emesem said:

I like this list.

I'd add:

Ballad of Dorothy Parker

Something in the Water

Annie Christian

Dirty Mind

Tamborine

Awesome list, my friend! I'm not too crazy about "Annie Christian" personally but Prince was definitely flexing his "experimental" muscles on that track.

"Tamborine" is a criminally underrated song on a criminally underrated album! Ugh, Prince just has too many hits!

ChrisLacy1990 said:

Aerogram said:

No such list is complete without All My Dreams. but I love your list.

A lot of these are "everything and the kitchen sink" songs but they still form an immensely rewarding m musical journey.

I can't believe people who don't like Batdance, that was a blistering return to form and most people experienced it that way. I remember waiting in line at MacDonald's when the people in front of us started discussing the Batdance video. In any case, most people I know found Batdance very enjoyable including my rather staid boyfriend at the time.

Ugh, I had a feeling I would have to explain myself on that one! Hahaha! When I was compiling this Great Eight list, I was stuck choosing between "All My Dreams" or "Crystal Ball". You don't know how guilty I felt leaving it off.

To be honest, I slept on "Batdance" for a while until I was putting this list together. Don't get me wrong; I always thought it was a classic but I have a newfound appreciation for it and hopefully it shows in my explanation up above.

If I had to make space for All That Dreams, I'd kick out Play in the Sunshine yesterday. There is no way it's experimental in the vein of CB, AMD or Batdance.

ChrisLacy1990 said:

Many words can be used to describe Prince and his music but for the sake of today's topic, we're going to focus on the word "experimental". By definition, it means "an attempt at something new or different; an effort to be original". So, here are eight of my favorite Prince songs (in no particular order):

1. Around the World in a Day (1985): In summer of 1984, Prince called upon Lisa's brother, David, to help him record a new song and the result is a lush reverie of childlike wonder and psychedelic funk. During the sessions, some of the instruments used were an oud (an Arabic mandolin guitar), Darbuka drums and finger cymbals.
2. Life Can Be So Nice (1986): One of those monster Parade grooves that easily could have been a huge hit in 1986 – except it never became a single, maybe because Warner Bros. didn't want to steal any momentum from the megahit "Kiss". Prince initially recorded this with the help of Wendy, Lisa and Sheila E. in the spring of 1985. According to Prince Vault, there is an unreleased version with Clare Fischer’s orchestra that features over 12 different instruments.
3. Erotic City (1984): At four minutes long, "Erotic City" is a sleek electro-pop tune with a rapid-fire funky bass line. Drummer Sheila E. was hesitant to record the song due to the explicit lyrics so Prince stepped in and did the dirty work while she sang backup primarily in the chorus. And while "Erotic City" had a few expletives, it didn't stop some radio stations from playing it anyway so thank you George Clinton for inspiring a then 26-year-old Prince to create this classic.
4. Bob George (1987): In this dark lyrical drama, Prince sings about his woman sneaking off to see a music manager and when she tries to cover her tracks, she is looking down the barrel of a gun that "might be little but it's loud!" A visionary mix of metal bluster, murky funk, and a confrontational phone call to Mr. George himself.
5. Batdance (1989): This slinky dance-floor track injected a new level of aggression and tension into Prince's music. He manages to build around the "love interest" theme between Batman, Vicki Vale and Joker by using various snippets of film dialogue. One of my favorite moments is at 2:41 where he switches the tempo up on you with a funky guitar section reminiscent of "Kiss".
6. Crystal Ball (1986): This near 10-minute epic revisits the apocalyptic elements of 1999 and does a masterful job of winding up the tension like a guitar string. You know it's going to snap soon but you're just waiting for it and at the 2:45 mark, Prince hits with you with the splash cymbal and delivers one of his best blends of R&B, rock and funk as he pleads to God to "save us from the madness that threatens us all." In 1998, Prince would officially release it with Clare Fischer's orchestral touches but I personally prefer the original version from '86.
7. Play in the Sunshine (1987): In lesser hands, this song would have been a hodgepodge of random instruments. However, in Prince's hands, this tune bubbles with summertime fun. At the 3:24 mark, the band urges Prince to "play" and he finally gives in by unleashing a wriggly marimba line that sounds like it would sit comfortably on a Stevie Wonder record.
8. Lovesexy (1988): One of the most polarizing pieces of music he has ever released but the title track is a six-minute pop odyssey. Between the swirl of Stevie Wonder-style synth beats and hot James Brown-esque horns, Prince says his joy is of a spiritual epiphany that is "just a butterfly kiss away."

