As a true Prince appreciator I would never rank this album over Sign O the Times, 1999, Parade, or Dirty Mind, however Purple Rain is damn good. Now like all of you I cringe whenever I tell someone I like Prince and the first thing out of their mouth is "I love Purple Rain" or "When Doves Cry" is my jam, yet I have had this album in regular rotation in the last few days and I must admit I had forgotten how brilliant it is. Purple Rain is one of the more interesting albums that was embraced by the mainstream. Although the album contained songs with catchy hooks, the music is undeniably genius. The playing is fresh, hungry, aggresive, and subdued, but the most striking thing about the album is its use of metaphors and cryptic lyrical content. Who else but Prince could put a esoteric jam like Computer Blue on an album targeted at a wide audience or have a song titled When Doves Cry go #1 on the charts? As far as the song cycle the first six songs on the album rival anything that Prince has committed to tape. The opening with the unusual speech of Let's Go Crazy to the jaw dropping guitar solo that closes the track. In between the energy of the track sets the tone for the first half of the album. Take Me With You is a great summer song, or something to listen to while on a long drive. The catchy hook, strings, layered vocals, and Prince's ability to get a decent vocal performance out of Appolonia are astonishing. Then we have the Beautiful Ones my second favorite off of the album to Darling Nikki. The Beautiful Ones contains everything I love about Prince. Expressive heartfelt lyrics, faultless falsetto, great keyboard/piano work, excellent guitar work and the trademark Prince scream. The passion contained on that track alone is worth the price of the album and Prince's vocal phrasing rivals his best . Computer Blue picks up the pace and although its much shorter than its original length, the album version is very effective. The way the track begins through the guitar solo and then dissolves into the second half with Prince playing the guitar solo against the piano is unbelievable. The mirroring of the two instruments is classic. The aforementioned Darling Nikki is my favorite track on the album. This track contains everything from an unbelievable guitar riff, to flawless keyboard work, great linn drum work, excellent live drumming/cymbals, the trademark Prince scream and a guitar solo that is as aggressive as Prince has ever recorded. The reverse message that closes the track is classic as well and for those of you that have the 1985 live video the spiritual message is very soulfully sang and the vocal layering is exquisite. When Doves Cry starts off the second side of the album and is a very effective opener with Prince's trademark vocal layering, great guitar work, unbelievable synth work and arresting lyrics. I Would Die 4 U and Baby I'm A Star continue the vibe of the album the former with its synth work and hypnotic rhythm, the latter with its uptempo crowd pleasing chant. The closer is the epic that Prince will probably never free himself from, Purple Rain. The empassioned vocals, guitar work, strings, and keys bring this unbelievable album to a legendary close. After listening to Purple Rain I remembered the brilliance that I had forgotten. This album is a document of Prince's creative genius and his studio wizardry. Prince even played all instruments on my favorite three tracks Darling Nikki, The Beautiful Ones and When Doves Cry. To say that this is not Prince's best album is incredible, especially when you consider the quality of the work contained on Purple Rain. Those of us that follow Prince know this is far from his best and I guess that is a testament to the genius of Prince because most people would hope to capture half of what Prince did on Purple Rain once in their careers.

you think too much.

and talk too much

DorothyParkerWasCool said:

Gotta disagree with you on this one. I've followed the guy since 1978 and I'd rate the album higher than 3 of the 4 you mentioned in your post pretty easily. Although I don't play PR that much in recent years, but that has more to do with hearing almost half of the songs elsewhere all the time. But in general I do think it's taken for granted by the hardcores, for the same reason that I rarely ever bother to listen to it.

What exactly is this "Purple Rain" you speak of? Does it have something to do with pollution?

Supernova said:

I agree with this. Purple Rain is definitely one of Prince's top three albums, and anyone who refuses to acknowledge it among his very best work is full of it.

I think if Parade were his most successful album, generating four top ten hits (let's say Kiss, Mountains, Another Lover, Girls And Boys), then surely that album would be the most overlooked by the hardcore fans.

Purple Rain is a rare example of a brilliant artist releasing a blockbuster album without compromising an ounce of his genius (as opposed to say, Let's Dance by David Bowie).

For many non fans "Purple Rain" and "Prince" are synonymous, but that doesn't mean that the hardcore fans should resent what is clearly a perfect album...

End.

Who's resenting PR ???

I love this album - When Doves Cry has to be one of the most amazing pop songs ever.

Just pump this track on your hi fi and listen to that dirty guitar intro and that amazing linn drum line - gets me everytime.

As for the title track...lets not even go there!!!

yes sometimes i think oh no i'm not gonna put purple rain on the c.d player .but when i do man i'm still blast away off the energy thats on this album.and i always listen 2 it just 2 hear lets go crazy and before i now it i'm screaming and singing along with the full album.the songs are brilliant the music original and the lyrics mindblowing .
u know what i'm gonna put it on wright now.