Prince Is NOT Overrated

[Shine]

Some months back, I started what became a pretty controversial thread in which I said that Prince was overrated. The infamous thread was called "Prince Is Overrated". At that time I have to be honest and say that I didn't know all that much about Prince. The only albums I had by him were 1999, Purple Rain and The Very Best Of Prince. And considering that any serious music fan probably has both 1999 and Purple Rain in his or her music collection, that made me far from an expert on him.

In the past few months I have added some more Prince to my music collection with 1987's Sign 'O' The Times, 1991's Diamonds And Pearls and his new album, 3121. Though I'm still far from an expert on Prince, I have much more respect for the man than I did before. He is a talented musician and songwriter. So I am happy to say that Prince is NOT overrated. :)

I would like to add that Prince is one of the few middle aged artists that is still making good music and doesn't have to rely on past glories like The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Paul McCartny and so many others.

[Brian Damage]

To be honest, I didn't even know Prince was rated nowadays.

[Shine]

To be honest, I didn't even know Prince was rated nowadays.


He doesn't sell as many albums as he used to, but music should always be judged on quality and not quanity. Rush have never really sold a lot of albums, in fact they haven't had a million seller since 1985, but I still love those guys.:D And they too are one of the few veteran artists who still turn out great music.:rock: Britney Spears has sold tons of albums and she sucks. :lol:

[Brian Damage]

I know he doesn't sell anymore like he use to. I think it is more because a lot of his stuff just doesn't appeal to most people. He just doesn't have it anymore.

[Ireneparalegal]

PRINCE IS THEE MAN...Thanx for looking into the musical genius and seeing what the rest of us already knew. It's not abt "selling"...hell, anyone can do that, but what good is all the CD selling if the quality sucks? He is original, he is a genius, he sings, dances and plays instruments. I always said back when he first came on the scene, "This guy is gonna be around for a LONG TIME!" Glad to see you appreciate him now. Hope you enjoy his music for what it is...not for how many units he sells.

[Rene]

PRINCE IS THEE MAN...Thanx for looking into the musical genius and seeing what the rest of us already knew. It's not abt "selling"...hell, anyone can do that, but what good is all the CD selling if the quality sucks? He is original, he is a genius, he sings, dances and plays instruments. I always said back when he first came on the scene, "This guy is gonna be around for a LONG TIME!" Glad to see you appreciate him now. Hope you enjoy his music for what it is...not for how many units he sells.
exactly

[Shine]

PRINCE IS THEE MAN...Thanx for looking into the musical genius and seeing what the rest of us already knew. It's not abt "selling"...hell, anyone can do that, but what good is all the CD selling if the quality sucks? He is original, he is a genius, he sings, dances and plays instruments. I always said back when he first came on the scene, "This guy is gonna be around for a LONG TIME!" Glad to see you appreciate him now. Hope you enjoy his music for what it is...not for how many units he sells.


It's funny. Four months ago I was calling the man overrated and now he is one of my favorite artists. I think part of it is that I have devloped more appreciation for R & B over the last year. Last fall I bought the Smokey Robinson Definitive Collection CD for the song "Being With You" and I just fell in love with Smokey and all his music. So that opened up a whole new appreciation for R & B for me. :)

[Ireneparalegal]

It's funny. Four months ago I was calling the man overrated and now he is one of my favorite artists. I think part of it is that I have devloped more appreciation for R & B over the last year. Last fall I bought the Smokey Robinson Definitive Collection CD for the song "Being With You" and I just fell in love with Smokey and all his music. So that opened up a whole new appreciation for R & B for me. :)
"Being with You"...oh oh oh...that was MY SONG WHEN IT CAME OUT!!!! good choice DAX!!!!! I also have the Smokey Robinson Definitive Collection. Try the Temptations when you have a chance. Awesome, pure awesome. I am glad you are finding a new love for the music. I love all kinds of music, R&B, Pop, Country, some Rap, some Hip-Hop, music from 50's, 60,70's...rock music, especially 70's rock...gimme 60's rock as well. Have fun enjoying the music.

[TJL]

I'm waiting for him to change his name to some stupid symbol again before I render my vote.

;)

[SBTB Geek]

I know he doesn't sell anymore like he use to. I think it is more because a lot of his stuff just doesn't appeal to most people. He just doesn't have it anymore.

I don't his music is the problem. "Lolita," "Fury," and "Black Sweat" all had mainstream sound. I think most people are turned off by him, not his music. He's an odd guy.

[Ireneparalegal]

I don't his music is the problem. "Lolita," "Fury," and "Black Sweat" all had mainstream sound. I think most people are turned off by him, not his music. He's an odd guy.
...ever heard of Michael Jackson? You know, the black guy who is now white?

