Oh, and the legendary Herb Ritts shooting that gave The Hits sleeve.







Nah, OK, it's just, the gigantism of some takes, these nineties colors...
Like dirty pastels.

[Edited 12/27/18 12:18pm]

NorthC said:

rednblue said:

I was 25 when the album was released.

I think Thunder, followed by Daddy Pop, is a FANTASTIC one-two punch opening. As I understand it, many find those songs to be over-the-top cheesy/campy. What can I say? I LOVE them! So much fun!

For me, if it's true, there's at least one very big negative connected to the era. Have read in multiple places that Rosie Gaines was bullied by band members, and that her related appeals to P fell on deaf ears.
Love how some songs on the album (such as D&P and Daddy Pop) showcase P singing some very low notes. Those notes are drop dead gorgeous.

Adore when P talks to audience about Cream in later years, telling about looking in the mirror while writing it. Just love how he talked about it in his last show. "A conversation with yoself."

P covered (and not) by yellow was sunshine. Pure sunshine!

Yeah, that's another thing: this was his most male-oriented band ever. Rosie was just a singer, Diamond, Pearl and Mayte were just dancers... No women who played a prominent role like Wendy, Lisa or Sheila... Quite unusual for Prince. Was this another way to connect with the machismo of hiphop?

Interesting. I'm a HUGE fan of singing and dancing. I realize you may be, too. I'm a little nuts, though, since if I had to pick, those are my favorite of the endless, brilliant facets to the gifts P gave us. I know some people, if willing to pick at all, would definitely go for what he did with (nonvoice) instruments.

On a side note, I find P's early lack of confidence about his voice to be just incredible. And with his dancing, we got to see it change and develop a lot right in front of our eyes. P was a musician first, not a dancer first. He surely wasn't at anywhere near the level of head-of-company professional dancer, and there was absolutely no need for him to be that. IMO, to pursue that level of dance would have taken too much time from music-making. I think it's astounding how fast he developed the dance he did do, and I LOVE how he dances. With Mayte, with Diamond and Pearl, with Cat, with "guy group" incarnations like the Game Boyz, with mics, with pianos, by himself...love it all! At the same time, of course, ranking these things is a bit foolish, as they work together. It was just otherworldly the way P put the singing, playing, dancing, etc., etc. together in shows.

OK, I'm talking way too much about myself, but it might be worth adding that I have absolutely NO machismo, LOL. I'm a woman, but I think women can have machismo, and men can have feminine power. But no machismo here! If hiphop is a lot about machismo, maybe that feel would play more to limiting guitar and drums to men, with women sticking to voice, keys and dance. Can't assess due to my ignorance of machismo in hip hop. But it's really interesting. Guitar and drums do got that phallic, sticky, banging thing, LOL.

[Edited 12/27/18 12:30pm]

My name's not Victor, it's... Elliott.

Club Mix.

I was never a fan of the D&P era. I studied it, researched it did thread on it. There are songs I like, but it never took hold over all. Seemed to clean ironed and starched.

OldFriends4Sale said:

I was never a fan of the D&P era. I studied it, researched it did thread on it. There are songs I like, but it never took hold over all. Seemed to clean ironed and starched.

Was "Violet the Organ Grinder" one of the songs you liked? Thanks, bonatoc, for the mention and video!

CatB said:

So mesmerized, I have no idea what I was going to say.

Just as well. This speaks for itself.

[Edited 12/27/18 13:21pm]

I liked it as I liked most of the stuff he put out in those years. Back then, we didn't have the hindsight that we have today and the silly narratives that he left his genius behind after the Lovesexy/late eighties years, none of that, it was just another new album from Prince and it got great reviews, it also featured Prince "the businessman" as he would call it, he was trying to sell, coming off the bomb of Graffiti Bridge, he had something to prove so he did the media circuit, did interviews and allowed media access and played a brilliant set on Arsenio. The result was his best selling album since Purple Rain. Artistically, there were still some nice touches from his past, the synth runs on thunder, the sgt pepperish horns on diamonds and pearls, the vids were above his usual stuff. Get off hearkened back to his funky/dirty prime, the buttless chaps at awards shows, prince was in fine form.

