Now FFS don't flame me, I can't be bothered with it.

With our favourite musician now being at the age he is and with an incredible amount of experience under his belt do you expect more than what we have been getting?

Wealth. He has enough to purchase the best equipment, both recording and instrumental.

Talent. That goes without saying. From the very beginning he was able to write, perform, produce, etc.

Intelligence. He is not a stupid man and he also has the time and freedom to learn more. He is also socially aware and spiritual.

Artistic. He is able to express himself through his art and it has an impact on people.

Respect. Other musicians have profound respect for his work so playing with anybody should not be a problem. Small clubs to private jams to guest appearances at arenas. He really has the world at his feet.

Promotion. What media company wouldn't want the chance to have him as their front page/headliner.

This list could go on. But what I'm really asking is do you think his music and his songwriting is where you would expect it to be from a musician with such a history and with such luxuries of life and talent? Does he give you want you want in such quality and quantity that it overwhelms?

I joined the Prince bandwaggon in 83/84. I was obsessive up until about 1993.

I would have NEVER imagined him releasing such lackluster material in my life.

I had a slightly sinking feeling when he released Batman, then D&P, but

the Symbol album (as imperfect as it was) and The Gold Experience picked up

my expectations.

But after his "welcome 2 the dawn" npgmc days, things went south quickly.

I still like his music, and indeed, 3121 is one of my favorite albums of his; however,

it could have never imagined that 3121 would be the best there was in the new mellinium.

It's staggering that he has been delivering these types of songs when he could do so

much more.

He doesn't even seem to like the studio anymore--it ceased being his final 'instrument'

years ago.

Great thread, iloveannie.

Aside from his late night intimate aftershow performances, which are often where his genius still emerges, my answer would be a resounding YES. Unfortunately, his greatest works came when the fire in his belly endured a serious level of antagonising/provoking. His trials with love might yet do it, as that is still an area where he appears to be yearning. Whilst there is still a flicker of magic left in the man, as with all of us as we grow older (and hopefully wiser), it takes quite something to move us, and even more so, from an artistic perspective (otherwise it just comes across as if he is phoning it in, even if his intentions are otherwise). That Girl Thang was a nice little flicker to me, but it's been some time since he turned those kinds of emotions into an album like Parade (Lotus Flower was also a nice glimpse). Still, I am glad he is still chugging away, but ultimately, I consider myself lucky that we were able to peek into the trajectory of his greatest works, album-wise and bootlegs (outtakes/live shows) from 1978-1988.

love,

Spirit

I am pretty much on IMAGOs page ...

I now listen to Prince - because he does a nice job of pulling me back in .... every so often but - I do not get "thrilled" with the announcement of a new song , album etc ...

I think that is what is missing - from the old days ... but NOONE stays on top ... for long . And i recognize that .

With Prince - there are still GEMS every once in a while .. and I will take that .

iloveannie said:

This list could go on. But what I'm really asking is do you think his music and his songwriting is where you would expect it to be from a musician with such a history and with such luxuries of life and talent? Does he give you want you want in such quality and quantity that it overwhelms?

It's never going to be the same as when he was hungry with something to prove. He's old now and should just be doing whatever he damn well pleases. I still enjoy the new music so I'm happy. Rainbow Children, Lotus, 3121 and Planet Earth still all get regular play from me. I even like most of 20Ten.

I don't think there's much wrong with the quality of the songs myself. I've never paid much heed to his lyrics, so banging on about god doesn't phase me, nor does the lack of nastiness. He can still do a decent tune and there's nearly always plenty to listen to within his songs.

As long as he keeps putting it out I'll be happy. And when I'm not happy with the new stuff anymore, then there's a wealth of the old to keep me happy. One thing I do know, I won't be here bitching about all the new stuff if there comes a point when I start to dislike it.

rdhull said:

Hell yes I expect more. It's been years that I've gone along while others have criticized him for lackluster music. While all of it hasn't been exactly lackluster, a lot of it has been ordinary or traditional if you will. That's been the big letdown for me. I expect sounds that aren't as traditional and ordinary even if he doesn't have anything left to prove. I I want traditional songs I can always get shit in the top 50. How the heck are you goin to own a major recording complex and private Xanadu like Paisley Park and not be ahead if the curve? Maybe it's allowed him to relax and just enjoy being a fat cat. Apollo Creed needs to take him back to the ghetto training. . [Edited 2/25/13 7:18am]

imago said:

rdhull said:

