One of the things that first attracted me to Prince and kept me tuned in over the years was his desire to bring people together in order to increase harmony and humanity in the world. I think I first noticed this on "Uptown" and "Partyup," but it's a theme that runs through subsequent albums as well. Of course, there are songs that run counter to his Love 4 One Another ethos, but which song (or songs), in your opinion, best expresses Prince's hope for love and harmony in the world?

Grog said:

One of the things that first attracted me to Prince and kept me tuned in over the years was his desire to bring people together in order to increase harmony and humanity in the world. I think I first noticed this on "Uptown" and "Partyup," but it's a theme that runs through subsequent albums as well. Of course, there are songs that run counter to his Love 4 One Another ethos, but which song (or songs), in your opinion, best expresses Prince's hope for love and harmony in the world?

I mean, "Uptown" is part of that ideology,for sure. It's almost like the girl he talks about in "Uptown" ends up being the same one in "Head", who he meets on her wedding day and ejaculates on her wedding gown. The latter is a gutter fantasy, but it's interesting how the narrative changes between those songs.

"Partyup" is an anti-war anthem, not a kumbaya moment. I suppose it could be drawn that way when people unite against war. It just feels more war than what you're talking about. I think the kumbaya comes in gospel-tinged stuff like "Purple Rain", "Gold", "The Ladder", and "Anna Stacia". (I don't dare add "Graffiti Bridge", but it could on the bottom of that list.)

Many of his party anthems calls for everyone to come together. So not every song is a feel good like you're proposing, but there are "come to the party no matter who you are" songs.

New World

Jam of the Year

1999 (which preached about the world ending, and just partying until the world stops turning)

Crystal Ball (echoes 1999's ideas)

Days of Wild

Let's Go Crazy

Around The World In A Day

Paisley Park

Christopher Tracy's Parade

Life Can Be So Nice

Play In The Sunshine

Housequake (more party anthem, but still a call)

It's Gonna Be a Beautiful Night

New Power Generation

Elephants and Flowers

Live 4 Love

3121

Get On The Boat

...to name a few.

It's interesting that when Prince calls for everyone to come together - either in a party setting or otherwise - he always incorporates sex into it. It's a very communal and hippy approach to unity, instead of a simple "Love thy neighbor as yourself" mantra.

Also, if you can stand it, the actual "Love 4 One Another" song is a Larry Graham (from GCS 2000) track, that uses the drum track from "Billy Jack Bitch".