SoftSkarlettLovisa said:

Were you of legal age when D&P was released and promoted? I'm asking because I first became aware of the D&P album a few years after its release - in 1994/95, actually, and I was six/ seven year old at the time. I also got a slight look at the LoveSymbol album then but I was guarded from it because I was just a kid.

Did you believe D&P held up to Prince's commercial and artistic standards?

I like some of the songs on the album and the era was prettily packaged. Sure, it was the 90s and a new decade for Prince, and he was incredibly innovative and experimental, so he wouldn't be stuck repeating 80s hooks. However, after a listen to "Willing And Able" or "Strollin'", I walk away feeling somewhat disappointed that there wasn't more.

I also felt that the music videos like "Diamonds And Pearls" and "Insatiable" - while beautifully filmed - I was left with a slight empty, unsatisfied feeling, that perhaps Prince was ambitious but couldn't put together a good story/ theme. The "Parade" album/ UTCM movie era was less confusing.

That said, I still like the D&P era for what it delivered. In fact, I'm going to buy the D&P DVD online as a gift to myself. :]

pinkcashmere23 said:

MattyJam said:

It's funny how a weak ass album like D&P gets a pass from so many Prince fans and yet Rave, which is a much stronger album imo, gets slack because it didn't succeed commercially. If commercial popularity was based on the quality of the songwriting alone, then Rave would've been a smash and D&P would've tanked. Just goes to show how important marketing and good timing is in the industry. [Edited 12/27/18 3:27am]

i love the majority of Rave though I listen to the ballads from it the most.I think the album has quite a few strong songs. Same with Diamonds and Pearls.

i like both, said it many times, not too many albums i didn't like, post death, i started listening to chaos and disorder only to discover it wasn't half bad.

bonatoc said:

Whaddayano, first I'm dissing the visuals,
next thing I know I weep like Mary,
just seeing SKipper smiling among children,
coaching himself, "there will come a time.." 2 have kids.
I miss U more than ever, Man.





As he closes the Nude Tour, he made up his mind.
he shows his cards and distorts the desk. Lamps go red.
He already knows he B out of Warner.
Children killed from high above, impersonal
imagery courtesy of Activision®.
But names won't matter 2night, copy right(s)?




And we think we got it bad.

[Edited 12/27/18 11:59am]

the drama with warners hadn't started yet had it?

ya, quintessential prince, kooky, senseless and funny, i loved it. I thought in the vid he was trying to imitate the video closeups of paula abdul.

rednblue said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

I was never a fan of the D&P era. I studied it, researched it did thread on it. There are songs I like, but it never took hold over all. Seemed to clean ironed and starched.

Was "Violet the Organ Grinder" one of the songs you liked? Thanks, bonatoc, for the mention and video!

I am Violet the Organ Grinder
And I grind all the live long day
I live for the organ, that I am grinding
I'll die, but I won't go away

I am Violet the Organ Grinder
And I grind all the live long day
I live for the organ, that I am grinding
I'll die, but I won't go away

Ooh, wait a minute, I think you better trip on this
Ooh, wait a minute, I think you better trip on this

I was on my way to another room
When an image of you sweetly
Appeared in the mirror
Perhaps you recall
You and I were neatly
In the middle of a Crystal Ball
That now serves as a reminder
On the wall of you and I the organ grinder
In the greatest concert of them all

I am Violet the Organ Grinder
And I grind all the live long day
I live for the organ, that I am grinding
I'll die, but I won't go away

Did you know that I still have your stockings?
I keep 'em in a drawer next to your brassiere
Come hither, my sweet, lend me your attention
Come hither lend my your ear
I do believe that my piano was stolen
I do believe that you want me near
Well I can deal with a sucker
If he's in your mouth
But I can't deal with insincere
I'm the one that lives in your heart
You love me, no matter what you say
Swear you don't miss the organ grinder
Grinding on you every day

I am Violet the Organ Grinder (I am Violet the Organ Grinder)
And I grind all the live long day (and I grind all the live long day)
(Check this out)

Ooh, wait a minute, I think you better trip on this

I took all the pictures you gave me
And I placed them right under my bed
And I pumped and I pumped
'Til the 'gasm much as jumped
From my feet to the top of my head, oh boy!