Hell yes I expect more. It's been years that I've gone along while others have criticized him for lackluster music. While all of it hasn't been exactly lackluster, a lot of it has been ordinary or traditional if you will. That's been the big letdown for me. I expect sounds that aren't as traditional and ordinary even if he doesn't have anything left to prove. I I want traditional songs I can always get shit in the top 50. How the heck are you goin to own a major recording complex and private Xanadu like Paisley Park and not be ahead if the curve? Maybe it's allowed him to relax and just enjoy being a fat cat. Apollo Creed needs to take him back to the ghetto training. . [Edited 2/25/13 7:18am]

i agree. since about 2001 he seems to be more comfortable doing the kind of music

that he traditionally avoided or at least crafted into something altogether his own.

now his music just sounds a lot like everything else that's out there, just executed in

a meticulous way.

it's as if he's trying to prove that, yes, he's been prince all along and he's created a

whole universe of songs that sound like no one else, he can also go into the studio

and record the kind of music that everyone else does, yet do it better and with more

style.

the problem is that the end result is often niether here nor there.

it used to be that you could make a mixed tape of a certain genre with all the songs

you loved in rock or funk or rnb from your favorite artists, yet if you tried to stick a

song from prince 'doing' that genre on there, it would feel out of place since it would

be so much more than simply rock or funk or soul - it would be magical and put all

the other songs on your tape to shame.

these days prince's rock, funk, soul, rnb songs would sit very comforatbly on those

mixed tapes. they wouldn't stand out, they'd simply blend in.

i think it's strange that prince doesn't realise that most of his fans came to expect

the unexpected and are more open to weirdness and off center surprised than most

other artists fans.

the glimmers of his former magic are still present in every album he's released the

past decade. but the overall feeling is one of dulled down, almost coasting attitude.

the comment about him being able to afford the best most cutting edge equipment

is a fitting one. i find it curious that he's not more interested in new technology. he

seems to prefer 'original' instruments. but still, you can record a song with original

instruments and then enhance it with new technology in production to make it sound

like nothing else out there.

where has the elaborate, completel stellar drum programming gone? he's still king

of programming in his own right, but he seems to be so much less interested when

it comes to making something totally weird and wonderfull. it always seems to me

that he just takes what's on radio and wants to improve on it. he seems convinced

that he does improve on it, imo, and that he somehow schools artists on what the

music they make could sound like when done right. and that's where he falls short

for me. he misses the contemporary edge that even a lot of so called 'bland' top 40

songs have and in return he loses his own charm and quirkiness.

but the field in which i expect more, the most, is in his lyrics. i've realised that even

more than his production and his style (which i still enjoy a whole lot even if what i

said above may sound a bit harsh or too critutal) i find myself bored with the lyrics

he's been writing for far too long now. they're all just boasting to women about how

he's better than their man.

most songs are about love in one form or another, i get that, but his writing is just

so predictable now. i would have never guessed that he did not write "L.O.L" since

those lyrics are pretty much what prince comes up with himself. but they were, it

seems, written by liv warfield. no disrespect to live, but prince should be able to

come up with something better and deeper.

he's got enough feel good, get up and dance, everybody love one another songs in

his catalogue right now. how about actually writing something a bit more deep that

digs beneath the surface or expanding his world views beyond pseudo science and

ramblings about record companies and religion?

that's where i would have expected a lot more from prince. he's a clever man and

he used to write some great lyrics. but he seems determinded to still keep trying

to have that pop radio hitsong, despite knowing it won't happen or even acting like

he doesn't want to or care. he seems to deliberatel stay shallow and on the surface

these days with only the occasional glimpse of his true self and something deeper

or at least more abstract. that's a regret for me. and it's what keeps his still nice or

cool songs from actually being great and something you want to listen to again and

again for a whole year instead of having it on repeat for 2 weeks before growing

bored.

IstenSzek said:

how about actually writing something a bit more deep that

digs beneath the surface or expanding his world views beyond pseudo science and

ramblings about record companies and religion?

and it's what keeps his still nice or cool songs from actually being great and something you want to listen to again and

again for a whole year instead of having it on repeat for 2 weeks before growing

bored.