[vashti1999]

Some months back, I started what became a pretty controversial thread in which I said that Prince was overrated. The infamous thread was called "Prince Is Overrated". At that time I have to be honest and say that I didn't know all that much about Prince. The only albums I had by him were 1999, Purple Rain and The Very Best Of Prince. And considering that any serious music fan probably has both 1999 and Purple Rain in his or her music collection, that made me far from an expert on him.

In the past few months I have added some more Prince to my music collection with 1987's Sign 'O' The Times, 1991's Diamonds And Pearls and his new album, 3121. Though I'm still far from an expert on Prince, I have much more respect for the man than I did before. He is a talented musician and songwriter. So I am happy to say that Prince is NOT overrated. :)

That's cool DAX. Glad to hear you've developed a deeper appreciation of Prince's music. Sometimes all it takes is a little more exposure to his music and a willingness to go along for the ride. Sign 'O' The Times was a good album for you to check out, probably the best of what he does best.

He's not just r&b though, if you sift through his stuff you'll find a lot of rock in there too. On another note, if you want to get into some good older r&b, check out Stevie Wonder. Namely those four cds I mentioned in the Stevie thread I posted. I've been listening to those very heavily lately and it's all amazing.

[SBTB Geek]

...ever heard of Michael Jackson? You know, the black guy who is now white?

Who said he isn't odd also?

[vashti1999]

The "Prince is odd" argument is a weak one. What odd thing in relatively recent years has he done other than refer to himself as an unpronouncable symbol, which he stopped doing 5 or 6 years ago? I'll accept Prince's oddness as being more prevalent in the distant past, but to suggest that that may be a reason that "most people are turned off by him" now just doesn't make sense. In a music world dominated by young artists, chalk up any perceived lack of fan interest to his age and longevity, not his oddness. He's a 48 year old veteran who still draws excitement from fans (as evidenced by his recent Good Morning America appearance) and commands respect from fellow artists (as evidenced at the recent BET Awards). Maybe I'm too much inside a fan's world, but I don't see where all these people are who are "turned off" by him. And for those who say Prince "doesn't have it anymore," I guess that explains why as recently as two years ago he had the year's highest grossing tour (http://www.pollstar.com/news/viewnews.pl?NewsID=3746&PSKey=PRINCE) and had a number 1 album earlier this year. (http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002273762)

[Shine]

I'm not sure I would go so far as to say that Prince is odd. He always seems to be the target of jokes. I think that with the exception of Michael Jackson, I don't think there is a musician that I have heard more jokes about than Prince. I've never really felt that he was odd. I think why Prince's record sales are not what they used to be is that he is an artist that experiments a great deal with his music. The music he is making now sounds very different from the music he was making 20 years ago. I think that is one of the reasons his fans love him so much, but the mainstream public has had a difficult time following his career. When I first played his new album, 3121, I wasn't sure what to think of it. I was like "this sure doesn't sound like Purple Rain or 1999." It took a few listens to really appreciate 3121. And the American record buying public tend to be pretty fickle about these sort of things.

[dwass5656]

i don't LOVE prince's music, but i really respect him as a musician. i just know that he's REALLY a musician. he once said something about all the crap that's out now- like all the top 40 stuff is by a bunch of artists that don't know how to even read music! i think he talked about this in a rolling stone article some years back. i think he knows how to play around 20 instruments or something crazy like that. like i said, i don't love his music but i'm not gonna talk smack about the guy...
i do have his new record...i'm not sure how i got it, but i saw it on my ipod the other day...ha
you can't NOT like this song tho...
Listen to Let's Go Crazy (LP Version) by Prince : http://www.napster.com/player/tracks/12047393

it's a good pick me up song...he's got a handful of those..

[Mr. Stefani]

no, just washed up.

[vashti1999]

no, just washed up.


What's your definition of washed up?

[jpcanes]

What's your definition of washed up?
I'd like to know, too. The guy still sells millions of albums and sells out at just about every venue he plays.

[Brian Damage]

...ever heard of Michael Jackson? You know, the black guy who is now white?

His career isn't doing so well either

[Ireneparalegal]

His career isn't doing so well either
either???? Michael Jackson is washed up...Prince never has been...can't compare the two as far as who is on top. Obviously non-Prince fans won't know what is going on with his career. They think one has to have a number one song every year. One who sells out concerts and other venues obviously hasn't been washed up.

[Pitooey]

I really like Prince. I respect his music and his art. I respect him as a person. He is a very gifted man and he's an artist.

It's good to see him come back after a long period of time. His mind is working. He's churning that brain of his. I like the song Black Sweat too. If he leaves us for a little while - he always comes back strong.

