I guess I don't get the point of why the OP was done. If all that they wanted was conformity to their point of view, then they should have just stated that here are the ten best Prince albums . No problem with that. But instead, The OP asked for other people's opinion about the BEST 10, apparently so they could belittle anything that didn't conform to only the 80s count pov. I agree with the other recent posts stating that it is a positive thing to hear about the love many of the less popular Prince albums get. I would imangine he would like that as well!

gandorb said:

I guess I don't get the point of why the OP was done. If all that they wanted was conformity to their point of view, then they should have just stated that here are the ten best Prince albums . No problem with that. But instead, The OP asked for other people's opinion about the BEST 10, apparently so they could belittle anything that didn't conform to only the 80s count pov. I agree with the other recent posts stating that it is a positive thing to hear about the love many of the less popular Prince albums get. I would imangine he would like that as well!

Ur right kiddo..

CHAOS & DISORDER is THE BEST!!

sexton said:

I'd like to know if any orgers who are placing Prince's 90s/00s/10s albums above his 80s releases on their top ten lists were Prince fans during his heyday in the mid 80s. If they were, I'd find that fascinating. Not at all wrong of course, just something you rarely see.

[Edited 2/20/17 15:56pm]

I'm not even close to that but for example i can perceive P's first 4 albums simply as a part of his youth, inevitable path of growing up into something that he became - a complete musical figure and genius. But putting Controversy above The LoveSymbol - that's just...nah, not me. I don't want to be misnderstood here, Controversy is there where it needs to be, a part of his path... a path cultivated with amazing journey, hard work, sleepless nights, with circulatory system that seemed to be powered w/ octane fuel instead of blood.. something unseen in music world. So, when one follows that path and stumbles upon something like The Love Symbol, i just think that big musical growth and experience must be felt... and someone say 'it wouldn't hurt his legacy by any means.' sorry, but that is hugely ignorant statement.

LonelyStarfish said:

In no order: Prince Around the world in a day Sign o the times Diamonds and Pearls Come Emancipation The Truth One nite alone 20ten Art official age [Edited 2/18/17 7:25am]

FINALLY, SOMEONE puts DIAMONDS AND PEARLS in the top 10! Please give this album the love it deserves!!! It doesn't deserve 2 B in the top 5, but it does deserve 2 B in the top 10.

--

Insatiable, Diamonds and Pearls, Live 4 Love, Thunder, Willing and Able, and Money Don't Matter 2 Night are all great songs. (MDM2N isn't even 1 of my favorites, but I recognize that it is a really good song, especially lyrically.)

--

Cream is a song that I really like, and if I remember correctly, it was his last song to hit #1 in the U.S. So no one can deny it's popularity, although I think it's greatness is very debatable. Cream is certainly not in the upper echelon of Prince songs, I think most would agree on that.

--

Is D&P Prince's greatest album? No, absolutely not. But it's still a great album, and it has some gems on it.

feeluupp said:

dodger said:

feeluupp said: Who determines what is best. Surely if you ask people to list their best it is their opinion/favourites

Common sense does. And intellect does.

Any person that doesn't list PURPLE RAIN, 1999 or SOTT as TOP 10, which many members haven't... Surely doesn't know what BEST is.

I totally agree with you that PR, 1999, and SOTT need to be in the top 10 of greatest Prince albums. 1999 should be in the top 10 just for LRC, 1999, DMSR, and Free.

--

Now as for personal favorites, that is a different story. 1999 may not make my top 10, and if it did, it would be near the bottom. I have a hard time listening to 1999 all the way through. I don't like the sound of the synths in a lot of the songs and a lot of the songs are too long and drawn out for my taste. Just my preference. Again, I recognize 1999's greatness, but it's not one of my personal favorites. I would take D&P or Prince over 1999 on most days based on personal preference.

Moonbeam said:

sexton said:

I'd like to know if any orgers who are placing Prince's 90s/00s/10s albums above his 80s releases on their top ten lists were Prince fans during his heyday in the mid 80s. If they were, I'd find that fascinating. Not at all wrong of course, just something you rarely see.