This. All of this. Sing something befitting your age, experience and understanding, Prince, for God's sake! Before long it'll be too late. Too late for you or, worse in my opinion, too late for me!

PS: Sorry for the way IstenSzek's text appears. I have no idea what I did.

iloveannie said:

Now FFS don't flame me, I can't be bothered with it.

With our favourite musician now being at the age he is and with an incredible amount of experience under his belt do you expect more than what we have been getting?

Wealth. He has enough to purchase the best equipment, both recording and instrumental.

Talent. That goes without saying. From the very beginning he was able to write, perform, produce, etc.

Intelligence. He is not a stupid man and he also has the time and freedom to learn more. He is also socially aware and spiritual.

Artistic. He is able to express himself through his art and it has an impact on people.

Respect. Other musicians have profound respect for his work so playing with anybody should not be a problem. Small clubs to private jams to guest appearances at arenas. He really has the world at his feet.

Promotion. What media company wouldn't want the chance to have him as their front page/headliner.

This list could go on. But what I'm really asking is do you think his music and his songwriting is where you would expect it to be from a musician with such a history and with such luxuries of life and talent? Does he give you want you want in such quality and quantity that it overwhelms?

prince is not obliged to live up to my standards, or anyone else's standards.

i love his music from all eras, and do not fault him for not living up to my personal tastes if he does not absolutely gran me with each and every song.

i think he does an excellent job at what he does.

Expect more: No Want more: Yes

To be honest I didn't expect 3rdeyegirl or prince2013 or all the new music so to say that I expect more would be a ridiculous statement IMO. However, now that I was suprised with all this new stuff, I definitely want more

iloveannie said:

But what I'm really asking is do you think his music and his songwriting is where you would expect it to be from a musician with such a history and with such luxuries of life and talent?

No. I think artistically Prince is doing his talent, legacy and body of work a disservice. But it's all his to waste, he's the driver of that particular train.

IstenSzek said:

he's got enough feel good, get up and dance, everybody love one another songs in

his catalogue right now. how about actually writing something a bit more deep that

digs beneath the surface or expanding his world views beyond pseudo science and

ramblings about record companies and religion?

that's where i would have expected a lot more from prince. he's a clever man and

he used to write some great lyrics. but he seems determinded to still keep trying

to have that pop radio hitsong, despite knowing it won't happen or even acting like

he doesn't want to or care. he seems to deliberatel stay shallow and on the surface

these days with only the occasional glimpse of his true self and something deeper

or at least more abstract. that's a regret for me. and it's what keeps his still nice or

cool songs from actually being great and something you want to listen to again and

again for a whole year instead of having it on repeat for 2 weeks before growing

bored.

I agree with this, but I can see it's a difficult one, for us and, if he cares, Prince himself.

I think most intelligent fans don't expect him to be the same man/ artist he was 30 years ago, it's an unrealistic expectation. None of us, I suspect, know Prince personally, and I very much doubt that many/any who do would ever feel able to ask him, 'So, Prince, why is so much of your new stuff so dull compared what you did in your 20's?' or words to that effect.

He's older, the fires dim, people change. I'm glad he's still with us. Imo he's the only true music legend of his generation (other than the late MJ, who is a different story) and I'm gald he's still playing live regularly, is still capable of tearing the house down with his greatest hits and is doing new music that is more-or-less worthy of him even if it lacks a lot of the creativity, fire and originality of the 80s and some of his 90s work.

Part of me expects/ wants more from his new music than what we seem to get. I can fantasise musically about him creating 'out there' but accessable pop/ rock/ funk/ jazz 'symphonies' that build on what he was doing with Crystal Ball (the track), Lovesexy and yes, The Rainbow Children (now even that is nearly 12 years old), bring in more modern sounds from electronica and draw on more experimental ideas. And saying more substantial things (and less wooly, insular thinking imo) in his lyrics.

I could also fantasise about him bringing out new songs with the cool anger and sharp wit of the likes of Sign 'o the Times, What's My Name, even The Future and ironic, ridiculous but supercool semi-humourous stuff like Temptation, Dorothy Parker, Thieves in the Temple, even My Name is Prince.

I keep meaning to play, say, Around the World in a Day and then, say Planet Earth, back to back, to see what is 'different/better/ less good' in each of them, as a random subjective quality test.

