'Love Symbol' is my favorite Prince CD of the 90s.In my opinion,NONE of his other 90s albums compare to it.The music on 'Love Symbol' sounds *INSPIRED*.There is an urgency and excitement to these songs,something that was missing from later albums like 'Come' and 'Chaos and Disorder'.I don't know if it was his love for Mayte,or his newly signed $100 deal with Warners,but whatever it was,it inspired him to make one of his strongest,most explosive albums ever.

The first three songs alone attack you like a hurricane...."My Name Is Prince" is effectively fierce,"Sexy MF" is irresistible,"Love 2 The 9's" is like three or four songs all rolled into one.The party just doesn't stop...."The Max" is funky as hell,"The Continental" rocks hard,and as a treat,the ballads here are all sublime."Damn U" is a Quiet Storm delight,"And God Created Woman" is splendid,and even the chaotic "Three Chains O' Gold" is interesting.This album is amazingly consistent,and I NEVER have to use the CD "skip" button when listening to it...lol...

The "rock soap opera" is another highlight.As I've mentioned many times,Prince has a real knack for writing music for films.In this case,he was writing songs that fit into this story,and it all works! The spoken interludes are short and not intrusive,and it doesn't disrupt the funky proceedings.When Prince is writing for characters,he writes songs that sound *ENERGIZED* and have a purpose.It also doesn't hurt that he is supported by the NPG,and they kick ass on these songs too.

The Gold Experience is The best in the 90's. However is a DAMN close second. From the blistering opening "My Name is Prince" being a perfect opener/Intro. After that the album slides around with Funk, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Ballads, the whole gambit! The production quality is impecable. Love 2 the 9's hugs U with the jazz intro the beats you with the Hip-Hop, Plunges right into it. The Max will fry your speakers if you aren't careful. Then U get toned down w/ a little reggae love. The dogs start barkin' the Mely W/ U comes on. Allt he way to the closing notes of the chior in Victor, tho whole album sears. Amen.

I would have to say either GOLD or The Truth. Sexy MF alone makes the symbol album classic, but to my taste, there is too much filler on that CD. And Tony M, well.....enough has been said about his involvment.
I think if Prince was still with Warner Bros when he had The Truth, they would have promoted the hell out of it. But Prince...for whatever reason, took that unique and amazing collection and just included it with Crystal Ball. An absurd marketing decision and a wasted opportunity in my opinion.

gooeythehamster said:

I completely agree with U gooey

I think that the COME album from 1995 was about the best from the 90's. Through it, we witnessed a transformation in his musical style. While most people/fans were so overly concerned with his name change and image, they tuned out some of the greatest music he has created. For instance, Papa, Dark, Letitgo, Come. Awesome hits here.
Bo Hurdle
Cary/NC