[Edited 2/20/17 15:56pm]

Hadn't thought about this, but maybe this applies to me. I got into Prince in 1989, just after his golden era. Age probably does play a role in this, but I think the fact that Prince albums really take on their own unique little identities makes it understandable that there is diversity in these lists. Albums like Lotusflow3r have a lot of character, and I can see how it could be someone's favorite.

It's understandable for people 30 or under who heard the later albums first and became fans because of those albums to like them more than the 80s releases.

However, if there are any older orgers who became fans in the early to mid-80s and still prefers Prince's work from the last 25 years or so, they are the true anomalies.

Sexton, I agree with you about those people who are 30 and younger. I am 30. I initially became familiar with Prince mostly through hearing his music on the radio or his famous live performances (Super Bowl, Grammys). Most of these songs I heard were from the 1980s: LRC, LGC, PR, Scandalous (which I obtained through P2P file sharing), Rasberry Beret, Kiss, and 1999. The only 1990s song of P's that I remember from childhood is 7. I also knew I Wanna Be Your Lover.

--

Prior to his passing, I was familiar with the tracks D&P and Cream from D&P, and nothing else that I can recall (not even Gett Off).

--

However, I think that 1 of the reasons I love Diamonds and Pearls so much is because I love the album's style of House-style music. I grew up hearing House music because I grew up in the 90s. I don't know if the love of D&P's House-music style is unique to me, but it helps explain my strong love for the D&P album.

sexton said:

Moonbeam said:

Hadn't thought about this, but maybe this applies to me. I got into Prince in 1989, just after his golden era. Age probably does play a role in this, but I think the fact that Prince albums really take on their own unique little identities makes it understandable that there is diversity in these lists. Albums like Lotusflow3r have a lot of character, and I can see how it could be someone's favorite.

It's understandable for people 30 or under who heard the later albums first and became fans because of those albums to like them more than the 80s releases.

However, if there are any older orgers who became fans in the early to mid-80s and still prefers Prince's work from the last 25 years or so, they are the true anomalies.

[Edited 2/20/17 21:31pm]

fall in the middle on this dialectic. do think that there is some objective quality of music, in terms of the quality of vocals, lyrics, instrumentation, and production. think that there would B almost unanimous agreement here on the org that Whitney Houston had a better voice than Madonna, even though both R legendary artists. Madonna certainly has had more longevity than Whitney, and this was true even before Whitney died. However, there is also the subjective component of taste. like Whitney's music a tad bit better than Madonna's music, although do love both of them. Me liking Whitney more than Madonna is subjective because it is a matter of taste. So think that there R both objective and subjective components to analyzing music.

Moonbeam said:

This is turning into the old "objective vs. subjective" argument. Some people believe that there is some objective quality of music by which there is some true way of ranking albums and songs, etc. Others believe there is no such measure and hence there is no difference between "best" and "favorite". I'm in the latter camp.

[Edited 2/20/17 21:49pm]

feeluupp said:

I know this has been done to death... But since PRINCE died I'm sure all of us have revisted and re appreciated many albums and view some in a new light...

Knowing now that there will be no more "NEW" albums from Prince except what's in the vault... What do you feel are the TOP 10 BEST PRINCE ALBUMS OF ALL TIME.

My list.

1. PURPLE RAIN

2. SIGN O' THE TIMES

3. 1999

4. DIRTY MIND

5. PARADE

6. LOVESEXY

7. CONTROVERSY

8. AROUND THE WORLD IN A DAY

9. THE BLACK ALBUM

10. FOR YOU

1.Purple rain

2.Sign o the times

3.1999

4.Parade

5.Lovesexy

6.Diamonds and Pearls

7.Atwiad

8.Controversy

9.Dirty Mind

10.Black album

6 and 7 could poss swap tho!

gandorb said:

I guess I don't get the point of why the OP was done. If all that they wanted was conformity to their point of view, then they should have just stated that here are the ten best Prince albums . No problem with that. But instead, The OP asked for other people's opinion about the BEST 10, apparently so they could belittle anything that didn't conform to only the 80s count pov. I agree with the other recent posts stating that it is a positive thing to hear about the love many of the less popular Prince albums get. I would imangine he would like that as well!

