ok, this is it... possibly the 2 best songs of the 80's, but which do you prefer?

Both are great, but I prefer "When Doves Cry" for the raw emotion.

I wouldn't put either in the top 20 of the 80s, though.

They're both shit.

Cloudbuster said:

so it's a tie then?

Didn't we have this thread already a few months ago? But it's a good question nevertheless, albeit an impossible one to answer to. I'd still say "When Doves Cry" does it for me, "Billie Jean" is slightly better-written perhaps (it's more varied).

Dancelot said:

shit???

I love both. WDC is genius and different, but BJ has this "cool" sound.

GlitterStream said:

yeah, but which is the best?

I dont think i can choose! Both are so great and are classics.

lol

When doves cry is slightly better i think

When doves cry is slightly better i think

When Doves Cry eats Billy Jean like finger snacks.

Since this is a Prince messageboard, of course everybody is gonna choose "When Doves Cry".

Krytonite said:

Only because it's a better song

Both are great but for me, "When Doves Cry" wins hands down. That's my favorite Prince song and that song WAS and IS very unique and ground breaking. How many hit songs do you know of that start off with a guitar solo, have no bass, and say crazy shit like "animals strike curious poses...." That song is the shit and it gets my vote.

After hearing it 345.600.891 times, I stil can't resist the intro to
Billie Jean.
So that's my answer.

Moonbeam said:[quote]Both are great, but I prefer "When Doves Cry" for the raw emotion.



Ditto !

I love them both but I still vote for When Doves Cry.

When Doves Cry -- and the story of its origins, if we're to believe the DVD -- easily captures why Prince eclipses MJ as a super-talent.

Billie Jean and his performances of it, particularly on Motown 25 -- in terms of being a crossover moment, a catalyst that propelled MJ into the stratosphere of music history -- is symbolic of the kind of success Jackson enjoyed during the 1980s and, outside of the US, the early 1990s.

But, for me, WDC wins. All the influences and styles, all the funk, the BEAT, the guitar, the vocals! Prince was on top of his game, the day he recorded that all by himself.

In terms of Michael Jackson's oeuvre (yes, I love that word), Billie Jean is just yet another song of his (alleged) victimization -- which, 20-something years later, I can't help but find chilling.

For

These are the two best songs of the 80s,imo

Cloudbuster said:

wtf? mj looks like pee wee herman

I prefer WDC BUT BJ was kickass @ the time & may be the "better" song. I think Doves holds up better though...

If you had asked me this question five years ago,I would have chosen "When Doves Cry".But lately,I've been playing "Billie Jean" alot and it's like I'm re-discovering it all over again.I heard it at a nightclub the other night,and I couldn't believe the reaction.People rushed to the dancefloor! It's really a stunning song that still sounds fresh and unique.The bassline is unforgettable,and so are the dramatic synths.It's a really haunting song.Who would have thought lyrics about a paternity suit could turn into such a wonderful pop song? LOL

Christopher said:

Or Simon LeBon.

I can't choose. But I NEVER play Billie Jean at home because I hear it practically every day either in shops or on the radio or in clubs, so there's just no need.

GangstaFam said:

And, there, Prince looks like a deranged busboy