So, fellow Org members, tell me what you think of this list and feel free to share some of your favorite experimtental songs from his catalog!

Great List

.

I would add the 14min version of Computer Blue in place of Play in the Sunshine, or along with it.

some recordings from the Flesh sessions are definately experimental Up From Below I love

Positivity is another that stretches in different directions/sounds

.

I love the various versions of Around the World in a Day, love the background story the feel the freedom

ChrisLacy1990 said:

Many words can be used to describe Prince and his music but for the sake of today's topic, we're going to focus on the word "experimental". By definition, it means "an attempt at something new or different; an effort to be original". So, here are eight of my favorite Prince songs (in no particular order):

1. Around the World in a Day (1985): In summer of 1984, Prince called upon Lisa's brother, David, to help him record a new song and the result is a lush reverie of childlike wonder and psychedelic funk. During the sessions, some of the instruments used were an oud (an Arabic mandolin guitar), Darbuka drums and finger cymbals.
2. Life Can Be So Nice (1986): One of those monster Parade grooves that easily could have been a huge hit in 1986 – except it never became a single, maybe because Warner Bros. didn't want to steal any momentum from the megahit "Kiss". Prince initially recorded this with the help of Wendy, Lisa and Sheila E. in the spring of 1985. According to Prince Vault, there is an unreleased version with Clare Fischer’s orchestra that features over 12 different instruments.
3. Erotic City (1984): At four minutes long, "Erotic City" is a sleek electro-pop tune with a rapid-fire funky bass line. Drummer Sheila E. was hesitant to record the song due to the explicit lyrics so Prince stepped in and did the dirty work while she sang backup primarily in the chorus. And while "Erotic City" had a few expletives, it didn't stop some radio stations from playing it anyway so thank you George Clinton for inspiring a then 26-year-old Prince to create this classic.
4. Bob George (1987): In this dark lyrical drama, Prince sings about his woman sneaking off to see a music manager and when she tries to cover her tracks, she is looking down the barrel of a gun that "might be little but it's loud!" A visionary mix of metal bluster, murky funk, and a confrontational phone call to Mr. George himself.
5. Batdance (1989): This slinky dance-floor track injected a new level of aggression and tension into Prince's music. He manages to build around the "love interest" theme between Batman, Vicki Vale and Joker by using various snippets of film dialogue. One of my favorite moments is at 2:41 where he switches the tempo up on you with a funky guitar section reminiscent of "Kiss".
6. Crystal Ball (1986): This near 10-minute epic revisits the apocalyptic elements of 1999 and does a masterful job of winding up the tension like a guitar string. You know it's going to snap soon but you're just waiting for it and at the 2:45 mark, Prince hits with you with the splash cymbal and delivers one of his best blends of R&B, rock and funk as he pleads to God to "save us from the madness that threatens us all." In 1998, Prince would officially release it with Clare Fischer's orchestral touches but I personally prefer the original version from '86.
7. Play in the Sunshine (1987): In lesser hands, this song would have been a hodgepodge of random instruments. However, in Prince's hands, this tune bubbles with summertime fun. At the 3:24 mark, the band urges Prince to "play" and he finally gives in by unleashing a wriggly marimba line that sounds like it would sit comfortably on a Stevie Wonder record.
8. Lovesexy (1988): One of the most polarizing pieces of music he has ever released but the title track is a six-minute pop odyssey. Between the swirl of Stevie Wonder-style synth beats and hot James Brown-esque horns, Prince says his joy is of a spiritual epiphany that is "just a butterfly kiss away."

So, fellow Org members, tell me what you think of this list and feel free to share some of your favorite experimtental songs from his catalog!

[Edited 12/6/14 14:12pm]

[Edited 12/6/14 19:51pm]

*

Cool list. Like others, I could add this or that, but your concept or discussion is what's most important. As such, this is a damn good list to begin a discussion about what makes Prince special, and it is quite timely for the ongoing AOA debates. For instance, when I hear "AoC," "U Know," and "FunknRoll," I hear quirky, experimental Prince, but others hear out of ideas sell-out Prince. So, the question arises when is experimentation visionary and when is it selling out by chasing trends? I love "Batdance," but it's really just Prince experimenting with sampling, which, by then, was not new. And while I do think that "Bob George" is pure genius because of the psychological insight Prince brings that is years before "My Mind Playing Tricks on Me," along with the excellent musical layering, it wasn't the first time anyone had embraced psychological realism with rap; see "The Message." Nor was it the first time sampling had been fused with musical dexterity; see "Rock Box" and others. So, what makes his process with "Bob George" and "Batdance" artistic wizardry whereas many see what he's doing on AOA as dated and stale? So, yeah, your list/discussion adds to, if not contextualizes, the ongoing AOA discussions.

