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Do U Lie?: Prince and the Revolution (1986)
Parade: Music from the Motion Picture “Under the Cherry Moon” was largely panned by critics, and this may or may not have something to do with the fact that the movie was a total bore. But the soundtrack is – unequivocally – my favorite Prince album. Funk meets European orchestration, with steel drums on several tracks for a rather arresting effect. Some songs seamlessly blend into each other, while others (like “Do U Lie?” and “Kiss”) stand on their own, worlds apart from anything Prince (or perhaps anyone) has ever done before. Unlike many albums from the late 80s, the recording techniques have dated well and are often quite provoking. It’s eclectic and strange, artsy and esoteric. But never sinks under its own weight, remaining loose and fun.
It just doesn’t make sense. Prince is a genius – a gifted vocalist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and consummate showman. (So, he’s a mediocre actor – forgiven!) And yet the bulk of his career consists of insipid dance jams about party life.
I know there many avid Prince fans that would disagree (and how!), but from an objective, critical standpoint, Prince just hasn’t lived up to his potential. Yes, he has released some amazing work (Purple Rain, Chaos and Disorder and Crystal Ball are all ambitious and remarkable). But where is the life-changing masterpiece? The genre-smashing experimental work that will forever alter the way music is written and recorded? He can do it! But why hasn’t he?