I'm Violet the Organ Grinder
And I grind all the live long day
I live for the organ, that I am grinding
I'll die, but I will not go away

Ooh, wait a minute, I think you better trip on this

Like a puppy, I licked your devotion
From your neck from your eyes from your ears
When you cry, I became your emotion
And if you ever cry like that again
I'll be here

'Cause I'm Violet the Organ Grinder
And I grind all the live long day
I live for the organ, that I'm grinding
I'll die, but I won't go away

Not even...
(Peace to the mutha)
(Who turned the mother out)

I am Violet the Organ Grinder
And I grind all the live long day
I live for the organ, that I am grinding
I'll die, but I won't go away

PeteSilas said:

I liked it as I liked most of the stuff he put out in those years. Back then, we didn't have the hindsight that we have today and the silly narratives that he left his genius behind after the Lovesexy/late eighties years, none of that, it was just another new album from Prince and it got great reviews, it also featured Prince "the businessman" as he would call it, he was trying to sell, coming off the bomb of Graffiti Bridge, he had something to prove so he did the media circuit, did interviews and allowed media access and played a brilliant set on Arsenio. The result was his best selling album since Purple Rain. Artistically, there were still some nice touches from his past, the synth runs on thunder, the sgt pepperish horns on diamonds and pearls, the vids were above his usual stuff. Get off hearkened back to his funky/dirty prime, the buttless chaps at awards shows, prince was in fine form.

SoftSkarlettLovisa said:

Were you of legal age when D&P was released and promoted? I'm asking because I first became aware of the D&P album a few years after its release - in 1994/95, actually, and I was six/ seven year old at the time. I also got a slight look at the LoveSymbol album then but I was guarded from it because I was just a kid.

Did you believe D&P held up to Prince's commercial and artistic standards?

I like some of the songs on the album and the era was prettily packaged. Sure, it was the 90s and a new decade for Prince, and he was incredibly innovative and experimental, so he wouldn't be stuck repeating 80s hooks. However, after a listen to "Willing And Able" or "Strollin'", I walk away feeling somewhat disappointed that there wasn't more.

I also felt that the music videos like "Diamonds And Pearls" and "Insatiable" - while beautifully filmed - I was left with a slight empty, unsatisfied feeling, that perhaps Prince was ambitious but couldn't put together a good story/ theme. The "Parade" album/ UTCM movie era was less confusing.

That said, I still like the D&P era for what it delivered. In fact, I'm going to buy the D&P DVD online as a gift to myself. :]

LIES!

The Prince's(r.i.p.) 1989 Batman soundtrack was his best selling album since "Purple Rain"...

no it wasn't i think it sold a couple mill but not over 5 million.

ChocolateBox3121 said:

PeteSilas said:

I liked it as I liked most of the stuff he put out in those years. Back then, we didn't have the hindsight that we have today and the silly narratives that he left his genius behind after the Lovesexy/late eighties years, none of that, it was just another new album from Prince and it got great reviews, it also featured Prince "the businessman" as he would call it, he was trying to sell, coming off the bomb of Graffiti Bridge, he had something to prove so he did the media circuit, did interviews and allowed media access and played a brilliant set on Arsenio. The result was his best selling album since Purple Rain. Artistically, there were still some nice touches from his past, the synth runs on thunder, the sgt pepperish horns on diamonds and pearls, the vids were above his usual stuff. Get off hearkened back to his funky/dirty prime, the buttless chaps at awards shows, prince was in fine form.