1725topp said:

ChrisLacy1990 said:

Many words can be used to describe Prince and his music but for the sake of today's topic, we're going to focus on the word "experimental". By definition, it means "an attempt at something new or different; an effort to be original". So, here are eight of my favorite Prince songs (in no particular order):

1. Around the World in a Day (1985): In summer of 1984, Prince called upon Lisa's brother, David, to help him record a new song and the result is a lush reverie of childlike wonder and psychedelic funk. During the sessions, some of the instruments used were an oud (an Arabic mandolin guitar), Darbuka drums and finger cymbals.
2. Life Can Be So Nice (1986): One of those monster Parade grooves that easily could have been a huge hit in 1986 – except it never became a single, maybe because Warner Bros. didn't want to steal any momentum from the megahit "Kiss". Prince initially recorded this with the help of Wendy, Lisa and Sheila E. in the spring of 1985. According to Prince Vault, there is an unreleased version with Clare Fischer’s orchestra that features over 12 different instruments.
3. Erotic City (1984): At four minutes long, "Erotic City" is a sleek electro-pop tune with a rapid-fire funky bass line. Drummer Sheila E. was hesitant to record the song due to the explicit lyrics so Prince stepped in and did the dirty work while she sang backup primarily in the chorus. And while "Erotic City" had a few expletives, it didn't stop some radio stations from playing it anyway so thank you George Clinton for inspiring a then 26-year-old Prince to create this classic.
4. Bob George (1987): In this dark lyrical drama, Prince sings about his woman sneaking off to see a music manager and when she tries to cover her tracks, she is looking down the barrel of a gun that "might be little but it's loud!" A visionary mix of metal bluster, murky funk, and a confrontational phone call to Mr. George himself.
5. Batdance (1989): This slinky dance-floor track injected a new level of aggression and tension into Prince's music. He manages to build around the "love interest" theme between Batman, Vicki Vale and Joker by using various snippets of film dialogue. One of my favorite moments is at 2:41 where he switches the tempo up on you with a funky guitar section reminiscent of "Kiss".
6. Crystal Ball (1986): This near 10-minute epic revisits the apocalyptic elements of 1999 and does a masterful job of winding up the tension like a guitar string. You know it's going to snap soon but you're just waiting for it and at the 2:45 mark, Prince hits with you with the splash cymbal and delivers one of his best blends of R&B, rock and funk as he pleads to God to "save us from the madness that threatens us all." In 1998, Prince would officially release it with Clare Fischer's orchestral touches but I personally prefer the original version from '86.
7. Play in the Sunshine (1987): In lesser hands, this song would have been a hodgepodge of random instruments. However, in Prince's hands, this tune bubbles with summertime fun. At the 3:24 mark, the band urges Prince to "play" and he finally gives in by unleashing a wriggly marimba line that sounds like it would sit comfortably on a Stevie Wonder record.
8. Lovesexy (1988): One of the most polarizing pieces of music he has ever released but the title track is a six-minute pop odyssey. Between the swirl of Stevie Wonder-style synth beats and hot James Brown-esque horns, Prince says his joy is of a spiritual epiphany that is "just a butterfly kiss away."

So, fellow Org members, tell me what you think of this list and feel free to share some of your favorite experimtental songs from his catalog!

[Edited 12/6/14 14:12pm]

[Edited 12/6/14 19:51pm]

*

Cool list. Like others, I could add this or that, but your concept or discussion is what's most important. As such, this is a damn good list to begin a discussion about what makes Prince special, and it is quite timely for the ongoing AOA debates. For instance, when I hear "AoC," "U Know," and "FunknRoll," I hear quirky, experimental Prince, but others hear out of ideas sell-out Prince. So, the question arises when is experimentation visionary and when is it selling out by chasing trends? I love "Batdance," but it's really just Prince experimenting with sampling, which, by then, was not new. And while I do think that "Bob George" is pure genius because of the psychological insight Prince brings that is years before "My Mind Playing Tricks on Me," along with the excellent musical layering, it wasn't the first time anyone had embraced psychological realism with rap; see "The Message." Nor was it the first time sampling had been fused with musical dexterity; see "Rock Box" and others. So, what makes his process with "Bob George" and "Batdance" artistic wizardry whereas many see what he's doing on AOA as dated and stale? So, yeah, your list/discussion adds to, if not contextualizes, the ongoing AOA discussions.