As people get older, they often loose a lot of the intensity, idealism and passion they felt about things when they were young. Our younger selves would often be disappointed with how we turned out later in life if they could meet us now. Life has a way of smoothing out our rough edges, at least until we get older, or get ill and feel like raging against the dying of the light like Freddie Mercury or Johnny Cash did .This youthful fire can ultimately be replaced by anything from disillusionment, boredom, bitterness or a thoughtful, open mind, but hopefully cooler and calmer than in years gone by.

I guess I'm just saying that Prince is human like us all. I feel he still has a lot of creative potential to do great new, interesting music, but I don't know him, or know where he's at. I guess it can be hard to be a living music legend who didn't die at 27 or 30 but who lived on to be proven just human, not superhuman.

I wish he could find a way to make his new music fresher, more surprising (in a good way) and still be worthy of his old bad self. Taking more time and effort on song-writing and binning the current overslick production style would be a good start .

Miles said:

IstenSzek said:

he's got enough feel good, get up and dance, everybody love one another songs in

his catalogue right now. how about actually writing something a bit more deep that

digs beneath the surface or expanding his world views beyond pseudo science and

ramblings about record companies and religion?

that's where i would have expected a lot more from prince. he's a clever man and

he used to write some great lyrics. but he seems determinded to still keep trying

to have that pop radio hitsong, despite knowing it won't happen or even acting like

he doesn't want to or care. he seems to deliberatel stay shallow and on the surface

these days with only the occasional glimpse of his true self and something deeper

or at least more abstract. that's a regret for me. and it's what keeps his still nice or

cool songs from actually being great and something you want to listen to again and

again for a whole year instead of having it on repeat for 2 weeks before growing

bored.

I agree with this, but I can see it's a difficult one, for us and, if he cares, Prince himself.

I think most intelligent fans don't expect him to be the same man/ artist he was 30 years ago, it's an unrealistic expectation. None of us, I suspect, know Prince personally, and I very much doubt that many/any who do would ever feel able to ask him, 'So, Prince, why is so much of your new stuff so dull compared what you did in your 20's?' or words to that effect.

He's older, the fires dim, people change. I'm glad he's still with us. Imo he's the only true music legend of his generation (other than the late MJ, who is a different story) and I'm gald he's still playing live regularly, is still capable of tearing the house down with his greatest hits and is doing new music that is more-or-less worthy of him even if it lacks a lot of the creativity, fire and originality of the 80s and some of his 90s work.

Part of me expects/ wants more from his new music than what we seem to get. I can fantasise musically about him creating 'out there' but accessable pop/ rock/ funk/ jazz 'symphonies' that build on what he was doing with Crystal Ball (the track), Lovesexy and yes, The Rainbow Children (now even that is nearly 12 years old), bring in more modern sounds from electronica and draw on more experimental ideas. And saying more substantial things (and less wooly, insular thinking imo) in his lyrics.

I could also fantasise about him bringing out new songs with the cool anger and sharp wit of the likes of Sign 'o the Times, What's My Name, even The Future and ironic, ridiculous but supercool semi-humourous stuff like Temptation, Dorothy Parker, Thieves in the Temple, even My Name is Prince.

I keep meaning to play, say, Around the World in a Day and then, say Planet Earth, back to back, to see what is 'different/better/ less good' in each of them, as a random subjective quality test.

As people get older, they often loose a lot of the intensity, idealism and passion they felt about things when they were young. Our younger selves would often be disappointed with how we turned out later in life if they could meet us now. Life has a way of smoothing out our rough edges, at least until we get older, or get ill and feel like raging against the dying of the light like Freddie Mercury or Johnny Cash did .This youthful fire can ultimately be replaced by anything from disillusionment, boredom, bitterness or a thoughtful, open mind, but hopefully cooler and calmer than in years gone by.

I guess I'm just saying that Prince is human like us all. I feel he still has a lot of creative potential to do great new, interesting music, but I don't know him, or know where he's at. I guess it can be hard to be a living music legend who didn't die at 27 or 30 but who lived on to be proven just human, not superhuman.

I wish he could find a way to make his new music fresher, more surprising (in a good way) and still be worthy of his old bad self. Taking more time and effort on song-writing and binning the current overslick production style would be a good start .

