I was inspired by someone appreciating 'Good Love' and I just started to think about those songs from Prince; that may not be understood by the general public. For some time now; I've been thinking about the uniqueness of Prince, and while he obviously has been inspired by many artists and culture from around the world, there is something about him that stands tall among the rest. I think about 'Graffiti Bridge' or even the script to 'Purple Rain'. How basically, Prince is singing music no one seems to understand.

He seems to realize his music speaks to the soul, and while not always spiritual and sexual, many of his songs are really a testament that is not so simply understood. It's not that I would call his music wholly complex, but I would not call it 'Universal' either. I believe that Prince address so many topics so well, that the average 'pop' listener might not manage to understand it all.

We all have talked about, Prince taking you into a musical journey with his music, and I believe that. Comparing his music from earlier on, till now..We see so many fusions, sounds, textures, and many elements of sounds and themes. (Sex and God being two themes he seems to always address...) I think that is one of the greatest things I respect about him. BUT I want to discuss those songs that you might not want to sing or play at your party or around friends...

IMO, People who don't know who Prince is, probably won't 'GET' some of his songs very much. We who know and love Prince, love this type of stuff (I Do Anyways)...But other listeners might find it a bit 'Strange/Colorful/Odd/Weird; but Prince can get away with it BECAUSE Prince has a diverse taste and sound in music.

Remember, this is the same guy who wrote: When Doves Cry, Little Red Corvette, Why U Wanna Treat Me So Bad, I Feel U, etc.. (All of those songs while very popular still are very understood) So he can get away with songs that might be 'Colorful'.

IMO..anyways..lol

But Prince also has some songs that you might personally be embarrassed to sing, because it's very 'Out There'. Songs that fit this description for me are: Good Love, Play In The Sunshine, Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic, Joint 2 Joint etc. These are wonderful songs, but their are also songs that bend what is considered 'Normal' And that is one of the things I love about Prince's music. He has a sense of freedom in what he sings, if he wants to talk about 'The 4th July in every stroke...' HE DOES..

I think it actually separates him from many other artists do you agree?

DO you also feel there is a diversity in Prince's music which allows this freedom? Has his music allowed you to not concern yourself with how you are looked? His music is Purple Music; hence, has it given you a sense of freedom not influenced by how others might see it?

I'm curious if his music that you might find a bit 'Different' will change your decision around friends or in a public setting. This happen to me recently when I wanted to listen to 'Bob George' while in the car with some friends...LOL..I was hesitate to play it, but it was jamming all in my head, so I played it and they were absolutely mind blown by it. They thought it was some trippy stuff, but really admired the humor and guitar in it. I am not sure if they would say the same if they listened to a song like 'Around The World In A Day'..LOL. BUT It wouldn't matter to me, If I like something..I am going to jam to it..regardless if it might be too strange for some. Does the same apply to you?

[Edited 8/12/12 11:53am]

I was the one the one that loved "Good Love" even though I'd never play it with other people present. As I said, it even embarrasses me when I'm alone. Still great, though.

"God" is another one that seems a little... um... "off"... when you play it around other people.

EyeJester7 said:

...He seems to realize his music speaks to the soul, and while not always spiritual and sexual, many of his songs are really a testament that is not so simply understood. It's not that I would call his music wholly complex, but I would not call it 'Universal' either. I believe that Prince address so many topics so well, that the average 'pop' listener might not manage to understand it all...

IMO, People who don't know who Prince is, probably won't 'GET' some of his songs very much. We who know and love Prince, love this type of stuff (I Do Anyways)...But other listeners might find it a bit 'Strange/Colorful/Odd/Weird; but Prince can get away with it BECAUSE Prince has a diverse taste and sound in music.

DO you also feel there is a diversity in Prince's music which allows this freedom? Has his music allowed you to not concern yourself with how you are looked? His music is Purple Music; hence, has it given you a sense of freedom not influenced by how others might see it?

EyeJester7,

Great thoughts, silly question. You & I know the answer, yes?

I believe there is diversity in Prince's music, although he is effectively a 'soul' musician; no other theme, other than soul, effectively manages to explain his vast array of style and subject matter.