Sorry for the delayed response, my friend. You present some really good points, especially on fans' perception of his latest work. I think most fans have such high expectations for Prince that it can sometimes warp our opinions on his recent efforts. Albums like Musicology, 3121, Lotusflow3r, Art Official Age and PlectrumElectrum are better than most of today's artists yet they get overshadowed by his '80s output in people's eyes.

OldFriends4Sale said:

ChrisLacy1990 said:

Many words can be used to describe Prince and his music but for the sake of today's topic, we're going to focus on the word "experimental". By definition, it means "an attempt at something new or different; an effort to be original". So, here are eight of my favorite Prince songs (in no particular order):

1. Around the World in a Day (1985): In summer of 1984, Prince called upon Lisa's brother, David, to help him record a new song and the result is a lush reverie of childlike wonder and psychedelic funk. During the sessions, some of the instruments used were an oud (an Arabic mandolin guitar), Darbuka drums and finger cymbals.
2. Life Can Be So Nice (1986): One of those monster Parade grooves that easily could have been a huge hit in 1986 – except it never became a single, maybe because Warner Bros. didn't want to steal any momentum from the megahit "Kiss". Prince initially recorded this with the help of Wendy, Lisa and Sheila E. in the spring of 1985. According to Prince Vault, there is an unreleased version with Clare Fischer’s orchestra that features over 12 different instruments.
3. Erotic City (1984): At four minutes long, "Erotic City" is a sleek electro-pop tune with a rapid-fire funky bass line. Drummer Sheila E. was hesitant to record the song due to the explicit lyrics so Prince stepped in and did the dirty work while she sang backup primarily in the chorus. And while "Erotic City" had a few expletives, it didn't stop some radio stations from playing it anyway so thank you George Clinton for inspiring a then 26-year-old Prince to create this classic.
4. Bob George (1987): In this dark lyrical drama, Prince sings about his woman sneaking off to see a music manager and when she tries to cover her tracks, she is looking down the barrel of a gun that "might be little but it's loud!" A visionary mix of metal bluster, murky funk, and a confrontational phone call to Mr. George himself.
5. Batdance (1989): This slinky dance-floor track injected a new level of aggression and tension into Prince's music. He manages to build around the "love interest" theme between Batman, Vicki Vale and Joker by using various snippets of film dialogue. One of my favorite moments is at 2:41 where he switches the tempo up on you with a funky guitar section reminiscent of "Kiss".
6. Crystal Ball (1986): This near 10-minute epic revisits the apocalyptic elements of 1999 and does a masterful job of winding up the tension like a guitar string. You know it's going to snap soon but you're just waiting for it and at the 2:45 mark, Prince hits with you with the splash cymbal and delivers one of his best blends of R&B, rock and funk as he pleads to God to "save us from the madness that threatens us all." In 1998, Prince would officially release it with Clare Fischer's orchestral touches but I personally prefer the original version from '86.
7. Play in the Sunshine (1987): In lesser hands, this song would have been a hodgepodge of random instruments. However, in Prince's hands, this tune bubbles with summertime fun. At the 3:24 mark, the band urges Prince to "play" and he finally gives in by unleashing a wriggly marimba line that sounds like it would sit comfortably on a Stevie Wonder record.
8. Lovesexy (1988): One of the most polarizing pieces of music he has ever released but the title track is a six-minute pop odyssey. Between the swirl of Stevie Wonder-style synth beats and hot James Brown-esque horns, Prince says his joy is of a spiritual epiphany that is "just a butterfly kiss away."

So, fellow Org members, tell me what you think of this list and feel free to share some of your favorite experimtental songs from his catalog!

Great List

.

I would add the 14min version of Computer Blue in place of Play in the Sunshine, or along with it.

some recordings from the Flesh sessions are definately experimental Up From Below I love

Positivity is another that stretches in different directions/sounds

.

I love the various versions of Around the World in a Day, love the background story the feel the freedom

Wow, you definitely know your stuff! The 14-minute "Computer Blue" is a classic; you could count the Hallway Speech as experimental for sure.

The ending of "Positivity" (e.g. the chants and water sound effects) are very unique so good call on that one as well.

