I absolutely love the video version of this song. I had not watched it in awhile and just saw it today and boy did I fall back in love. So much better than the LP version. Had this video supported a formal single, do you think the track would have been successful?

Great track. Was it officially released as a single? I dont recall it getting airplay where I lived at all. D&P, Cream and Gett Off were the only thing I recalled being played. I also liked MDM2N but it didn't get much attention either.

I have always liked 'Willing & Able' but was unaware of a different video mix, have to start looking out for that one. I don't think it would have made a great single though as it lacks a real (strong) chorus. Not that it prevents me from liking the song, but in general a strong chorus is what gives a song real hit potential.

Whatever you do, do NOT watch the Superbowl version - the one where NFL players lip-synched to the song. I still can't get the image of that big white dude with the mullet trying to convince me he has "good and dirty cards to place on the table".

lezama said:

Great track. Was it officially released as a single? I dont recall it getting airplay where I lived at all. D&P, Cream and Gett Off were the only thing I recalled being played. I also liked MDM2N but it didn't get much attention either.

Per Princevault:

"Willing And Able is the sixth track on Prince's 13th album Diamonds And Pearls, the first album to be credited to Prince and the New Power Generation, and, eight months after the album's release, Willing And Able was released to radio as a promotional single in the USA."

Did Tony actually play the guitar?

2freaky4church1 said:

Did Tony actually play the guitar?

Great question... I found myself wondering the same thing

Yes, the video version is vastly superior to the album version.

2freaky4church1 said:

Never seen that video, sounds like something worth checking out. As for the album version, I like it well enough, just not a fave of mine.

Averett said:

brookinz said:

Averett said:

I absolutely love the video version of this song. I had not watched it in awhile and just saw it today and boy did I fall back in love. So much better than the LP version. Had this video supported a formal single, do you think the track would have been successful?

QUICK QUESTION: Why does the guy with the blue shirt that is standing behind Prince have NO HEAD? I've never seen anyone mention this NPG dude on the Org...

he has one. he also had a "do-rag" on that was the same color and a black hat... but knowing all that i still can not tell from the photo what is up! LOL funny...

edit: oh okay i see it the brown blur to the left (his right sholder)

[Edited 2/28/15 6:18am]

OnlyNDaUsa said:

brookinz said:

Averett said: QUICK QUESTION: Why does the guy with the blue shirt that is standing behind Prince have NO HEAD? I've never seen anyone mention this NPG dude on the Org...

he has one. he also had a "do-rag" on that was the same color and a black hat... but knowing all that i still can not tell from the photo what is up! LOL funny...

edit: oh okay i see it the brown blur to the left (his right sholder)

[Edited 2/28/15 6:18am]

Here is a "slightly" clearer pic of the gent

much better version. I think one of his best vocals too.

"Willing & Able" is my favorite track On D&P! Eye like 's Aretha inspired vocals .

The long, live, video version 's falsetto is AMAZING! It is no end to his vocal ability to this day.

D'angelo is still trying to master it.

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

"Willing & Able" is my favorite track On D&P! Eye like 's Aretha inspired vocals .

The long, live, video version 's falsetto is AMAZING! It is no end to his vocal ability to this day.

D'angelo is still trying to master it.

Preach! Between Prince, Rosie, the Steeles, and the rest of the band you have a musical feast that needs to be sampled. If you haven't checked out the video, please google it ASAP and give it a watch.

Hell I'm even ok with Tony M's rap on this track

funkaholic1972 said:

I have always liked 'Willing & Able' but was unaware of a different video mix, have to start looking out for that one. I don't think it would have made a great single though as it lacks a real (strong) chorus. Not that it prevents me from liking the song, but in general a strong chorus is what gives a song real hit potential.

This was from the Diamonds and Pearls VHS video collection. It also had a nice concert version of Live 4 Love at the end.

[Edited 3/1/15 0:33am]

Scarfo said:

funkaholic1972 said:

I have always liked 'Willing & Able' but was unaware of a different video mix, have to start looking out for that one. I don't think it would have made a great single though as it lacks a real (strong) chorus. Not that it prevents me from liking the song, but in general a strong chorus is what gives a song real hit potential.

This was from the Diamonds and Pearls VHS video collection. It also had a nice concert version of Live 4 Love at the end.

[Edited 3/1/15 0:33am]

Yep! Its on DVD as well now which is even better

Averett said:

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

"Willing & Able" is my favorite track On D&P! Eye like O( >'s Aretha inspired vocals .

The long, live, video version O( >'s falsetto is AMAZING! It is no end to his vocal ability to this day.

D'angelo is still trying to master it.

Preach! Between Prince, Rosie, the Steeles, and the rest of the band you have a musical feast that needs to be sampled. If you haven't checked out the video, please google it ASAP and give it a watch.

Hell I'm even ok with Tony M's rap on this track

Actually, I have the long form, VHS,D&P, video collection version, since it first originally came out. So I'm well aware of it....But didn't know it was dvd version. I suspected it was just another, fan made, BOOTLEG, which I'm dead against. But checked and it was released in 2006 on the same day as 's Ultimate collection.

BTW I love your enthusiasm! It's a breath of fresh air from the negativity here...

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

Averett said:

Preach! Between Prince, Rosie, the Steeles, and the rest of the band you have a musical feast that needs to be sampled. If you haven't checked out the video, please google it ASAP and give it a watch.

Hell I'm even ok with Tony M's rap on this track

Actually, I have the long form, VHS,D&P, video collection version, since it first originally came out. So I'm well aware of it....But didn't know it was dvd version. I suspected it was just another, fan made, BOOTLEG, which I'm dead against. But checked and it was released in 2006 on the same day as 's Ultimate collection.

BTW I love your enthusiasm! It's a breath of fresh air from the negativity here...

KingSausage said:

Damn. I need to get a copy of this. I had no idea there was another version of that song. I'm willing to track this version down, but I'm not sure if I'm able.

Typically on Ebay for less than $20.00

Averett said:

KingSausage said:

Averett said:

Typically on Ebay for less than $20.00

Shit, I guess I'm not that willing.

ughh, that video made me seasick

RodeoSchro said:

Whatever you do, do NOT watch the Superbowl version - the one where NFL players lip-synched to the song. I still can't get the image of that big white dude with the mullet trying to convince me he has "good and dirty cards to place on the table".

Good and plenty.