Ween :D

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your right..'when doves cry' is the most generic song ever to top the charts..
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the fact it has no bassline and is a totally original creation means nothing because its classed as pop music...
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'if i was your girlfriend' is a run of the mill ballad...
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'sign o the times' is an album full of generic pop music....
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i think you need to go and listen to his work...whatever music you like...prince will have done something in that genre..

Don't forget he wrote 'Walk Like An Egytian' too

i totally disagree

wha? he wrote "Manic Monday", "Walk Like an Egyptian" is a cover of a 60s song

Prince is just as essential as the Pop Music/Genre is inherent.

I was thinking about Prince's music today, because some of his albums were the first I ever owned and a few of the songs still stick in my mind.

I don't like many of his songs, and I agree that many seem like generic pop music and so I don't consider him the best all-around musical artist, but I felt some of his songs were very original and different than anything else I was hearing (on the radio) at the time they came out. Distinctive. I don't like *any* Michael Jackson songs, so I think Prince's music definitely smells better!

My favorite song by Prince is probably "Darling Nikki" because of its unexpected stoccata sounds, the way the instruments are used like human voices, and the way he sings this song (he doesn't use his falsetto throughout, thankfully). The song holds my interest because it changes from start to finish, building in intensity and morphing right to the end. That, and it's about prostitution! :p:

Prince - "Darling Nikki"


Prince - Darling Nikki - YouTube

I think Prince is definitely up there for best all around, but I don't know if he's the best. Having said that I can't think of anyone better. I find his songwriting to be hit and miss, but a lot of critical hits. I noticed someone brought up Paul McCartney being better than Prince. I'm gonna have to say all around he is not. Paul McCartney is a better song writer, which to me is pretty evident, but as far as technical abilities on instruments (aka musical ability outside of songwriting) Prince is much better. Sure McCartney was a very good Bass player and an okay drummer and a good guitarist, but Prince is an amazing guitarist, good drummer, great bassist, and good keyboardist. He also has a much better vocal range that Paul, though Paul has an excellent voice. On top of that, Prince's showmanship is brilliant. For much of Paul's career he didn't even play live shows. Paul McCartney's showmanship is mediocre but Prince damn near puts on rock operas. Great dancer and furthermore I disagree with a comment that Prince lacks soul flat out.

Well some Bangles pop pap anyways

I missed the Boat with Prince. He looks a little crazy to me and I never really engaged with his music. Should I give him a proper listen?

Heavens no. He's not a bad guitarists but I can think of many more talanted musicians. Stephin Stills for one.