Agreed Miles. agreed. well put!

[Edited 2/25/13 10:15am]

What a brilliantly articulated reflection, Miles.

By the way, regarding Around The World In A Day and Planet Earth, I would be bold enough to suggest that both records are comparable in terms of their subjective quality; the difference being that had Planet Earth been released 20 years earlier, like ATWIAD, it would probably be held in high regard, instead of what it is often thought of. I can honestly compare Somewhere Here On Earth and Condition of the Heart, or Lion of Judah and Temptation, and still find comparable genius. That said, he is clearly capable of alot more nowadays than he was back then, except as you rightly pointed out, the desire for artistic statements is largely missing. Motivation counts for quite something when it comes to artistic accolades. The motivation behind ATWIAD is leagues apart from the motivation behind Planet Earth, and that subjective factor is perhaps what a hardcore fanbase connects with, even if it isn't a tangible thing to get hold of. It's the energy behind, and between, the notes that seems to make the difference, even if the notes played similar.

love,

Spirit

rdhull said:

iloveannie said:

I don't expect, nor do I want, the youthful energy but I am disappointed not to hear seasoned maturity. I firmly believe that hardship makes life interesting: to live, recall and be told about it. A pampered life holds few stories of interest. Putting oneself into an area of discomfort and unfamiliarity suddenly makes a person think again. His opinions adjust and he grows. Suddenly he has something interesting to say.

I really like this post! Very true and thoughtful!

The Rainbow Children = Excellent

Musicology = Excellent

Lotusflow3r/MPLS = Excellent

"Rock-n-Roll Love Affair" = Excellent

Even the juvenile lyrics of "Screwdriver" or made palatable with the great guitar work.

So, I'm good with what I've been getting. Thanks for askin'.

What I don't expect is for Prince to write about every socio-political issue that is relevant to me. He has his own concerns, whether they are "pseudo science and ramblings about record companies and religion." Those are his concerns. Trust me; most of the things that most people on this site want to discuss ain't that damn deep and are only subjectively important. But it is interesting to me how their subjective concerns are somehow way more relevant than Prince's or anybody else's subjective concerns. Go figure.

What is their really to expect guys? The man has done it all. I mean we don't go back looking at motzart and say he was good but he shouldve done more. Prince has written a rock, jazz, funk, pop albums. He's done a 3 movies, rr hall of fame, superbowl. IDk wats prompting all this negative talk but i think yall are upset by the 3rdeyegirl stuff. RRREMix, Screwdriver live, breakfast can wait, that girl thang aren't at all that bad. Sure they don't hold a candle to the classics or to the stuff most of us like but they are good editions to the catalouge and if i showed these to people, they would receive respectable attention

Haven't heard the bambi live unless it's the version that was released to yo

utube.

Overalll this decade in my opinion isn't that far behind the 90s. 3121, musicology, lotus, and Rainbow children are all good to great albums and to me truly show prince's talent especially on lotus and rainbow.

The man is still uber famous which you all don't give him credit for and obviously he isn't as famous as he used to be but who is?

iloveannie said:

Now FFS don't flame me, I can't be bothered with it.

With our favourite musician now being at the age he is and with an incredible amount of experience under his belt do you expect more than what we have been getting?

Wealth. He has enough to purchase the best equipment, both recording and instrumental.

Talent. That goes without saying. From the very beginning he was able to write, perform, produce, etc.

Intelligence. He is not a stupid man and he also has the time and freedom to learn more. He is also socially aware and spiritual.

Artistic. He is able to express himself through his art and it has an impact on people.

Respect. Other musicians have profound respect for his work so playing with anybody should not be a problem. Small clubs to private jams to guest appearances at arenas. He really has the world at his feet.

Promotion. What media company wouldn't want the chance to have him as their front page/headliner.

This list could go on. But what I'm really asking is do you think his music and his songwriting is where you would expect it to be from a musician with such a history and with such luxuries of life and talent? Does he give you want you want in such quality and quantity that it overwhelms?

Well, if you put it that way, I do expect more. It's funny, a lot of artists fail to deliver "mature" work as they get older. But they usually don't go as juvenile as Screwdriver.

That said, I've actually been enjoying 3rdeyegirl. The songs aren't exactly deep or sophisticated, but they're fun (well, at least Breakfast Can Wait and RNR Remix 7 are fun).

