puppy who's been fixed but haven't lost the urge, makes him weaker musically. (my opinion, but I'm not sure it'll make sence to anyone else)

3chainsofgold said:

Really I think it is the feeling that he isn't just 'whipping' something off quick for a tour. Take a jam like Future Sould Song...if that was on a Prince heyday CD like SOTT of Purple Rain...he would have PUSHED it! Screaming those vocals...soaring guitar...some weirdness thrown in. Now it sounds like he is a Prince impersonator.

I agree, I was listening to some raw versions of Computer Blue, the unedited Darlin Nikki God the Dance Electric Condition of the Heart ATWIAD and he's just wicked screaches and moans

And just listening to the music of the Purple Rain era - Sugar Walls Sheila E's Glamorous Life etc It's just like you said, he pushed the envelope and it all feels so natural.