LIES!

The Prince's(r.i.p.) 1989 Batman soundtrack was his best selling album since "Purple Rain"...

PeteSilas said:

no it wasn't i think it sold a couple mill but not over 5 million.

ChocolateBox3121 said:

LIES!

The Prince's(r.i.p.) 1989 Batman soundtrack was his best selling album since "Purple Rain"...

Just made multiple threads on his top selling albums...

Diamonds & Pearls is the second biggest selling Prince album selling over 7.1 Million copies.

PeteSilas said:

no it wasn't i think it sold a couple mill but not over 5 million.

ChocolateBox3121 said:

LIES!

The Prince's(r.i.p.) 1989 Batman soundtrack was his best selling album since "Purple Rain"...

Batman is the 4th biggest selling Prince album selling over 6 million copies world wide.

TOP 10 SELLING ALBUMS

1. PURPLE RAIN- 23,030,000

2. DIAMONDS & PEARLS - 7,100,000

3. 1999 - 7,010,000

4. BATMAN - 6,680,000

5. THE VERY BEST OF PRINCE - 5,250,000

6. SIGN O' THE TIMES - 5,250,000

7. AROUND THE WORLD IN A DAY - 5,000,000

8. PARADE - 4,560,000

9. THE HITS 2 - 4,190,000

10. THE HITS 1 - 4,080,000

feeluupp said:

PeteSilas said:

no it wasn't i think it sold a couple mill but not over 5 million.

Just made multiple threads on his top selling albums...

Diamonds & Pearls is the second biggest selling Prince album selling over 7.1 Million copies.

i'm seeing different figures but from what i remember the batman album sold a couple mill at the time (which is what we're talking about, not what it's sold in all the years between) and diamonds and pearls sold well over a couple mill at that time at least.

PeteSilas said:

feeluupp said:

Just made multiple threads on his top selling albums...

Diamonds & Pearls is the second biggest selling Prince album selling over 7.1 Million copies.

i'm seeing different figures but from what i remember the batman album sold a couple mill at the time (which is what we're talking about, not what it's sold in all the years between) and diamonds and pearls sold well over a couple mill at that time at least.

It sold very little in "all the years between" In a year since the BATMAN release it sold 4 million. In a year since D&P release it sold over 5 million.

Batman has sold over eleven million copies worldwide.

ChocolateBox3121 said:

Batman has sold over eleven million copies worldwide.

No it has not.

That is a made up number that was posted on the wikipedia page.

ChocolateBox3121 said:

Batman has sold over eleven million copies worldwide.

Most current total BATMAN sales plus streaming.

https://chartmasters.org/...alysis/14/

Batman (1989)

• America
  • US – 3,225,000
  • Canada – 250,000
  • Argentina – N/A
  • Brazil – N/A
  • Mexico – N/A
• Asia – 410,000
  • Japan – 300,000
• Oceania
  • Australia – 75,000
  • New Zealand – 20,000
• Europe – 2,520,000
  • UK – 505,000
  • France – 575,000
  • Germany – 400,000
  • Italy – 125,000
  • Spain – 210,000
  • Sweden – 40,000
  • Netherlands – 70,000
  • Switzerland – 50,000
  • Austria – 45,000
  • Finland – N/A
• World – 6,680,000

what i can say for certain was that after purple rain, the next couple albums, atwiad and parade were over produced, WB thought they'd sell more than they did, i can remember both of those being in the cutout bins not that long after the releases. point being, it's easy to forget how poorly he was selling, less and less and less, by lovesexy, he was back to barely breaking gold again which is preposterous for an artist of his status.

[Edited 12/27/18 14:50pm]

This album is a weird one for me. I loved everthing from "1999" (when I got introduced to Prince) to "Batman". But I was left confused by "Grafitti Bridge"... it was very disjointed, like the movie. I was trying hard to like it as much as the others, but it was just... off.

.

