To answer the question, YES. Prince was mixing a dark futuristic mechanical sound with some of the elements in the mix (the guitar tone, the way the grinding breakdown (after the singing is done) of what might be the guitar sampled to a keyboard). These elements were a complete contrast to the throwback spritual, religious, gospel vocal elements. And also YES the percussion stick noises were his appropriation of the popular rhythm styles of some pop music at the the time like that in teenager pop/dance. He was using those bells and sticks on Daddy Pop too.

RJOrion said:

leecaldon said:

As a friend said to me, it's Prince doing Backstreet Boys before Backstreet Boys.

not even a little bit close

Come on, you must be able to hear it.