[Jrnygrl]

The "Prince is odd" argument is a weak one. What odd thing in relatively recent years has he done other than refer to himself as an unpronouncable symbol, which he stopped doing 5 or 6 years ago? I'll accept Prince's oddness as being more prevalent in the distant past, but to suggest that that may be a reason that "most people are turned off by him" now just doesn't make sense. In a music world dominated by young artists, chalk up any perceived lack of fan interest to his age and longevity, not his oddness. He's a 48 year old veteran who still draws excitement from fans (as evidenced by his recent Good Morning America appearance) and commands respect from fellow artists (as evidenced at the recent BET Awards). Maybe I'm too much inside a fan's world, but I don't see where all these people are who are "turned off" by him. And for those who say Prince "doesn't have it anymore," I guess that explains why as recently as two years ago he had the year's highest grossing tour (http://www.pollstar.com/news/viewnews.pl?NewsID=3746&PSKey=PRINCE) and had a number 1 album earlier this year. (http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002273762)


I have to admit one of the reason that I didn't like Prince, was when he did Bandstand. I thought, why in the world would this guy not talk, and it stayed with me, even when my cousin tried to convience me that he was a genius. It wasn't until I came here, and Vashti was such a fan that I learned a little more about Prince, and then Musicology came out and I became a fan. I still can't get the Bandstand interview with Dick Clark out of my mind, but as a fan of real music I consider Prince one of the best, and as a guitar player he is really underrated. :wave:

[jpcanes]

as a guitar player he is really underrated. :wave:
Absolutely, positively!!!

[vashti1999]

I have to admit one of the reason that I didn't like Prince, was when he did Bandstand. I thought, why in the world would this guy not talk, and it stayed with me, even when my cousin tried to convience me that he was a genius. It wasn't until I came here, and Vashti was such a fan that I learned a little more about Prince, and then Musicology came out and I became a fan. I still can't get the Bandstand interview with Dick Clark out of my mind, but as a fan of real music I consider Prince one of the best, and as a guitar player he is really underrated. :wave:


That's surprising, that you weren't really into him until Musicology.

It's funny you mentioned Bandstand, becuase I remember that from when it originally aired, and that turned me off to him too. I wasn't a fan of his at that time, but seeing how weird he was on that show did stay with me for a while and caused me not to like him. But by the time 1999 came out, his uniqueness is what appealed to me and I've been a fan since.

Jrnygrl, forget about Bandstand. He's not that weird anymore. :)

[Jrnygrl]

That's surprising, that you weren't really into him until Musicology.

It's funny you mentioned Bandstand, becuase I remember that from when it originally aired, and that turned me off to him too. I wasn't a fan of his at that time, but seeing how weird he was on that show did stay with me for a while and caused me not to like him. But by the time 1999 came out, his uniqueness is what appealed to me and I've been a fan since.

Jrnygrl, forget about Bandstand. He's not that weird anymore. :)

:lol: :lol: That interview was just too much, he just gave DC hand signals when he asked questions. :lol: :lol: It still stays with me whenever I see him.

Yeah Musicology is what made me see, as you said Vash, his unique musical talent, compared with what we have today.

[jacktripper1]

I wouldn't say that the Rolling Stones & Paul McCartney are sitting back relying on past glories. The Rolling Stones consistently have the top grossing tour nearly every time they tour, & Paul McCartney's work within the last 10 years has gotten top reviews- most notably his Flaming Pie CD, from 1997 debuted at # 2 on the top 200 albums chart. Along with his top-rated concert draws- he had the biggest grossing tour a couple years back when he released his 'Back In The U.S." Cd & DVD. Plus his single- "Freedom" was a great song in response to 9/11 & he's the one that also organized The Concert for NY- to help the fallen military, police, & Fireman's family's rebuild from all their terrible losses. All it is, is that the times have changed, and even though the Stones & Paul McCartney are still going, They're not at the heart of the music scene. They're not the 20something's in the forefront anymore, and Paul Mccartney is not in the biggest band in the world anymore (The Beatles). They can write songs that are just as good now, as back then, but, they will no longer have the cultural impact that they once did. Normal society regards them as legends anyway, & the biggest , most important info that usually comes out on them now is when they are planning a world tour. Then, let's be honest, most fans go to see them because of their legendary status (I, in fact, have seen The Stones & Paul McCartney both, & both shows were totally awesome), to be able to say they have seen them, & then most fans want to hear all the old stuff anyway!! To Be as old as they all are, instead of being negative, I find it great that they feel like still being somewhat productive with their music & staying in great physical shape to continue to go on tour year after year. It should be considered a blessing- because what will we feel like doing at 63/64?? probably nothing but sitting in a rocking chair reflecting back on our own "past glories". As the old saying goes- Old people look back to the past because they have no future. And young people look to the future because they have no past.

[vashti1999]

.