I don't expect more from him than what I've been hearing from him lately because I can totally relate to why his new stuff is sounding tired. These are the most dull and depressing times in music history so naturally there's nothing to inspire him to make something great when you hear bullshit blasting from every passing car or television commercial. That's why I'd much rather prefer he just release stuff from the vault recorded as it was originally recorded before the music world changed for the worst. That way, it would be 100% free of all current influences these days that weaken the sound.

iloveannie said:

I don't expect, nor do I want, the youthful energy but I am disappointed not to hear seasoned maturity. I firmly believe that hardship makes life interesting: to live, recall and be told about it. A pampered life holds few stories of interest. Putting oneself into an area of discomfort and unfamiliarity suddenly makes a person think again. His opinions adjust and he grows. Suddenly he has something interesting to say.

This is the way I also see it. He doesn't live in the real world, he's lived in a pampered bubble for so many years so he hasn't really got anything new to say apart from the odd 'pseudo babble' about chem-trails. The rare time he has wrote a seemingly personal song like Reflection has been refreshing.

But saying that I think some of these new songs (incl the Superconductor album) are sounding quite fresh and inspired maybe by having the likes of Andy Allo and these other young birds around for him to try and impress.

But of course he will never please everyone and like he said 'my only competition is me in the past'

What's there to expect...I like some stuff and I don't like some stuff.

IstenSzek said:

rdhull said:

Hell yes I expect more. It's been years that I've gone along while others have criticized him for lackluster music. While all of it hasn't been exactly lackluster, a lot of it has been ordinary or traditional if you will. That's been the big letdown for me. I expect sounds that aren't as traditional and ordinary even if he doesn't have anything left to prove. I I want traditional songs I can always get shit in the top 50. How the heck are you goin to own a major recording complex and private Xanadu like Paisley Park and not be ahead if the curve? Maybe it's allowed him to relax and just enjoy being a fat cat. Apollo Creed needs to take him back to the ghetto training. . [Edited 2/25/13 7:18am]

i agree. since about 2001 he seems to be more comfortable doing the kind of music

that he traditionally avoided or at least crafted into something altogether his own.

now his music just sounds a lot like everything else that's out there, just executed in

a meticulous way.

it's as if he's trying to prove that, yes, he's been prince all along and he's created a

whole universe of songs that sound like no one else, he can also go into the studio

and record the kind of music that everyone else does, yet do it better and with more

style.

the problem is that the end result is often niether here nor there.

it used to be that you could make a mixed tape of a certain genre with all the songs

you loved in rock or funk or rnb from your favorite artists, yet if you tried to stick a

song from prince 'doing' that genre on there, it would feel out of place since it would

be so much more than simply rock or funk or soul - it would be magical and put all

the other songs on your tape to shame.

these days prince's rock, funk, soul, rnb songs would sit very comforatbly on those

mixed tapes. they wouldn't stand out, they'd simply blend in.

i think it's strange that prince doesn't realise that most of his fans came to expect

the unexpected and are more open to weirdness and off center surprised than most

other artists fans.

the glimmers of his former magic are still present in every album he's released the

past decade. but the overall feeling is one of dulled down, almost coasting attitude.

the comment about him being able to afford the best most cutting edge equipment

is a fitting one. i find it curious that he's not more interested in new technology. he

seems to prefer 'original' instruments. but still, you can record a song with original

instruments and then enhance it with new technology in production to make it sound

like nothing else out there.

where has the elaborate, completel stellar drum programming gone? he's still king

of programming in his own right, but he seems to be so much less interested when

it comes to making something totally weird and wonderfull. it always seems to me

that he just takes what's on radio and wants to improve on it. he seems convinced

that he does improve on it, imo, and that he somehow schools artists on what the

music they make could sound like when done right. and that's where he falls short

for me. he misses the contemporary edge that even a lot of so called 'bland' top 40

songs have and in return he loses his own charm and quirkiness.

but the field in which i expect more, the most, is in his lyrics. i've realised that even

more than his production and his style (which i still enjoy a whole lot even if what i

said above may sound a bit harsh or too critutal) i find myself bored with the lyrics

he's been writing for far too long now. they're all just boasting to women about how

he's better than their man.

