Massimof

I don’t like this album. The songs feel too much like "heard it before," they don’t seem original at all, the singer's way of singing... definitely too saccharine, and overall it comes off as a syrupy concoction that's too thick to swallow. I recognize that, deep down, they are nice songs. Nice songs that seem perfect for an advertising jingle.

Fede179, thank you! This sincerity leaves me speechless. Because for once, for some of us, perhaps, music has been something else. Perhaps it was the means to "vent" our adolescence, which is now gone forever.

Brave and tough this review. And I fully agree with it.

Apart from the unsettling "Nessundove" that reminds me of grim childhood fairy tales, the review is beautiful and unconventional. I'll give the album a listen (?).

Goodness! A treatise! You were a bit confusing. But I liked this "internal" contrast between being from the South and thus being proud of this group, and at the same time, feeling rejected by them because the music they make isn’t to your liking. And all the embellishments you added (even though I only partially understood them). I'm not from your part of the world, but I agree with you that the most beautiful thing about this group is the love for their land. Not much more than that.

How beautiful is the last line, Grendel... well done and great choice. This WAS Pino.

RingoS and Donjunio, when I mentioned "impact on the audience," I meant the effect of the albums on society (aside from the copies sold). Going from memory, but for Springsteen, I recall three years of stadium concerts with an average of 60,000 people. I remember the explosion of the album in every corner of the world and also the poor and mundane interpretation that was given. It was listened to and seen (covers upon covers) everywhere. Reagan used it as an example of what a true American should be. It was the era of optimism, of economic boom. Prince's album, despite its undeniable commercial success, I remember him as an artist who was still somewhat niche and, in some ways, snobbier compared to Bruce. I love that Prince. However, I believe that both albums were very much influenced by that '80s pop music. They carry its trademark. In my opinion, they belong in the top ten albums of that decade.

I agree with Blackcrow regarding the judgment on this album. Beautiful, but I prefer others by Coen. Excellent review.

Springsteen was outscored... however, Ellroy, you forgot to mention that "Born in the USA" sold about 16 million copies and that from that album, around 5 or 6 singles were released, all topping the charts. Plenty, and quite a bit more than this Prince album. Not to mention the public impact of these two albums: let's say 6 to 1 for Springsteen. But aside from this negligible note from a Bruce fan, I almost entirely agree with your review, which is rich and vibrant. Prince is a great artist. I consider this album on par with "Sign." Two absolute masterpieces. "Purple Rain" was and is spectacular.

...done...