When "Gett Off" came out, I was even more torn... it was kind of cool, but it felt like he was trying too hard. But then when I heard "Cream" , I was hooked instantly, and I thought: okay, this new album might be a return to form.

.

As it turns out, it wasn't the collection of songs I was hoping for. It was too "soft" for me, and although the title track is nice, and "Walk Don't Walk" is fun, the rest of it didn't appeal to me.

.

I'd consider this album the first one to make me realize that maybe Prince and I were no longer on the same musical path. Each successive album was less and less appealing. But I can definitely say my "Prince critical eye" was formed with this album, as I tried to figure out why I didn't love it.

PeteSilas said:

ya, quintessential prince, kooky, senseless and funny, i loved it. I thought in the vid he was trying to imitate the video closeups of paula abdul.

rednblue said:

Was "Violet the Organ Grinder" one of the songs you liked? Thanks, bonatoc, for the mention and video!

I am Violet the Organ Grinder
And I grind all the live long day
I live for the organ, that I am grinding
I'll die, but I won't go away

I am Violet the Organ Grinder
And I grind all the live long day
I live for the organ, that I am grinding
I'll die, but I won't go away

Ooh, wait a minute, I think you better trip on this
Ooh, wait a minute, I think you better trip on this

I was on my way to another room
When an image of you sweetly
Appeared in the mirror
Perhaps you recall
You and I were neatly
In the middle of a Crystal Ball
That now serves as a reminder
On the wall of you and I the organ grinder
In the greatest concert of them all

I am Violet the Organ Grinder
And I grind all the live long day
I live for the organ, that I am grinding
I'll die, but I won't go away

Did you know that I still have your stockings?
I keep 'em in a drawer next to your brassiere
Come hither, my sweet, lend me your attention
Come hither lend my your ear
I do believe that my piano was stolen
I do believe that you want me near
Well I can deal with a sucker
If he's in your mouth
But I can't deal with insincere
I'm the one that lives in your heart
You love me, no matter what you say
Swear you don't miss the organ grinder
Grinding on you every day

I am Violet the Organ Grinder (I am Violet the Organ Grinder)
And I grind all the live long day (and I grind all the live long day)
(Check this out)

Ooh, wait a minute, I think you better trip on this

I took all the pictures you gave me
And I placed them right under my bed
And I pumped and I pumped
'Til the 'gasm much as jumped
From my feet to the top of my head, oh boy!

I'm Violet the Organ Grinder
And I grind all the live long day
I live for the organ, that I am grinding
I'll die, but I will not go away

Ooh, wait a minute, I think you better trip on this

Like a puppy, I licked your devotion
From your neck from your eyes from your ears
When you cry, I became your emotion
And if you ever cry like that again
I'll be here

'Cause I'm Violet the Organ Grinder
And I grind all the live long day
I live for the organ, that I'm grinding
I'll die, but I won't go away

Not even...
(Peace to the mutha)
(Who turned the mother out)

I am Violet the Organ Grinder
And I grind all the live long day
I live for the organ, that I am grinding
I'll die, but I won't go away

Me too. Love the whole kooky, funny, organy, grindery thing. : )

GiggityGoo said:

This album is a weird one for me. I loved everthing from "1999" (when I got introduced to Prince) to "Batman". But I was left confused by "Grafitti Bridge"... it was very disjointed, like the movie. I was trying hard to like it as much as the others, but it was just... off.

.

When "Gett Off" came out, I was even more torn... it was kind of cool, but it felt like he was trying too hard. But then when I heard "Cream" , I was hooked instantly, and I thought: okay, this new album might be a return to form.

.

As it turns out, it wasn't the collection of songs I was hoping for. It was too "soft" for me, and although the title track is nice, and "Walk Don't Walk" is fun, the rest of it didn't appeal to me.

.