most songs are about love in one form or another, i get that, but his writing is just

so predictable now. i would have never guessed that he did not write "L.O.L" since

those lyrics are pretty much what prince comes up with himself. but they were, it

seems, written by liv warfield. no disrespect to live, but prince should be able to

come up with something better and deeper.

he's got enough feel good, get up and dance, everybody love one another songs in

his catalogue right now. how about actually writing something a bit more deep that

digs beneath the surface or expanding his world views beyond pseudo science and

ramblings about record companies and religion?

that's where i would have expected a lot more from prince. he's a clever man and

he used to write some great lyrics. but he seems determinded to still keep trying

to have that pop radio hitsong, despite knowing it won't happen or even acting like

he doesn't want to or care. he seems to deliberatel stay shallow and on the surface

these days with only the occasional glimpse of his true self and something deeper

or at least more abstract. that's a regret for me. and it's what keeps his still nice or

cool songs from actually being great and something you want to listen to again and

again for a whole year instead of having it on repeat for 2 weeks before growing

bored.

You wanna get married?

rdhull said:

IstenSzek said:

i agree. since about 2001 he seems to be more comfortable doing the kind of music

that he traditionally avoided or at least crafted into something altogether his own.

now his music just sounds a lot like everything else that's out there, just executed in

a meticulous way.

it's as if he's trying to prove that, yes, he's been prince all along and he's created a

whole universe of songs that sound like no one else, he can also go into the studio

and record the kind of music that everyone else does, yet do it better and with more

style.

the problem is that the end result is often niether here nor there.

it used to be that you could make a mixed tape of a certain genre with all the songs

you loved in rock or funk or rnb from your favorite artists, yet if you tried to stick a

song from prince 'doing' that genre on there, it would feel out of place since it would

be so much more than simply rock or funk or soul - it would be magical and put all

the other songs on your tape to shame.

these days prince's rock, funk, soul, rnb songs would sit very comforatbly on those

mixed tapes. they wouldn't stand out, they'd simply blend in.

i think it's strange that prince doesn't realise that most of his fans came to expect

the unexpected and are more open to weirdness and off center surprised than most

other artists fans.

the glimmers of his former magic are still present in every album he's released the

past decade. but the overall feeling is one of dulled down, almost coasting attitude.

the comment about him being able to afford the best most cutting edge equipment

is a fitting one. i find it curious that he's not more interested in new technology. he

seems to prefer 'original' instruments. but still, you can record a song with original

instruments and then enhance it with new technology in production to make it sound

like nothing else out there.

where has the elaborate, completel stellar drum programming gone? he's still king

of programming in his own right, but he seems to be so much less interested when

it comes to making something totally weird and wonderfull. it always seems to me

that he just takes what's on radio and wants to improve on it. he seems convinced

that he does improve on it, imo, and that he somehow schools artists on what the

music they make could sound like when done right. and that's where he falls short

for me. he misses the contemporary edge that even a lot of so called 'bland' top 40

songs have and in return he loses his own charm and quirkiness.

but the field in which i expect more, the most, is in his lyrics. i've realised that even

more than his production and his style (which i still enjoy a whole lot even if what i

said above may sound a bit harsh or too critutal) i find myself bored with the lyrics

he's been writing for far too long now. they're all just boasting to women about how

he's better than their man.

most songs are about love in one form or another, i get that, but his writing is just

so predictable now. i would have never guessed that he did not write "L.O.L" since

those lyrics are pretty much what prince comes up with himself. but they were, it

seems, written by liv warfield. no disrespect to live, but prince should be able to

come up with something better and deeper.

he's got enough feel good, get up and dance, everybody love one another songs in

his catalogue right now. how about actually writing something a bit more deep that

digs beneath the surface or expanding his world views beyond pseudo science and

ramblings about record companies and religion?

that's where i would have expected a lot more from prince. he's a clever man and

he used to write some great lyrics. but he seems determinded to still keep trying

to have that pop radio hitsong, despite knowing it won't happen or even acting like

he doesn't want to or care. he seems to deliberatel stay shallow and on the surface

these days with only the occasional glimpse of his true self and something deeper

or at least more abstract. that's a regret for me. and it's what keeps his still nice or

cool songs from actually being great and something you want to listen to again and

again for a whole year instead of having it on repeat for 2 weeks before growing

bored.

You wanna get married?