Yeah, I agree. Which is a bit rich, when the OP lists For You in Prince's top 10 albums, with it's questionnable vocals and ropey songwriting.

gandorb said:

I guess I don't get the point of why the OP was done. If all that they wanted was conformity to their point of view, then they should have just stated that here are the ten best Prince albums . No problem with that. But instead, The OP asked for other people's opinion about the BEST 10, apparently so they could belittle anything that didn't conform to only the 80s count pov. I agree with the other recent posts stating that it is a positive thing to hear about the love many of the less popular Prince albums get. I would imangine he would like that as well!

Nail-on-the-head.

Pointless thread if he just wants people to agree with his list. And admire his intellect

dodger said:

gandorb said:

I guess I don't get the point of why the OP was done. If all that they wanted was conformity to their point of view, then they should have just stated that here are the ten best Prince albums . No problem with that. But instead, The OP asked for other people's opinion about the BEST 10, apparently so they could belittle anything that didn't conform to only the 80s count pov. I agree with the other recent posts stating that it is a positive thing to hear about the love many of the less popular Prince albums get. I would imangine he would like that as well!

Nail-on-the-head.

Pointless thread if he just wants people to agree with his list. And admire his intellect

Don't want anyone to AGREE with me...

Just baffled when I create a discussion about BEST albums, and in some lists you dont see PR, SOTT or 1999, but see CHAOS & DISORDER, 20TEN, and MUSICOLOGY.

1. 1999

2. PURPLE RAIN

3. SOTT

4. BLACK ALBUM

5. LOVESEXY

6. DIAMONDS AND PEARLS

7. LOVESYMBOL

8. GOLD

9. CRYSTAL BALL

10 RAINBOW CHILDREN

feeluupp said:

dodger said:

Nail-on-the-head.

Pointless thread if he just wants people to agree with his list. And admire his intellect

Don't want anyone to AGREE with me...

Just baffled when I create a discussion about BEST albums, and in some lists you dont see PR, SOTT or 1999, but see CHAOS & DISORDER, 20TEN, and MUSICOLOGY.

Fave = Best imO. I have been a fan since 83...and my list of BEST changes constantly. Agree his 80s stuff is consistantly in there, but there are times that I just can't get enough of Emancipation, and get what he was striving for on that one. Gold Experience was there for a long time but it hasn't aged well imo...but neither has Prince (the album) imo...however both still contain classic songs and both get played a lot to this day.

I also had The Vault: Old Freinds 4 Sale as a "best" for a long time as I love the sound, the fact th at its so concise and flows well, and it contains one of my all time fave songs (When The Lights Go Down, which is as good as anything he did in the 80s).

Right now I think AOA is haunting and stands with any of his 80s stuff. I have thought this since its release. It speaks even more strongly after his death.

Poplife88 said:

feeluupp said:

Don't want anyone to AGREE with me...

Just baffled when I create a discussion about BEST albums, and in some lists you dont see PR, SOTT or 1999, but see CHAOS & DISORDER, 20TEN, and MUSICOLOGY.

Fave = Best imO. I have been a fan since 83...and my list of BEST changes constantly. Agree his 80s stuff is consistantly in there, but there are times that I just can't get enough of Emancipation, and get what he was striving for on that one. Gold Experience was there for a long time but it hasn't aged well imo...but neither has Prince (the album) imo...however both still contain classic songs and both get played a lot to this day.

I also had The Vault: Old Freinds 4 Sale as a "best" for a long time as I love the sound, the fact th at its so concise and flows well, and it contains one of my all time fave songs (When The Lights Go Down, which is as good as anything he did in the 80s).