I'd consider this album the first one to make me realize that maybe Prince and I were no longer on the same musical path. Each successive album was less and less appealing. But I can definitely say my "Prince critical eye" was formed with this album, as I tried to figure out why I didn't love it.

that critcal thing you mention started with me on lovesexy, i was starting to not dig the wacky "spooky electric" type of shit as well as seeing him at his rehearsal here in seattle when us crazy fans were peering through from outside, I saw him pimp walking and just thought "boy is he pretentious" and then i couldn't bring my walkman in because he was being a dick about those things. Still loved the man and the music but he was certainly trying at times.

Purple Rain

• # Album: 6th
• Release Date: June 25, 1984
• Singles: “Purple Rain,” “When Doves Cry,” “Let’s Go Crazy” and “I Would Die 4 U”
• Award: 13X Platinum (over 13,000,000 in U.S.)
• Spot on U.S. Charts: 1
• org reports: Over 21,000,000 sales worldwide

1999

• # Album: 5th
• Release Date: Oct. 27, 1982
• Singles: “1999,” and “Little Red Corvette”
• Award: 4X Platinum (over 400,000 in U.S.)
• Spot on U.S. Charts: 9
• org reports: Over 6,400,000 sales worldwide

Batman

• # Album: 11th
• Release Date: June 20, 1989
• Singles: “Batdance”
• Award: 2X Platinum (over 200,000 in U.S.)
• Spot on U.S. Charts: 1
• org reports: Over 7,000,000 sales worldwide

Around the World In A Day

• # Album: 7th
• Release Date: April 22, 1985
• Singles: “Raspberry Beret,” and “Paisley Park”
• Award: 2X Platinum (over 200,000 in U.S.)
• Spot on U.S. Charts: 1
• org reports: Over 4,600,000 sales worldwide

Diamonds & Pearls

• # Album: 13th
• Release Date: Oct. 1, 1991
• Singles: “Get Off,” and “Cream”
• Award: 2X Platinum (over 200,000 in U.S.)
• Spot on U.S. Charts: 3
• org reports: Over 6,750,000 sales worldwide

Musicology

• # Album: 28th
• Release Date: March 29, 2004
• Singles: “Musicology,” and “Call My Name”
• Award: 2X Platinum (over 200,000 in U.S.)
• Spot on U.S. Charts: 3
• org reports: Over 2,047,000 sales worldwide

Emancipation

• # Album: 19th
• Release Date: Nov. 19, 1996
• Singles: “Betcha by Golly Wow!,” and “The Holy River/Somebody’s Somebody.”
• Award: 2X Platinum (over 200,000 in U.S.)
• Spot on U.S. Charts: 11
• org reports: Over 1,250,000 sales worldwide

Sign O’ The Times

• # Album: 9th
• Release Date: March 30, 1987
• Singles: “Sign O’ The Times,” and “If I Was Your Girlfriend”
• Award: Platinum (over 100,000 in U.S.)
• Spot on U.S. Charts: 6
• org reports: Over 4,225,000 sales worldwide

Parade

• # Album: 8th
• Release Date: March 31, 1986
• Singles: “Kiss” and “Mountains”
• Award: Platinum (over 100,000 in U.S.)
• Spot on U.S. Charts: 2
• org reports: Over 4,210,000 sales worldwide

Controversy

• # Album: 4th
• Release Date: Oct. 14, 1981
• Singles: “Controversy” and “Let’s Work”
• Award: Platinum (over 100,000 in U.S.)
• Spot on U.S. Charts: 21
• org reports: Over 2,680,000 sales worldwide

PeteSilas said:

what i can say for certain was that after purple rain, the next couple albums, atwiad and parade were over produced, WB thought they'd sell more than they did, i can remember both of those being in the cutout bins not that long after the releases. point being, it's easy to forget how poorly he was selling, less and less and less, by lovesexy, he was back to barely breaking gold again which is preposterous for an artist of his status.

[Edited 12/27/18 14:50pm]

Excuse the question, as I don't make music. What do you mean by "over produced" re: atwiad and parade?

