Prince's Lovesexy, also known as "the album where Prince is naked on the cover", certainly came about quickly. Primarily recorded in a two month burst from December 1987 and January 1988, Lovesexy was the response to Prince's "spooky electric" period in late 1987. There's been speculation about what caused this period of darkness and despair but … Continue reading Prince – Lovesexy (1988)
Michael Jackson – Bad (1987)
Five years is a long, long time in the music industry. Today, it’s not completely unusual for artists and bands to go five years or more between album cycles with all the promotion and extensive worldwide touring that corresponds to most major label releases. In the 1980s, however, five years was long enough to be … Continue reading Michael Jackson – Bad (1987)
Prince – Sign O’ the Times (1987)
Prince was at a crossroads during the creation of what would ultimately end up as "Sign O' the Times". By mid-1986, the "Under the Cherry Moon" film and its soundtrack, "Parade", were ancient history (in his mind). In typical Prince fashion, he was already moving on to his next project or projects as it would … Continue reading Prince – Sign O’ the Times (1987)
The Cars – Heartbeat City (1984)
"Hello! Hello again!" The Cars were four successful albums into their career by the time they entered the studio with producer John "Mutt" Lange in 1983. At the time, Lange was mostly known for his production work on mainstream rock albums from bands such as AC/DC ("Back in Black"), Foreigner ("4"), and Def Leppard ("Pyromania"). … Continue reading The Cars – Heartbeat City (1984)
Prince – Parade (Music From the Motion Picture “Under the Cherry Moon”) (1986)
"Purple Rain" was a lightning in a bottle moment for Prince. #1 song. #1 album. #1 movie. All at the same time. Prince was also a lightning in a bottle talent so if anyone could do it, it would be him. Unfortunately, neither the film, "Under the Cherry Moon", nor the film's soundtrack, "Parade", would … Continue reading Prince – Parade (Music From the Motion Picture “Under the Cherry Moon”) (1986)
Prince – Around the World In A Day (1985)
"Around the World In A Day" was a major departure in sound from "Purple Rain". If this album is known for two things, that fact is one (the other is a certain song about a fruit colored clothing accessory). For anyone who wonders "why?" I will attempt to provide some context as to the timing … Continue reading Prince – Around the World In A Day (1985)
Prince – Purple Rain (1984)
Steps for musical success and worldwide domination according to Prince. Step 1: Learn to play guitar, bass, piano, keyboards, and drums among other instruments. Have an amazing singing voice with tremendous range. Step 2: Get signed to a major label while still a teenager and insist on maintaining the creative freedom to write and produce … Continue reading Prince – Purple Rain (1984)