Right now I think AOA is haunting and stands with any of his 80s stuff. I have thought this since its release. It speaks even more strongly after his death.

How old were you when you became a fan in 1983?

NEWPOWERSOUL IS THE BEST!!!!

sexton said:

Poplife88 said:

Fave = Best imO. I have been a fan since 83...and my list of BEST changes constantly. Agree his 80s stuff is consistantly in there, but there are times that I just can't get enough of Emancipation, and get what he was striving for on that one. Gold Experience was there for a long time but it hasn't aged well imo...but neither has Prince (the album) imo...however both still contain classic songs and both get played a lot to this day.

I also had The Vault: Old Freinds 4 Sale as a "best" for a long time as I love the sound, the fact th at its so concise and flows well, and it contains one of my all time fave songs (When The Lights Go Down, which is as good as anything he did in the 80s).

Right now I think AOA is haunting and stands with any of his 80s stuff. I have thought this since its release. It speaks even more strongly after his death.

How old were you when you became a fan in 1983?

13

Poplife88 said:

sexton said:

How old were you when you became a fan in 1983?

13

I asked because your profile says you are 38 which I suspected may be wrong/outdated. That would have meant you became a fan when you were four years old. And letting a four-year-old listen to "Let's Pretend We're Married" is bad parenting.

sexton said:

Moonbeam said:

Hadn't thought about this, but maybe this applies to me. I got into Prince in 1989, just after his golden era. Age probably does play a role in this, but I think the fact that Prince albums really take on their own unique little identities makes it understandable that there is diversity in these lists. Albums like Lotusflow3r have a lot of character, and I can see how it could be someone's favorite.

It's understandable for people 30 or under who heard the later albums first and became fans because of those albums to like them more than the 80s releases.

However, if there are any older orgers who became fans in the early to mid-80s and still prefers Prince's work from the last 25 years or so, they are the true anomalies.

I'm under 30 and i prefer the 80's output.

214 said:

sexton said:

It's understandable for people 30 or under who heard the later albums first and became fans because of those albums to like them more than the 80s releases.

However, if there are any older orgers who became fans in the early to mid-80s and still prefers Prince's work from the last 25 years or so, they are the true anomalies.

I'm under 30 and i prefer the 80's output.

That's because you have good taste.

sexton said:

214 said:

I'm under 30 and i prefer the 80's output.

That's because you have good taste.

I know.

Poplife88 said:

sexton said:

How old were you when you became a fan in 1983?

13

I asked because your profile says you are 38 which I suspected may be wrong/outdated. That would have meant you became a fan when you were four years old. And letting a four-year-old listen to "Let's Pretend We're Married" is bad parenting.

MattyJam said:

gandorb said:

I guess I don't get the point of why the OP was done. If all that they wanted was conformity to their point of view, then they should have just stated that here are the ten best Prince albums . No problem with that. But instead, The OP asked for other people's opinion about the BEST 10, apparently so they could belittle anything that didn't conform to only the 80s count pov. I agree with the other recent posts stating that it is a positive thing to hear about the love many of the less popular Prince albums get. I would imangine he would like that as well!

Yeah, I agree. Which is a bit rich, when the OP lists For You in Prince's top 10 albums, with it's questionnable vocals and ropey songwriting.

Jimmy Jam tends to disagree with your statement, and said "The acapellas on FOR YOU is amazing. It's a very overlooked and very under rated album."

feeluupp said:

I am sure this has changed slightly over the years, but not the Top 5

.