"org reports" is not an official source, it is a FORUM. i already posted the chart sources for you, don't play games. batman never sold 11 million copies.

batman is only certified 2x platinum by the RIAA.

ChocolateBox3121 said:

Purple Rain

• # Album: 6th
• Release Date: June 25, 1984
• Singles: “Purple Rain,” “When Doves Cry,” “Let’s Go Crazy” and “I Would Die 4 U”
• Award: 13X Platinum (over 13,000,000 in U.S.)
• Spot on U.S. Charts: 1
• org reports: Over 21,000,000 sales worldwide

1999

• # Album: 5th
• Release Date: Oct. 27, 1982
• Singles: “1999,” and “Little Red Corvette”
• Award: 4X Platinum (over 400,000 in U.S.)
• Spot on U.S. Charts: 9
• org reports: Over 6,400,000 sales worldwide

Batman

• # Album: 11th
• Release Date: June 20, 1989
• Singles: “Batdance”
• Award: 2X Platinum (over 200,000 in U.S.)
• Spot on U.S. Charts: 1
• org reports: Over 7,000,000 sales worldwide

Around the World In A Day

• # Album: 7th
• Release Date: April 22, 1985
• Singles: “Raspberry Beret,” and “Paisley Park”
• Award: 2X Platinum (over 200,000 in U.S.)
• Spot on U.S. Charts: 1
• org reports: Over 4,600,000 sales worldwide

Diamonds & Pearls

• # Album: 13th
• Release Date: Oct. 1, 1991
• Singles: “Get Off,” and “Cream”
• Award: 2X Platinum (over 200,000 in U.S.)
• Spot on U.S. Charts: 3
• org reports: Over 6,750,000 sales worldwide

Musicology

• # Album: 28th
• Release Date: March 29, 2004
• Singles: “Musicology,” and “Call My Name”
• Award: 2X Platinum (over 200,000 in U.S.)
• Spot on U.S. Charts: 3
• org reports: Over 2,047,000 sales worldwide

Emancipation

• # Album: 19th
• Release Date: Nov. 19, 1996
• Singles: “Betcha by Golly Wow!,” and “The Holy River/Somebody’s Somebody.”
• Award: 2X Platinum (over 200,000 in U.S.)
• Spot on U.S. Charts: 11
• org reports: Over 1,250,000 sales worldwide

Sign O’ The Times

• # Album: 9th
• Release Date: March 30, 1987
• Singles: “Sign O’ The Times,” and “If I Was Your Girlfriend”
• Award: Platinum (over 100,000 in U.S.)
• Spot on U.S. Charts: 6
• org reports: Over 4,225,000 sales worldwide

Parade

• # Album: 8th
• Release Date: March 31, 1986
• Singles: “Kiss” and “Mountains”
• Award: Platinum (over 100,000 in U.S.)
• Spot on U.S. Charts: 2
• org reports: Over 4,210,000 sales worldwide

Controversy

• # Album: 4th
• Release Date: Oct. 14, 1981
• Singles: “Controversy” and “Let’s Work”
• Award: Platinum (over 100,000 in U.S.)
• Spot on U.S. Charts: 21
• org reports: Over 2,680,000 sales worldwide

rednblue said:

PeteSilas said:

what i can say for certain was that after purple rain, the next couple albums, atwiad and parade were over produced, WB thought they'd sell more than they did, i can remember both of those being in the cutout bins not that long after the releases. point being, it's easy to forget how poorly he was selling, less and less and less, by lovesexy, he was back to barely breaking gold again which is preposterous for an artist of his status.

[Edited 12/27/18 14:50pm]

Excuse the question, as I don't make music. What do you mean by "over produced" re: atwiad and parade?

oh, nothing to do with the music, i meant over produced the actual albums, too many prints so they had to be gotten rid of by local record stores. In those days, we had "cutout bins" for albums that the stores wanted off the racks, selling them cheap to get what they could, they'd cut a small rectangular piece off of them to mark them as cutout, prince would be in there with all the other flops.