Listening to Emancipation yesterday (and reading Slave 2 the Rhythm by Liz Jones), I realised that Emancipation signified a big turning point in Prince's life, and I think the same can be said of Dirty Mind and The Rainbow Children. There's stuff in them all which makes you realise where Prince is at (Emancipation is so loved up). Anyone care to share their thoughts?

I think one of the biggest turning points was the Sign 'O' the Times album. I had been a big fan of all his earleir stuff - loved it! Then, I remember hearing the SOTT song for the first time on the radio while driving in my car thinking: "Who is this? Could it be..." I was shocked at the and thrilled at the same time.

I think, perhaps for him, it was a statement of individuality...

I agree with Eclipse. I think hearing "Forever in My Life" was the first time I think he made a truly heartfelt statement about wanting to find a partner in life. Up until then all the songs seemed to be to seduce her into one night of love, not a life of love. It made him sound more human.

Definitely "Emancipation", "The Rainbow Children" and even "Chaos and Disorder"(my personal least liked album from him) made a statement by saying to me "I don't like where I am business-wise and music-wise...here's a bucket of toss offs that you might want, Warner Bros."

I think Sign'O'The Times, Emancipation & The Rainbow Children....

Brianr - with u on Chaos and Disorder, but the others don't say the same 2 me! TRC rocks - every time I hear it I hear something new (including bits from older stuff), and I'm not that familiar with Emancipation, but I like it!

HELLO!!! Ofcourse the most significant is Lovesexy. The birth of New Power Soul. New Power has never been away ever since. This was a strugling time..remember the black album?

Second significant album would be Emancipation, in his lyrics this is especially clear.

Thirth Purple Rain...that's the introduction to the future symbol (remember whats on his sleeve). The first time he sings of love (that not on SOTT...)...

Fourth would be TRC..it shows the change he has gone throw after the breakup with Mayte.

i'd say all of his albums. the brotha changes constantly.

Emancipation!

I think it was Lovesymbol for his name change and from there on he was against warner!!!!!

Well... I finally did it... (smile) I have been reading prince.org for some time now...(a couple of years), but not until now did I join to discuss.

As for the album in which I feel signified changes in his life... (of course I do not know him personally), but I get a profound sense of connection in some mysterious way... his life seems to evolve with each breathe he beautifully takes. I have been a avid listener since the Motion picture "Purple Rain" was released, yet I did not gain a full sense of connection until the release of "Emancipation"...a perfect title to reflect such a profound period in his life. Just as "Emancipation" is defined - The condition of being emanicipated; FREEDOM; LIBERATION. All defined terms are clearly expressed in the extrodinary creation of the album "Emancipation"... I can feel it in my soul.

I have seen Prince perform many, many times... I saw him perform on the Emancipation Tour (smile), although all musical selections Prince chooses to full heartenly sing... he has never ceased to fully express his inner soul. So every moment in which he creates... must be his most signified moment at that time... he lives to breath, sing, create and express each and every second of his life. He is truly a gift.

Good Day!

personally, I think that Diamonds and Pearls clearly showed that changes were about to come in his music.

Lovesexy....he let the spiritual have almost free reign over his art, and I think that corresponded with the same thing happening in his life as well...

Emancipation....the thing's all but an out-and-out statement to the happiness he felt from marriage, fatherhood, and freedom from WB...

The Rainbow Children....This one's obvious...lol

I think "The Truth" marks a very poignant moment in Prince's life and is possibly his most personal record as a result.

It's interesting to note in retrospect that after this great record Prince almost shuts down musically. Rather than hire great musicians and business associates, he seemed to withdraw and only want to be surrounded by supportive friends who shared the same opinions and lifestyle. Most of his energy appeared to be poured into trying to find answers and healing for his broken spirit and in fighting the record industry (not to mention fighting his own fans),

Then, Prince, almost 5 years later -- after years of being stuck in the "Emancipation" sound and struggling with whether he wanted to be popular again (See: "Rave") or do his own thing -- drops the amazing "Rainbow Children," slowly starts to put together a world-class band again, and appears to be assembling his first original, non-"hits" tour in ages.

Sounds like the tour might even resemble some of the ideas he had back when he wrote "The Truth", where you will have portions of the concert that are just Prince at the piano or guitar playing songs such as "One Night Alone", "The Other Side of the Pillow" and "A Case of You".

Maybe, just maybe Prince has rediscovered his muse and with a newfound confidence and inspiration is ready to get intimate and personal with his audience again.

Here is hoping that "Xenophobia" -- or whatever his next major artistic statement ends up being -- is as different and challenging as "The Rainbow Children".

Brendan

Agree with what most of y'all have written although I'm not sure about Sign O The Times. It is one of my favourite albums but wasn't it cut down after struggling with his record company to release a couple of longer length albums like Dream Factory. Does that signify much change in his life? Maybe, but just sounds like the same old story that he eventually emancipated himself from in 1996.

One that hasn't been mentioned is Around The World In A Day. Wasn't one of my favourites, but since listening to The Rainbow Children, I have brought it out again and it sounds like he was trying to challenge his mainstream audience after the resounding success of Purple Rain, and follow his own spirit. I actually quite like it now, especially Condition Of The Heart, The Ladder and Temptation - sounds like he's reaching out on these.

"Emancipation, free to do what I wanna"

1. Dirty Mind: Prince goes the "shock" route to sell more albums.

2. LoveSexy: Y'all know the whole Black Album/Lovesexy story.

3. Come/TGE: f Prince had his way, the would've been his biggest statement albums by far. Instead, that probably goes to...

4 Emancipation: Ready to settle down, raise a child, distance himself from music, etc

For the moment, I hesitate in adding TRC...

hmmmm???

I'd say

1)Prince album ( he even said he learn to write hits)..

2) Around the world in a day ( because he didn't MILK the "purple rain" crap.. like the other thought he might.. and real artist!!musican.. totally different)

3) sign o times..

4) gold exprience (first album without "prince" I believe)

5) rainbow childeren ( new life .. totally move to where he has been going)