As with many others after Princes death, I have been going back through his entire catalog in greater detail than perhaps the early 90s. One thing that has really surprised me is how much I potentially overlooked the self titled Prince album. I think this album is wildly overlooked because it wasnt his debut and it didnt have the explicit sexuality of either Dirty Mind or Controversy. But of his first 4 albums, I believe this was his most complete and balanced album. Every track is great, from start to finish. Rock, pop, ballads...this album has it all. Bambi introduced us to his guitar greatness and I never appreciated until I heard The Undertaker.

Am I the only person who thinks this was his best album from the first 4?

no, your not alone, sincere,sweet album, I appreciated from first spin, musta bought LP in record store about 86, do not overlook Its Gonna Be Lonely, rarely , if ever played live. Took me longer to get into Dirty Mind, but this still ranks ahead of his 3rd record, as does the more interesting and varied Controversy. Perhaps a more generous heaping of terrific tunes helps both Prince and Controversy.

Highlights: Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad, that guitar solo to end funky , disco tune

When Were Dancing Close and Slow

Its Gonna Be Lonely

I would say Prince and Dirty Mind are my two favorites among the first 4. But I truly love this album...Bambi is an amazing rock song. The guitar, the lyrics...pure energy!

It´s gonna be lonely is another gem; even in 2016 feels so fresh (just loved Mac de Marco cover of it).

mynameisnotsusan said:

I've played this album more since April than probably any other. Having When We're Dancing Close and Slow and With You back to back drags a bit for me because they are similar sonding but of course on vinyl they were on different sides. It's Gonna Be Lonely is one of the songs I've discovered recently as well, after more than 30 years of listening there are still treasures to find - it's why I'm still here

Same here. I feel like I looked past this album for the longest time. This album is not as raw or gritty as dirty mind or controversy, but I think it holds up musically and melodically.

Prince is actually my favorite Prince album ever due to the ballads alone. They are magical and just timeless. Love em from Still Waiting to Its Gonna Be Lonely...just beautiful.

^ Controversy made me a Prince fan though

Not to forget I Wanna Be Your Lover was just a magnificent song

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a great album, in my opinion, the best of the lot pre-1999, by far. It also was thefirst one to really show a lot his distinctive touches, the extended jam at the end of Lover, the piano break in Sexy dancer, the cover with his relaxed hair, his first dalliances with gender mixing. In my opinion, left the for you album in the dust.

The lyrics migh be, at times, a tad corny. But still, incredibly beautiful.

I've held your hand so many times
But I still get the feeling I felt the very first time
I've kissed your lips and laid with you
And I cherish every moment we spend in each other's arms
I guess my eyes can only see as far as you
I only want to be with you

We've come so far in so little time
Sometimes I wonder if this is meant to be
Sometimes you are so very kind
That the nights you're not with me I'm scared that you're gonna leave

I guess you could say that I'm just being a fool
But I only want to be with you

PeteSilas said:

a great album, in my opinion, the best of the lot pre-1999, by far. It also was thefirst one to really show a lot his distinctive touches, the extended jam at the end of Lover, the piano break in Sexy dancer, the cover with his relaxed hair, his first dalliances with gender mixing. In my opinion, left the for you album in the dust.

Absolutely. The distance in quality and depth of tracks between For You and Prince is immeasurable.

Yes this has always been one of my favorite Prince albums. Part of it was because "I wanna be your lover" was one of my all time favorite Prince jams...but the album is more that just that song to me. You are right it is so beautiful, I love his harmonies and the song order was great. I love "It's gonna be lonley" and "When were dancing..." is one of the most romantic Prince songs I've ever heard.

rob1965 said:

I love the album 'Prince'. Controversy made me a Prince fan, so it will always be special, but the album Prince remains a classic. I Wanna Be Your Lover is my favorite on that one. The album For You has somewhat of the same feel, although I discovered it no earlier than 1989 or so. It's the sound of the late 70s / early 80s that I've always loved. Dirty Mind took some time 4 me to digest back then. But it has some great songs. Anyway, the Prince album is an album that plays even better while driving in my car with the sun shining and my sunglasses on, as I did recently. But if I had to rate the first 4 albums (which is extremely difficult), I come up with this list: 1. Controversy 2. Prince 3. For You 4. Dirty Mind

controversy was a great album too, but a bit uneven in my mind. a couple week tracks. Controversy/sexuality/do me baby/let's work, all top rate, Ronnie talk to russia, annie christian,Jack You off, not quite as good and make the album as a whole not as good as Prince. Prince was a solid album, pretty much every track was strong and catchy as hell.

Bunsterdk said:

Thanks for bringing this album to my attention. I had bought it recently, but not got around to listening. Wow! Love it!

Then my work is done here.

Why did it take him dying for you to start going through his back catalog?

You are right, it is 'one' of his most balanced albums. It's a shame though fans seem to have overlooked this one as well as For You.

[Edited 8/3/16 10:36am]

I think every fan underrates this album, not sure why, but it's excellent!

leadline said:

Why did it take him dying for you to start going through his back catalog?

You are right, it is 'one' of his most balanced albums. It's a shame though fans seem to have overlooked this one as well as For You.

[Edited 8/3/16 10:36am]

I never liked for you and dirty mind I thought was a weak album, yes I know it's rep, i'm just telling you my opinion. Outside of When you Were Mine, it's just got shock value and rebellion going for it. Well, Sister might be the most erotic beat he's ever come up with, it does sound like furious sex.

Always overlooked this album as well, no idea why beacuse it is a great album as I have come to discover in recent years. For me 'Prince' is now is the proper first Prince album instead of 'Dirty Mind', it has many of his trademark musical elements in there already. Much better album than For You in my opinion!

Am surprised some people overlooked this album for a long time. With gems on it like

I Wanna Be Your Lover

Sexy Dancer

Bambi

[Edited 8/3/16 14:09pm]

one factor may be it was underproduced in comparison to For You, for you had a better sound and Prince does sound stilted in comparison but the songs are better.

Guitarhero said:

This is such an overlooked album which happens to be one of my favourite. Sexy Dancer and When We're Dancing Close And Slow, are the best songs in my opinion, I love all the songs on it though.

Genuinely not trying to troll or crap on your thread, (it's a solid record),

but I gotta say: "I'm Yours" introduced us to his guitar greatness. "Bambi" solidified it.