This album celebrated an anniversary this week and as I listened to it, I realized a few things:
1. It's underrated
2. There are a lot of guests
3. I love it
4. Most importantly, he reveals a lot about his state of being at this time.
Hanging out alongside the bops and jams are a few very personal songs. In Man 'O' War, he talks about fighting in a relationship and how it's drained him, and in Silly Game he continues to analyze his relationship/ marriage. The most revealing song is Eye Love U, But Eye Don't Trust U Anymore. It's a beautifully sad song that would take me ages to totally dissect in this post, but the lyrics are very straightforward and truthfully speak about the end of his marriage. It's definitely one of his more personal songs and allows you to feel what he's feeling.
There are a couple of hints on the New Power Soul album that show things aren't going so well, but in these few songs on Rave, he expresses his frustrations and disappointments fully and honestly.
The whole album is incredible and is a perfect snapshot of where Prince is at this point. It's got so many great moments and for the most part, it's really fun. Also, If you haven't heard the remix album Rave In2 the Joy Fantastic, I highly recommend it!
What do you think about the 3 songs I mentioned?
What are some of your favorite songs off of the album?
I personally have a hard time picking favorite songs, but I love Hot Wit U, The Sun The Moon and Stars, Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic, and Tangerine.
I really do hate that he had to go through so much to begin with, but I appreciate that he was able to open up through his music.
Pretty Man is beyond funky!! Maceo was featured on that track and I think he was on the Musicology album and tour which is really cool!
I love that Prince sampled his own music! It's always fun to connect the songs. I feel like it was a little gift from him to his serious listeners.
Now I've got some reserves about the songs you mentioned. That was a pretty rough time in Prince's life. Great songs, but sad that he had to write them. It's kind of like a double edge sword, many of the greatest artists have to go through a hell of heartache to give us some of that gold. I love Prince as an artist, but even more as a Man. He was a great guy, often misunderstood and mistaken. Flaws and all, no one deserves to go through hell like that. Maybe we can talk more about that
But anyways, to brighten things up and to answer your second question. My fav song from that album has got to be 'Pretty Man' because it gives me serious Musicology vibes. Pretty Man has got some serious funk vibes interlaced in it and I like him going back to his roots like that. Damn that man was funky. Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic also has that lick from The Max on the Love Symbol album and I always liked him sampling himself. Legit one day I wish I could have a catalog so big where I could continuosly sample myself.
I also want to add that this was the first album since he changed his name that "Prince" was listed in the album credits.