Anyway I was listening to 'The One' live from the Celebration 2003? and thought this was an amazing song, some great guitar work and a good emotion delivery. So seeking out the original and found it on NPS, wow what a disappointment (this version anyway, although the whole album is pretty flaky) I would of never picked this out as a good song just a standard Prince slow plodding / whinning / seducing song that I would of filed with the majority of his other 90's efforts.

Anyone else got songs that they did not pickup on until hearing live and found the original kinda sucked?

g3ajg said:

2002

Wow, I think "The One" is one of the few truly salvageable songs from NPS.

Anxiety said:

AMEN

I found The One on NPS to be dull, both musically and lyrically ... however, I just love it from the recent Rotterdam aftershow. It's almost like a completely different song. Off the top of my head I can't think of any other song that has come to life like this.

Nothinbutjoy said:

Totally agree - one of the more stronger songs on NPS - and the video is pretty damn cool too!

derek said:

I still don't get that whole mess at the beginning, with the silent film and Rita Moreno playing Mayte's mom. WTF?!?

But the dancing in the video was on another level...

Very beautiful.

I never found this song boring at all. There's plenty going on in the background, if you listen carefully. From the Clare Fischer strings, to Rhonda's awesome bass part, to the flute, to the bells toward the end, and the great vocal delivery. It's incredibly sensual sounding. This is one of Prince's best ballads, live or studio...

jtgillia said:

SO true! Especially the strings and the bass part. Man, the first time I heard this tune...it gave me chills! And the lyrics...man, great stuff! It's a great tune to sing to a girl too!

Ok,

I need to give the original another listen then since it seems to be pretty popular. I have only listened a couple of times so it might grow on me, must go check out the Rotterdam version.

I always thought this song could be re-written to make a great James Bond Theme tune.

I like the NPS version and haven't heard the live one.

The One and the ComeON single remix with 'Bounce' in it are the only decent tracks from NPS.IMHO

Yeah, one of the better songs on NPS, but one of his best ballads??

Nothinbutjoy said:

double amen!!

jtgillia said:

agreed

g3ajg said:

I actually liked the album version when it came out, I kinda still do. His vocal delivery is quite nice on it. The video was nice with the half-nekkid hoochie-mamas and them touching each other BUT, when I heard the Celebration version, all hell broke loose..I love that version above all other versions. I wish he would do a version with all three verses( x out the Alicia Keys song) without fogetting some of the lyrics

I like the original version because, although the composition isn't groundbreaking, it's a solid, well produced song with good arrangement.

I liked the remix because it has a lovely late night feel to it.

And the live arrangement from 2002 with guitar added a new dimension to it.

I have to agree with Sabai and G3, i find the version off the recored to be dull. You can tell there's potential there, but little inspiration.

When he performs this live, though, with the aid of alittle guitar, the record really comes to life.

derek said:

co-sign

Anxiety said:

I agree completely. After seeing it live, I really like the song.

jtgillia said:

I feel the same as jtgillia. Loved the song, loved the video, but haven't heard any other version.
This was/is a JAM because of the bass, the vocals, the strings and more.

Whatever!! The true gem from NPS is Come On!!

I think the studio versions of Rave into the Joy Fantastic and Still Would Stand All time can't compare to the live versions.

First heard these on Small Club and was blown away.

Then heard these on another boot and still liked them.

Heard the studio album versions and thought it didn't compare.

SANSKER7 said:

Prince is well aware that some songs sound better live. That explains why the studio version of DOW wasn't released, and perhaps why the studio version (I'm guessing there was one made at some point) of Purple Rain has never been released.

Rave from Small Club is hardly a complete track though. It's more of a jam to my ears.
[This message was edited Fri Jan 9 10:54:42 PST 2004 by sabaisabai]