Can't say I'm familiar with "Up from Below". If I ever come across it, I'll definitely check it out.

"Around the World in a Day" is an incredible piece of work. The more I listen to it, the more I fall in love with it.

I'm a little surprised that "Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic" hasn't come up (unless I missed it somewhere). Easily one of my favorite experimental pieces from the 1980s, particularly the original version with all of the great synths that were cut from the '99 release.

Love your 8 choices, and I'm also one of the "Annie Christian" fans.

I think Condition of the Heart is way more "experimental" than Around the World in a Day. I mean...an Impressionistic intro that clocks in at almost three minutes? Who else was doing anything like that?

[Edited 1/9/15 13:53pm]

ChrisLacy1990 said:

Many words can be used to describe Prince and his music but for the sake of today's topic, we're going to focus on the word "experimental". By definition, it means "an attempt at something new or different; an effort to be original". So, here are eight of my favorite Prince songs (in no particular order):

1. Around the World in a Day (1985): In summer of 1984, Prince called upon Lisa's brother, David, to help him record a new song and the result is a lush reverie of childlike wonder and psychedelic funk. During the sessions, some of the instruments used were an oud (an Arabic mandolin guitar), Darbuka drums and finger cymbals.
2. Life Can Be So Nice (1986): One of those monster Parade grooves that easily could have been a huge hit in 1986 – except it never became a single, maybe because Warner Bros. didn't want to steal any momentum from the megahit "Kiss". Prince initially recorded this with the help of Wendy, Lisa and Sheila E. in the spring of 1985. According to Prince Vault, there is an unreleased version with Clare Fischer’s orchestra that features over 12 different instruments.
3. Erotic City (1984): At four minutes long, "Erotic City" is a sleek electro-pop tune with a rapid-fire funky bass line. Drummer Sheila E. was hesitant to record the song due to the explicit lyrics so Prince stepped in and did the dirty work while she sang backup primarily in the chorus. And while "Erotic City" had a few expletives, it didn't stop some radio stations from playing it anyway so thank you George Clinton for inspiring a then 26-year-old Prince to create this classic.
4. Bob George (1987): In this dark lyrical drama, Prince sings about his woman sneaking off to see a music manager and when she tries to cover her tracks, she is looking down the barrel of a gun that "might be little but it's loud!" A visionary mix of metal bluster, murky funk, and a confrontational phone call to Mr. George himself.
5. Batdance (1989): This slinky dance-floor track injected a new level of aggression and tension into Prince's music. He manages to build around the "love interest" theme between Batman, Vicki Vale and Joker by using various snippets of film dialogue. One of my favorite moments is at 2:41 where he switches the tempo up on you with a funky guitar section reminiscent of "Kiss".
6. Crystal Ball (1986): This near 10-minute epic revisits the apocalyptic elements of 1999 and does a masterful job of winding up the tension like a guitar string. You know it's going to snap soon but you're just waiting for it and at the 2:45 mark, Prince hits with you with the splash cymbal and delivers one of his best blends of R&B, rock and funk as he pleads to God to "save us from the madness that threatens us all." In 1998, Prince would officially release it with Clare Fischer's orchestral touches but I personally prefer the original version from '86.
7. Play in the Sunshine (1987): In lesser hands, this song would have been a hodgepodge of random instruments. However, in Prince's hands, this tune bubbles with summertime fun. At the 3:24 mark, the band urges Prince to "play" and he finally gives in by unleashing a wriggly marimba line that sounds like it would sit comfortably on a Stevie Wonder record.
8. Lovesexy (1988): One of the most polarizing pieces of music he has ever released but the title track is a six-minute pop odyssey. Between the swirl of Stevie Wonder-style synth beats and hot James Brown-esque horns, Prince says his joy is of a spiritual epiphany that is "just a butterfly kiss away."

So, fellow Org members, tell me what you think of this list and feel free to share some of your favorite experimtental songs from his catalog!

[Edited 12/6/14 14:12pm]

[Edited 12/6/14 19:51pm]

Great list! And I especially love the "Batdance" inclusion. To me, "Batdance" and later "In This Bed I Scream" are two incredible songs. They are a collection of separately-played parts, that only a genius could put together and come up with such a sound.

And that part in "Batdance' you refer to? ABSOLUTE genius! The song goes sideways in that transition. Best use of 2/2 time in a pop song - ever.

kangafunk said:

I'm really enjoying these 'great eight' topics and it's really refreshing to see the replies not descend into petty arguments. I have to agree with the 'Annie Christian' promoters; I think it is one of his greatest experimental tracks, but I can't disagree with the op's list apart from that.