I believe there is diversity in Prince's music because he, himself, is a diverse, complex, human spirit, who also happens to share that which he does choose to (and that which he doesn't choose to) through his music, which although often tends to reveal a biaised window of who Prince truly is, any afficionado of the Prince-complex 'knows' through knowledge, skills and experience, over 30+ years, that Prince is not easy to understand for even us, let alone the average listener.

His is a highly enjoyable, complex, rewarding spirit, when he is honest with his spirit and with his music. To coin a phrase, understanding and enjoying Prince can evolve to get "better with time", if you can withstand the journey and if you are inclined towards growth yourself. In my experience, there are only a few people in the world who can metaphorically dance like that. Prince is one of them and you, EyeJester7, are likely to be another.

Prince might consider you to be one of the New Power Generation. I might consider you complex, rich in mind and spirit, seeking to relationally engage (and help) both others and yourself in your interesting, highly enjoyable, journey, EyeJester7.

Thank you.

love,

Spirit

There are certainly albums I don't play at work because of one or two songs that everybody would just be like, 'WTF?':

ATWIAD (title track, Temptation)

Parade (well, I do play this one, but I skip Do U Lie for the uninitiated)

Graffiti Bridge (title track, Round and Round)

D&P (because of Thunder, to be honest. I like to keep his 'jesus! jesus!' to a minimum)

Come (Orgasm)

And after Gold, I don't play many of the albums at work at all because, with a few exceptions, I'm just not that keen.

I played everything from the risque to the raunchy in front of everyone(including my mother) and never felt embarassed at all. I'd be more embarassed if someone caught me listening to anything by MJ.

eyewishuheaven said:

There are certainly albums I don't play at work because of one or two songs that everybody would just be like, 'WTF?':

ATWIAD (title track, Temptation)

Parade (well, I do play this one, but I skip Do U Lie for the uninitiated)

Graffiti Bridge (title track, Round and Round)

D&P (because of Thunder, to be honest. I like to keep his 'jesus! jesus!' to a minimum)

Come (Orgasm)

And after Gold, I don't play many of the albums at work at all because, with a few exceptions, I'm just not that keen.

Round and Round? really? this was a pretty big hit.

I had played all my prince music in front of my parents and friends and not embarred at all.

But, think about now....Come was one That I never played in front of my folks

errant said:

eyewishuheaven said:

There are certainly albums I don't play at work because of one or two songs that everybody would just be like, 'WTF?':

ATWIAD (title track, Temptation)

Parade (well, I do play this one, but I skip Do U Lie for the uninitiated)

Graffiti Bridge (title track, Round and Round)

D&P (because of Thunder, to be honest. I like to keep his 'jesus! jesus!' to a minimum)

Come (Orgasm)

And after Gold, I don't play many of the albums at work at all because, with a few exceptions, I'm just not that keen.

Round and Round? really? this was a pretty big hit.

Was it? I dunno, maybe it's the 'rap'.

Good Love, a Prince song meant for Prince fans.

Tick, Tick, Bang.- As much as I love the song the "Ooh, I can't hold it" part would embarass the heck out of me around anyone.

Gett Off- The wild scream in the beginning, I can imagine the 'And why do you listen to this?' looks already...and pretty much the theme of the entire song.

Computer Blue- I don't really listen to this song anyway but..."Wendy?" "Yes, Lisa?"

Around The World In A Day.

P Control. Need I say more on that one?

1999. Delirious. Lady Cab Driver.

Basically any of his overly sexed up, erratic, out there songs. Or songs where he does a lot of screeching.

PRIVATE JOY - one of my absolute favorite from controversy. the synth line is amazing and the wild guitar at the end makes this song a pleasure to listen to every time

If I ever play any Prince music in public, its always the "hits".

People dont get the other tunes, so I dont bother.

God (vocal version). One of the silliest songs this side of Wedding Feast.

There are some songs that I like but that have very disturbing and creepy lyrics, for instance The Morning Papers...wonderful melody, romantic mood, great vocals, but stuff like "He realized that she was new to love, naive in every way, every schoolboy´s fantasy she was, that´s why he had to wait.." are in my opinion a bit creepy because back then he was 35 and Mayte was much younger, not even legal yet, and you had a similar situation with Anna Garcia.

