Throughout his career, what do you think has been the force behind Prince's music?

Here are a few ideas:

I think from 1978-1983, one of Prince's major muses was recognition. There is just something about the vigor with which he performed and the statements in his music ("Whatever you heard about me is true, I change the rules and do what I wanna do", etc.) that makes it sound like Prince was fighting just to be recognized. I've read that he admits that "I Wanna Be Your Lover" was a blatant attempt to garner success, indicating that he may have felt the pressure from Warner Bros. to issue a hit or else.

I feel that from 1984-1987, another major muse emerged: art. It seemed that with "Purple Rain," "Around the World in a Day," "Parade" and "Sign o' the Times," Prince was really pushing his artistic limits in his releases, wanting to paint with a broad palate of musical colors and create music that was pleasing and held merit purely for its aesthetic value.

Although it had been present all along, God really came to the forefront with 1988's "Lovesexy" and seemed to continue to be dominant through "Graffiti Bridge." There is an element of ecstatic joy on all of "Lovesexy," some of "Batman" and most of "Graffiti Bridge" that seems to have the sole purpose of sharing and spreading his spiritual joy with his listeners. "Trust" and "Can't Stop," for example, are bursting with joyful energy that seemingly does not want to be contained.

From 1992-1996, I'd say freedom became an important muse for Prince. "3 Chains o' Gold" and "The Sacrifice of Victor" foreshadow the bitter battle that ensued with Warner Bros., and it popped up throughout all of his releases through "Emancipation." "Gold" really seems to be the telling track of the time, with Prince trying to shed light on the pitfalls of the industry and life in general.

It seems that from 2001 to the present, God (unswerving devotion to Him) has resumed the throne of Prince's muses, with a heavy emphasis on community and togetherness.

What do you think Prince's muses have been? Which ones do you like the best?

I can say that I honestly relate to all of them. I relate to the recognition muse because I feel that youthful exhuberance myself, being 22. Prince's sophistication of 84-87 also appeals to the artist in me. God through music has provided me with a lot of encouragement and inspiration, and Prince's struggle for freedom has helped me to understand my own struggles.

This is going to be tough to respond to, you did an excellent summation of Prince's career. Well done.

LaVisHh said:

Thanks! I left some gaps though because there didn't seem to be a dominant tone from 1997-2000. I'm sure there are other things I've missed as well.

I'd say that sex was his primary muse from 1979-1983.

Wendy, Lisa and especially Susannah were an important force from 1984-1987. Of course W&L brought the art out of him and Susannah shifted the focus of his music from sex to love, pain, betrayal and commitment.

I'd say Mayte was an important muse during the 90's and especially on Emancipation disc 2. Thank god she's gone.

TRON said:

- right on!

Seriously though, great post Moonbeam.

And I agree with Tron about sex being a muse, definately.

Also if we're talking women, don't forget Vanity - what a Wonderful Ass

Moonbeam said:

I'd say he was fighting for recognition again from 1997-2000. The extreme pop of his music through that time showed that he really wanted to be making some hits again. Surrounding himself with legends too like Larry Graham and Chaka Khan showed that he was going for legend status. Also, independence was probably the most important thing to him during those years and it continues to be a dominant force. Releasing primarily through NPG records and the NPGMC was probably a tough transition to make, but it seems like he's finally working out a system for himself. DIY seems to be really important to him.

Moonbeam said:

There is irony to the period you left out, 1997-2000.

It's important that an artist's music be filled with conviction and inspiration. I find it interesting, to me anyways, that the period where I totally lost interest, were not dominated by firm, outstanding believes or direction.

TRON said:

I'd say that sex was definitely a muse during 1978-1983 as well. Prince used sex in those years to generate recognition in part. It seems they go together in that sense.

LaVisHh said:

In other words, possibly the muses were not with him?

TRON said:

Exactly. Without them, he would be just like the rest.

TRON said:

I can see your point, but I don't see how "The Truth" fits into that scheme. "Crystal Ball" and "The Vault" both seem set to cement his legendary status by offering a peak into his vault. "NPS," "Rave" and the abandoned "High" album all are very commercial, but there is a lot of pain in there as well from the loss of his son and the loss of Mayte.

It also seems that in addition to God, music is his primary muse right now. His live shows are gimmick-free, the Celebration this year was wall-to-wall jams and his band is as tight as can be. I think that mustering up the best possible sound is what's getting him off these days. Which is a relief. When Prince tries to force himself into a project or trend that doesn't suit him, it comes across as very awkward. I'm glad he's not trying to get a hit at the moment. It makes for much better music and tours.

Emancipation represented an interesting mix of two ideals.

Firstly, artistic. We saw Prince declaring the album as the one he was born to make. It was effectively his 90's Crystal Ball. Secondly, commercial. We heard Prince comparing himself to the likes of R. Kelly, so he clearly considered this an album full of hit singles (and rightfully so).

A critical factor underlying all of this was Prince's desire to prove to Warner Bros. exactly how things could be done successfully, his way.

Moonbeam said:

The Truth fits with the former period of angry fighting for freedom.

TRON said:

You're thinking of some good ones.

Moonbeam said:

Thanks. Interesting thread.

TRON said:

I completely agree and therefore find it somewhat startling how many 'fans' cannot find the richness of music in The Rainbow Children and ONA Live.

By the way, great thread Moonbeam!

Anji said:

If you've seen the concert or Celebration, it's pretty hard to ignore or deny. It's all there.

TRON said:

One would think so, but its failing to satisfy many disheartened 'fans.'

What do you think Prince's muses have been? Which ones do you like the best?

the "relationships" muse with god, family, lovers, friends, workers, employees, bosses, seem to have dominated most of the music up until the post emancipation period,

Then Larry Graham came on the scene and the "JW" muse has dominated ever since.

I'll reaaallly be glad when he moves to the "next" muse.

One muse that many 'fans' usually fail to recognise, and as a result, tend to become overly critical with what they consider his 'purely commercial' 90's efforts, is that Prince has always made a habit of recording at least one hit single on every mainstream album he's released. Whether they chart or not, is another matter entirely. I find it interesting to note how it's usually the albums that don't make a significant impact on the charts, which tend to receive alot of criticism from 'fans.'

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[This message was edited Mon Mar 24 15:55:30 PST 2003 by Anji]

Moonbeam said:

Wow...very impressive. The only thing you didn't touch on was the sex factor. Most of the earlier years were dominated by sex. Dirty Mind and 1999 were satuarated with sex. I can see how this might have played into getting recognition, because we live in a society where sex sells. And we all know, Prince knew how to sell it.

Power,Sex,Money,Fame&Freedom from 78-93.since then another Understanding of His Human Self&trying to Re-make Himself in a Better Positive Light over the past 5 Years IMHO.