Music That Defines Our Memories
Prince frames his left nipple so perfectly here. Prince's Lovesexy, also known as "the album where Prince is naked on the cover," indeed 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 … Continue reading Prince – Lovesexy (1988)
Five years is a long, long time in the music industry. Today, it’s not entirely unusual for artists and bands to go five years or more between album cycles with all the promotion and extensive worldwide touring corresponding to most major label releases. In the 1980s, however, five years was long enough to be completely … Continue reading Michael Jackson – Bad (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)
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 lightning in a bottle talent, so it would be him if anyone could do it. Unfortunately, neither the film, Under the Cherry Moon nor the film's soundtrack, Parade, would reach #1 status when … Continue reading Prince & the Revolution – Parade (Music From the Motion Picture “Under the Cherry Moon”) (1986)
Around the World In A Day was a significant departure in sound from Purple Rain. If this album is known for two things, that fact is one (the other is a particular song about a fruit-colored clothing accessory). For anyone who wonders "why?" I will attempt to provide some context regarding the timing of its creation and … Continue reading Prince & the Revolution – Around the World In A Day (1985)
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 & the Revolution – Purple Rain (1984)
"Don't worry, I won't hurt you. I only want you to have some fun." "Party like it's 1999," a term used to describe the act of partying and having fun as if there is no tomorrow, has become part of our lexicon, regardless of whether or not you listen to or enjoy Prince's music. The … Continue reading Prince – 1999 (1982)
"Do I believe in God? Do I believe in me?" By 1981, Prince had somewhat successfully changed up his style enough to warrant critical notice and praise. Dirty Mind did not sell as many copies as the more commercially viable Prince. Still, the attention received from notable music writers and publications provided him with validation … Continue reading Prince – Controversy (1981)
"Whenever I'm around you, baby. I get a dirty mind." On one of the first lines from the first track off Prince's third LP, Dirty Mind, Prince finally comes clean. He has thoughts of doing dirty, nasty things to you and he's no longer using coy double entendres ("play in your river,” "...feel my love … Continue reading Prince – Dirty Mind (1980)
“I want to be your lover. I want to turn you on, turn you out. All night long make you shout.” For the longest time, the only familiarity I had with Prince’s self-titled second album was from the three songs (“I Wanna Be Your Lover,” “Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad,” “I Feel For … Continue reading Prince – Prince (1979)