That´s R.Kelly territory.

I don´t mind relationships with an age difference,that´s none of my business but underage girls with folks who are older than 30? That´s where I draw the line.

Then, there´s a bunch of recent music that I JUST CAN´T PLAY without being embarrassed , even when there´s nobody around. But I don´t dislike all of his recent stuff, in fact I think there are still at least three or four great songs on every Prince album these days but the bad ones are REALLY bad.

And don´t get me started with Wedding Feast.

To go back to your original question and intention....there are some great songs that I love but where I think that they are meant to listen alone, with no one else around.

Strays of the World is one example....love that song (I´m probably the only one here )

But you don´t want to play that song when other folks are around.

Embarrassed? on the other hand: I love to watch people being embarrassed by some of his songs/lyrics

I Love U In Me is another one. And the moaning at the end of Do Me, Baby

I guess because I never cared what other people thouht and I only associated with open-minded people, I never had this problem. Once in college around 1990 or so, about three of us were listening to Prince, and a neighborhood high school friend happned to come visit. As he entered the room, he stated, "Man, y'all still listening to that Prince shit?" Not one of us answered. After a few minutes of no response, he left. I don't even remember if any of us acknowledge his presence or question after he left. On another occasion in college, I was wearing a Prince t-shirt and very dark shades, and this very beautiful sista said, "Yuck, Prince." After no response from me, she moved closer and said more loudly, "Yuck Prince." Finally, I said, "That's why I wear this shirt." And she said, "Why?" To which I stated, "To keep narrow-minded mutafuckers like you away from me." I knew that there were lots of people who didn't like Prince and thought negative things about Prince and his music, but I didn't think much of those people so I could never be embarssed about what I like.

The number of Prince songs that I'm embarassed to play in public are numerous. Some of the ones off the top of my head are:

Head

Sister

Erratic City

Let's Pretend We're Married

Come

I don't get embarrased when I listen to Prince's Music In public, Because I'm from venezuela and Here the Mother tongue Is spanish, So Nobody but Me will Understand what he's Saying. Maybe I'll find somebody who will, But I don't care.

The Other day I was Listening to Lovesexy In public. I was really enjoying it and All of the sudden the part of "Tonight we make love with only words, Girls First..." came, And there where a lot of faces

Since then, when Im In public I don't Listen to Song Likes Orgasm (Come) Cuz you don't need to understand english to know whats happening There

And I usually skip Internacional lover because all the Moaning, and Sometimes the Scream Of the beggining of Gett off scares the Living shit outta the People, So I skip that one sometimes...

Besides that ones, I hear whatever wherever I want, Even the Beautiful ones with all the screaming... Of course people looks at me and says "Why this Latina girl is singing in english? Dafuq?" But I dont give a damn about it...

Oh, And When Prince threats to Rape me In extralovable I feel Really Embarrased

and the "Ooooh I can't hold it!! It getting all over me!" I try My best to dont laugh at that part xD

Shit hop influenced ones like "Laydown", "Valentina", "Old School Company", "Incense and Candles", "Mr. Goodnight", "Illusion, Pimp, and "Circumstance", etc. would embarass the hell out of me if anyone heard me listening to them. They would absolutely ruin my reputation. I don't have to worry about that though because I can't stand to hear them in private let alone in public.

tmo1965 said:

Erratic City

That's a whole 'nother song right there!

eyewishuheaven said:

madhouseman said:

God (vocal version). One of the silliest songs this side of Wedding Feast.

God is a haunting track..yet sumhow sexual at teh same-time.....with sum beatiful vocals......its just the insane screeching at the end that ruins it

Optimus2 said:

madhouseman said:

God (vocal version). One of the silliest songs this side of Wedding Feast.

God is a haunting track..yet sumhow sexual at teh same-time.....with sum beatiful vocals......its just the insane screeching at the end that ruins it

There are so many parts to it that are just goofy, but you nailed it about the end!