I really appreciate your comment. One of the best things about discussing music (especially Prince) is getting other people's perspective on why he/she feels a song or an album is great. That being said, I'll give "Annie Christian" another listen since there have been quite a few singing its praises.

By the way, if you can think of any topics you'd like for me to cover on a future "Great Eight" post, feel free to shoot some suggestions my way!

RodeoSchro said:

ChrisLacy1990 said:

Many words can be used to describe Prince and his music but for the sake of today's topic, we're going to focus on the word "experimental". By definition, it means "an attempt at something new or different; an effort to be original". So, here are eight of my favorite Prince songs (in no particular order):

1. Around the World in a Day (1985): In summer of 1984, Prince called upon Lisa's brother, David, to help him record a new song and the result is a lush reverie of childlike wonder and psychedelic funk. During the sessions, some of the instruments used were an oud (an Arabic mandolin guitar), Darbuka drums and finger cymbals.
2. Life Can Be So Nice (1986): One of those monster Parade grooves that easily could have been a huge hit in 1986 – except it never became a single, maybe because Warner Bros. didn't want to steal any momentum from the megahit "Kiss". Prince initially recorded this with the help of Wendy, Lisa and Sheila E. in the spring of 1985. According to Prince Vault, there is an unreleased version with Clare Fischer’s orchestra that features over 12 different instruments.
3. Erotic City (1984): At four minutes long, "Erotic City" is a sleek electro-pop tune with a rapid-fire funky bass line. Drummer Sheila E. was hesitant to record the song due to the explicit lyrics so Prince stepped in and did the dirty work while she sang backup primarily in the chorus. And while "Erotic City" had a few expletives, it didn't stop some radio stations from playing it anyway so thank you George Clinton for inspiring a then 26-year-old Prince to create this classic.
4. Bob George (1987): In this dark lyrical drama, Prince sings about his woman sneaking off to see a music manager and when she tries to cover her tracks, she is looking down the barrel of a gun that "might be little but it's loud!" A visionary mix of metal bluster, murky funk, and a confrontational phone call to Mr. George himself.
5. Batdance (1989): This slinky dance-floor track injected a new level of aggression and tension into Prince's music. He manages to build around the "love interest" theme between Batman, Vicki Vale and Joker by using various snippets of film dialogue. One of my favorite moments is at 2:41 where he switches the tempo up on you with a funky guitar section reminiscent of "Kiss".
6. Crystal Ball (1986): This near 10-minute epic revisits the apocalyptic elements of 1999 and does a masterful job of winding up the tension like a guitar string. You know it's going to snap soon but you're just waiting for it and at the 2:45 mark, Prince hits with you with the splash cymbal and delivers one of his best blends of R&B, rock and funk as he pleads to God to "save us from the madness that threatens us all." In 1998, Prince would officially release it with Clare Fischer's orchestral touches but I personally prefer the original version from '86.
7. Play in the Sunshine (1987): In lesser hands, this song would have been a hodgepodge of random instruments. However, in Prince's hands, this tune bubbles with summertime fun. At the 3:24 mark, the band urges Prince to "play" and he finally gives in by unleashing a wriggly marimba line that sounds like it would sit comfortably on a Stevie Wonder record.
8. Lovesexy (1988): One of the most polarizing pieces of music he has ever released but the title track is a six-minute pop odyssey. Between the swirl of Stevie Wonder-style synth beats and hot James Brown-esque horns, Prince says his joy is of a spiritual epiphany that is "just a butterfly kiss away."

So, fellow Org members, tell me what you think of this list and feel free to share some of your favorite experimtental songs from his catalog!

[Edited 12/6/14 14:12pm]

[Edited 12/6/14 19:51pm]

Great list! And I especially love the "Batdance" inclusion. To me, "Batdance" and later "In This Bed I Scream" are two incredible songs. They are a collection of separately-played parts, that only a genius could put together and come up with such a sound.

And that part in "Batdance' you refer to? ABSOLUTE genius! The song goes sideways in that transition. Best use of 2/2 time in a pop song - ever.

"Batdance" is one of those songs that took time to grow on me, believe it or not, but I hope my explanation above did the song justice because it is undoubtedly a great track. It's been a while since I've listened to "In This Bed I Scream" so I'll dust off my copy of Emancipation and give it another listen.

No Condition of the heart?