Dirty Mind (still one of the most raw punk rock, new wave, rock and roll, funk records that you can hear and the first indication of a genius)

1999 (awesome double album in a time when no one else was substantial enough to make one - changed the direction of funk in the 80s and helped breakdown racism on MTV)

Purple Rain (do I really need to say anything about this? Even your mama bought this album)

Sign o the Times (just for the breadth and depth and daring alone)

Emancipation (Yes - it is, for some of the same reasons that SOTT is. Until someone can produce 3 hours of great music in one package and span several musical styles with such ease and grace, this record is something special and a cornerstone in Prince's illustrious career. Even Prince hating critics had to begrudgingly give props)

Ranibow Children (a masterpiece is something that no one can duplicate - even the original artist that made it. The authority and skill with which Prince breaks out into a new sound and direction on this album is astounding. The musical and lyrical content is on a whole different scale that makes it impossible to compare it to anything else that Prince or anyone else has released in some years. Only Prince could have made this essential recording and not half the people that should hear it ever will)


HONORABLE MENTION:

Parade
Lovesexy
Diamonds and Pearls
The Truth
[This message was edited Wed Jul 9 11:49:57 PDT 2003 by LaMont]
[This message was edited Thu Jul 10 5:49:22 PDT 2003 by LaMont]

PEACE

i wit ya on that one

I'd add Gold, Exodus, and maybe even Come- but I agree.

Everything between Dirty Mind and The Black Album was inspired and genius.

Everything before was building up, everything after was the experience after the orgasm.

yes i agree with everything u said i feel those records are by far his most important, for fans and the general public!

Of course all the other albums are great and some really deserve to be on the list, but somehow, are not as good as those 6!

Dirty Mind was his first true jem, an album that stood out and defined who prince was, the other records before this just proved he was a good artist!

1999 was the definition of the early 80s!

Purple Rain deserves to be on the list for its huge public appeal and the quality of every track is amazing!

SOTT - A pop masterpiece

Emancipation - has any1 else ever released an album of 36 songs, literally all of which are of high/excellent standard!
The production may become outdated but the songs are great!

The Rainbow Children - man this record shocked me, i couldnt believe how good it was, i think this is the best non-80s record and deserves to be on the list as its a huge turning point in his career and proves he still has the talent to make mindblowing albums!

before everyone starts shouting Lovesexy..

I've always felt that if the (lets call it) "Interactive Experience" hadn't been carved and shuffled apart into Ulysses/Come/Gold/Beautiful and leftover trax on the Crystal Ball... you'd have a dawn of the internet visionary and legendary masterpiece.

Romance1600 said:

So which album was the cigarette?

Which album was the pizza?

Which Album was the wet patch?

And Which album was the rolling over and snoring?

I'd say:

Cigarette = Gold

Pizza = Crystal Ball

Wet Patch = New Power Soul

Snoring = NEWS

LaMont said:

I'm not a fan of TRC but I appreciate why people like it. The music is fine. So, I agree with your choices (including the honourable mentions) as being his greatest works but DAMN! I'd have to add The Black Album & The Truth.

Purple Rain... Everything on that album is absolutly fabulous.. I got my favorites off that album...

MASTERPIECES (in the true sence of the word!)
1999, Lovesexy, TRC

HONORABLE MENTION
Dirty Mind, Purple Rain, ATWIAD, Parade, SOTT, The Black Album, Batman, Gold, Emancipation, The Truth, Xpectation, NEWS

THE "AND LET'S NOT FORGET" AWARD
For You, Prince, Controversy, Graffiti Bridge, Come, Exodus, Rave In2, ONA, ONA Live

THE "OTHERS"
Diamonds & Pearls, , New Power Soul