SpiritOtter said:

EyeJester7 said:

...He seems to realize his music speaks to the soul, and while not always spiritual and sexual, many of his songs are really a testament that is not so simply understood. It's not that I would call his music wholly complex, but I would not call it 'Universal' either. I believe that Prince address so many topics so well, that the average 'pop' listener might not manage to understand it all...

IMO, People who don't know who Prince is, probably won't 'GET' some of his songs very much. We who know and love Prince, love this type of stuff (I Do Anyways)...But other listeners might find it a bit 'Strange/Colorful/Odd/Weird; but Prince can get away with it BECAUSE Prince has a diverse taste and sound in music.

DO you also feel there is a diversity in Prince's music which allows this freedom? Has his music allowed you to not concern yourself with how you are looked? His music is Purple Music; hence, has it given you a sense of freedom not influenced by how others might see it?

EyeJester7,

Great thoughts, silly question. You & I know the answer, yes?

I believe there is diversity in Prince's music, although he is effectively a 'soul' musician; no other theme, other than soul, effectively manages to explain his vast array of style and subject matter.

I believe there is diversity in Prince's music because he, himself, is a diverse, complex, human spirit, who also happens to share that which he does choose to (and that which he doesn't choose to) through his music, which although often tends to reveal a biaised window of who Prince truly is, any afficionado of the Prince-complex 'knows' through knowledge, skills and experience, over 30 years, that Prince is not easy to understand for even us, let alone the average listener.

His is a highly enjoyable, complex, rewarding spirit, when he is honest with his spirit and with his music. To coin a phrase, understanding and enjoying Prince can evolve to get "better with time", if you can withstand the journey and if you are inclined towards growth yourself. In my experience, there are only a few people in the world who can metaphorically dance like that. Prince is one of them and you, EyeJester7, are likely to be another.

Prince might consider you to be one of the New Power Generation. I might consider you complex, rich in mind and spirit, seeking to relationally engage (and help) both others and yourself in your interesting, highly enjoyable, journey, EyeJester7.

Thank you.

love,

Spirit

Thank you 'Spirit' for your comment here on my thread! I DO agree with you very much! I am a member of the 'NPG'! Haha..Ever since I finished listened to 'Gold' I have been inducted into it..LOL. JK..I really appreciate what you say and I agree that Prince is diverse and very complex. We certainly don't know all of the intentions behind his work..But we enjoy what we have through the passage of time because we understand the framework is embedded in our own structures and understanding! Thanks for the comment again! I enjoy your posts as they are very enlightening, yet very funny. Your sense of humor is transparent, and it's a shame some choice not to use thier '3rd Eye' to get it..lol

errant said:

I was the one the one that loved "Good Love" even though I'd never play it with other people present. As I said, it even embarrasses me when I'm alone. Still great, though.

"God" is another one that seems a little... um... "off"... when you play it around other people.

"Cherry pie, and apple kisses, EVERYTHING is cool!" Haha..It's great though! AND I have never tried playing 'God' for anyone..I should try that...lol

eyewishuheaven said:

There are certainly albums I don't play at work because of one or two songs that everybody would just be like, 'WTF?':

ATWIAD (title track, Temptation)

Parade (well, I do play this one, but I skip Do U Lie for the uninitiated)

Graffiti Bridge (title track, Round and Round)

D&P (because of Thunder, to be honest. I like to keep his 'jesus! jesus!' to a minimum)

Come (Orgasm)

And after Gold, I don't play many of the albums at work at all because, with a few exceptions, I'm just not that keen.

Hahaha..Come one..You would not play 'Come'? LOL

Who would though..AND thunder is an amazing track! I did not really realize how amazing it was until a few days ago! LOL., The ' Jesus' comments are no different then name checking other things..lol. IMO:) I just started my job and I had blasting 'EYE NO' in my cubical! People laughed at it and called it energetic AND 'YES' "I know a better way to have some fun" Hahaha..It's great!

HonestMan13 said:

I played everything from the risque to the raunchy in front of everyone(including my mother) and never felt embarassed at all. I'd be more embarassed if someone caught me listening to anything by MJ.

Really? Now that's what I am talking about! LOL..Would you be embarassed to listen to'Who Is It? I mean that's some amazing stuff! What kind of music would you not play by MJ? lol

Just curious!