Prince has always had the distinction of writing/arranging/producing/performing/etc. all of his albums. There are those who think his latest work is subpar in terms of songwriting and throw around "get a new producer".

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So, question: if Prince were to hand over the songwriting to others (basically go "shopping" for hit songs like many artists do), would that kill your image of Prince? Let's say they are all GREAT songs, on par with Purple Rain, 1999 or SOTT . . . but they're not "his". Obviously he'd still sing and perform.

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Go a step further and introduce another producer who -- although not Prince -- faithfully represents the Minneapolis sound for a new era. Would that also tarnish the experience?

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What if either of these changes (new songwriters and new producer) resulted in his most successful album to date? I personally think that would be a hard thing to accept!

Agree. Wouldn't see the point in a Prince-album written and/or produced by others.

[Edited 10/30/13 9:24am]

Difficult. I might enjoy it, but be too aware that it wasn't really Prince. A big thing about Prince is how he does his own thing... so yeah, it'd probably ruin something.

i believe that when Prince is the total artist (writes, plays, produces...) for the music, indivisible nrg goes in2 that cr8ion. so, if any1 else wrote for him or produced for him, this action would distort the nrg or the flow of nrg would be corrupted.

didn't Prince just about 'fight' and go hungry at times to have full creativity of the music that flows through him or to him? music can be a transportation system when it is in purer form.

other folks would probably lower the nrg field around the music rather than raise it. now, when the music goes live in concert, this is an opportunity for the music of Prince's to go even higher.

When I first read the title of this thread, I thought it meant Prince just singing as in, with no music (like an acapella album). That would be a deal-MAKER 2 me!

[Edited 10/30/13 11:28am]

You know any songwriters these days who are writing songs

of the same caliber of Purple Rain, SOTT or 1999?

No harm in trying. People get too stuffy about Prince producing, do you only listen to acts who play/write/produce everything? Doubtful.

As in... totally giving control away!?

That would feel pretty strange... But if he co-wrote some songs with other lyricist, I wouldn't mind at all. That might be a nice experience, for everyone involved

paisley2002 said:

When I first read the title of this thread, I thought it meant Prince just singing as in, with no music (like an acapella album). That would be a deal-MAKER 2 me!

[Edited 10/30/13 11:28am]

i honestly feel that his songwriting days are over, there are so many young fresh artists now who continue to create great tunes & lyrics that represent modern day values. i like the idea of prince collaborating at least, and singing others work, absolutely.

A cover album or new songs just written for him. Sure, would buy it.

Great topic! I'm in with the other two, acapella. As for the other stuff we will find out when or if it happens.

I would love an album of him covering his favorite songs.

I can see how the title might've been misleading - sorry for that, although I do like the replies that would dig an acapella album!

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Personally, I don't know how I would feel about Prince singing songs written by others. Even if he was performing everything. On one hand I would love that he can focus of the singing without any of the struggle of writing the song, but on the other hand that song means nothing to him personally. I know it's a VERY common practice in the music world, but it's not Prince.

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As far as a covers album, I don't think Prince should do that. I have enough Prince covers.

I think that would be pretty cool.


And showing his current confidence. It might become a struggle for him, and probably will be bumpy. But that probably will make a great album. He allways will be the one who makes the final decision, right?

And if a songwriter can write him a good song, why not?

When he covers a song, he manages to give it that unique Prince twist, so I'm not worried that a hired songwriter will unPrinc it.

I like the idea, and looking forward to any reports of the fierce discussions he will have with producers


Nice that he's open to hiring good specialists and doesn't just gives his friends jobs, eventhough they are not the best.