1. Sign o the Times 98/100

2. 1999 96

3. Parade 93

4. Lovesexy 92

5. Purple Rain 91

6. Dirty Mind 90

7. Controversy 88

8. Around the World in a day 85

9. The Gold Experience 85

10. Hit n Run Phase 2 84

11. 3121 82

12. Art official age 80

13. Symbol 79

14. Diamonds and Pearls 77

15. 20ten 76

16. Lotusflow3r 74

17. Prince (1979) 73

18. Planet Earth 73

19. The Black Album 71

20. Graffiti Bridge 69

21. Chaos and Disorder 68

22. The Vault 66

23. Come 65

24. Emancipation 64

25. Mplsound 61

26. Plectrum Electrum 60

27. Batman 60

28. For You 59

29. Hit n Run Phase 1 57

30. Musicology 55

31. Rave in2 and Rav un2 54 each

32. The Truth 52

33. N.E.W.S 50

34. One Nite Alone 47

35. The Slaughterhouse 44

36. Xpectation 43

37. The Rainbow Children 35

38. Chocolate Invasion 31

39. Indigo nights 22

40. Newpowersoul 20

.

NR as just muzak - Kamasutra. 0

NR as not heard enough - C Note

NR as not considered just Prince - Exodus and Goldnigga

.

SCORING

.

95 - 100 = Classic

90 - 94 = Exceptional

85 - 89 = Excellent

80 - 84 = Great

75 - 79 = Very Good

70 - 74 = Good

65 - 69 = Satisfactory

60 - 64 = Decent

55 - 59 = Passable

45 - 54 = Flawed

35 - 44 = Very Mediocre

Under 35 = Crap

[Edited 2/22/17 4:50am]

feeluupp said:

MattyJam said:

Yeah, I agree. Which is a bit rich, when the OP lists For You in Prince's top 10 albums, with it's questionnable vocals and ropey songwriting.

Jimmy Jam tends to disagree with your statement, and said "The acapellas on FOR YOU is amazing. It's a very overlooked and very under rated album."

And I should care what Jimmy Jam thinks because??

Adorecream said:

I am sure this has changed slightly over the years, but not the Top 5

.

1. Sign o the Times 98/100

2. 1999 96

3. Parade 93

4. Lovesexy 92

5. Purple Rain 91

6. Dirty Mind 90

7. Controversy 88

8. Around the World in a day 85

9. The Gold Experience 85

10. Hit n Run Phase 2 84

11. 3121 82

12. Art official age 80

13. Symbol 79

14. Diamonds and Pearls 77

15. 20ten 76

16. Lotusflow3r 74

17. Prince (1979) 73

18. Planet Earth 73

19. The Black Album 71

20. Graffiti Bridge 69

21. Chaos and Disorder 68

22. The Vault 66

23. Come 65

24. Emancipation 64

25. Mplsound 61

26. Plectrum Electrum 60

27. Batman 60

28. For You 59

29. Hit n Run Phase 1 57

30. Musicology 55

31. Rave in2 and Rav un2 54 each

32. The Truth 52

33. N.E.W.S 50

34. One Nite Alone 47

35. The Slaughterhouse 44

36. Xpectation 43

37. The Rainbow Children 35

38. Chocolate Invasion 31

39. Indigo nights 22

40. Newpowersoul 20

.

NR as just muzak - Kamasutra. 0

NR as not heard enough - C Note

NR as not considered just Prince - Exodus and Goldnigga

.

SCORING

.

95 - 100 = Classic

90 - 94 = Exceptional

85 - 89 = Excellent

80 - 84 = Great

75 - 79 = Very Good

70 - 74 = Good

65 - 69 = Satisfactory

60 - 64 = Decent

55 - 59 = Passable

45 - 54 = Flawed

35 - 44 = Very Mediocre

Under 35 = Crap

[Edited 2/22/17 4:50am]

This is a nice list, and beside LoveSymbol, Emancipation & Chocolate Invasion which i would rank a lot higer, how the heck 'The Rainbow Children' is mediocre, when musically is so tight and his huge comeback after that weird mid-end 90's era...?

MattyJam said:

feeluupp said:

Jimmy Jam tends to disagree with your statement, and said "The acapellas on FOR YOU is amazing. It's a very overlooked and very under rated album."

And I should care what Jimmy Jam thinks because??

Because coming from a GRAMMY PRODUCER and soon to be inducted into SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME... It seems those caliber of music PROFESSIONALS don't see FOR YOU as questionable vocals or ropey songwriting.