[jacktripper1]

If Prince sells out all his concerts & venues & he's not considered "washed up", then technically speaking, in regards to the "past glories" poster that had me post here earlier, if the Stones & Paul McCartney sell out their concert sites, then how are they considered "washed up" & living on their "past glories"??? It don't make sense to hail one (Prince), when really his best years are behind him, too, & then put down the other 2 (Stones & McCartney) for the exact same statement of a sell-out concert. Musicology was really in every sense of the word- a "comeback" of sorts for Prince, really, & the other 2 aforementioned have had comebacks before , too. The bottom line is the music scene has changed for all 3 & they all are trying to be productive in the "new generation" market. And also, don't forget- all 3 mentioned above are in the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame- which says they all have contributed some good in the music world, & have "done their business" of becoming a legend in their own right. If they all weren't good at some point, they would not be in the Hall, nor would they have the legendary status they have attained in the rock world. So how can you justify one for "selling out" concerts & having a "comeback" song, when the Stones & Paul McCartney have done this more times than Prince has been alive- but yet they're put down. It don't make sense. I give all 3 the credit they deserve for accomplishing a lot of the same things.

[Shine]

If Prince sells out all his concerts & venues & he's not considered "washed up", then technically speaking, in regards to the "past glories" poster that had me post here earlier, if the Stones & Paul McCartney sell out their concert sites, then how are they considered "washed up" & living on their "past glories"??? It don't make sense to hail one (Prince), when really his best years are behind him, too, & then put down the other 2 (Stones & McCartney) for the exact same statement of a sell-out concert. Musicology was really in every sense of the word- a "comeback" of sorts for Prince, really, & the other 2 aforementioned have had comebacks before , too. The bottom line is the music scene has changed for all 3 & they all are trying to be productive in the "new generation" market. And also, don't forget- all 3 mentioned above are in the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame- which says they all have contributed some good in the music world, & have "done their business" of becoming a legend in their own right. If they all weren't good at some point, they would not be in the Hall, nor would they have the legendary status they have attained in the rock world. So how can you justify one for "selling out" concerts & having a "comeback" song, when the Stones & Paul McCartney have done this more times than Prince has been alive- but yet they're put down. It don't make sense. I give all 3 the credit they deserve for accomplishing a lot of the same things.

I want to start out by saying that I wasn't trying to put either Paul McCartney nor The Rolling Stones down. The Beatles are my all time favorite group and I have nothing but the greatest amount of respect for Paul. McCartney is without a doubt one of the greatest songwriters and musicians in the history of music. And I do think that Paul did some great music after leaving The Beatles, especially back during the 1970's with his solo album Ram and the Wings' album Band On The Run. However, much of Paul's post 1980 work has been a disappointment in my mind. Of course, there have been a few exception like Flaming Pie. As far as The Rolling Stones are concerned, they once were a great band. Albums like Let It Bleed, Exile On Main Steet and Some Girls are all time classics. However, for my taste, The Stones have not had a good album since Undercover back in 1983. This is why I said that McCartney and The Stones are resting on "past glories". Prince, on the other hand, is still making music as good as the music that he was making at the hight of his commercial popularity. All of my posts in this thread and any other thread are nothing more than my opinon and should not be taken as anything more than that.:)

[jacktripper1]

But, once again, you are looking "at the past". Like I said B-4, they all 3 can put out just as good music today as yesterday, but really the 3 of them are not at the heart of the music scene anymore. Their music today does not have the cultural impact as it did before. That's all it is- point blank. And as far as Prince (in my opinion), the old rule of thumb is, is when an artist puts out a greatest hits package at a certain point in his career, he's just about reached his peak. Example: Prince hit the "mainstream" in 1982 with the 1999 album. Then he was "on top" all the way until 1991's Diamonds And Pearls album. Then in 1993 Prince released the 2 cd's The Hits 1 & The Hits 2. He had a couple new songs, including "Peach", then he pretty much fell out for about the next 10 years until 2004's "Musicology". That song was a true "comeback" for Prince. All 3 artists mentioned have all been on top, had their up, downs, & great careers in a whole, & can do good music now, but they're not the main focus anymore, like I said before, their music now does not have the cultural impact as it once did in the '60's, '70's, & '80's. That's all it is in a nutshell. It's just a "new generation" of music now with the likes of Green Day, Fall Out Boy, Nickelback, & The Black-Eyed Peas, & Under Oath, to name only a few. But, I agree with you, that your opinion is yours, just as mine is mine & should only be taken as that. With no offense aimed at anyone. I mean the Rolling Stones' 'Rough justice" for 2005 is as good as "It's Only Rock N' Roll" for 1974. But they(along with McCartney & Prince) no longer honestly have the cultural impact they once had. It's good that they all are still productive, but in all honesty, it's not that their music is "bad", it's just a "new generation" of music groups & listeners, too! That's it in a nutshell. Maybe we all should just regard them all as legends of Rock N' Roll and be thankful they're still doing something & not try to analyze every little thing they do.