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This is actually among Prince's better albums, in my humble opinion. Though he has distanced himself from it, this was recorded in a particularly prolific time in his career when apparently even what he regards as some of his most regrettable material is still some of his best.
I didn't at the time, but now I think I 'get it', why he didn't want this one released. Some of the material is quite angry and vitriolic. Apparently there is raw anger and cynicism aimed directly at particular people. Based on what I've read, what I understand is this was a difficult period in his personal life. If, like the rest of us, he doesn't want his dirty laundry to be released as a product for public consumption, yeah that's understandable. He even felt he needed to apologize for it.
If, on my side of the desk, as a listener, an apology is warranted for listening to and even digging this album then, Prince, I sincerely apologize. However, as apologies are supposed to be explanations ... I think I was maybe 17 or 18 when I first got hold of it (remember, this is an apology) as a bootleg. I remember driving my Honda listening to this excellent album on a Maxell cassette, wondering why it wasn't released officially. Also, this was before the internet, so I didn't know about the whole controversy yet.
On another level, I think this album documents the closing of one door and the opening of another. The classic sound, which I think of as starting with 'Controversy,' and ending with the 'Black Album' was basically a tight 5-piece band. To my ears it was a tasteful blend of influences from that time. It sounds like he was listening to and enjoying various styles, like New Wave and electronic music. The eclectic style, even despite songs like 'Jack U Off', 'Let's Pretend We're Married' and 'Darling Nikki,' was perceived by most people, obviously, as more mainstream.
The use of relatively popular musical equipment, like the Roger Linn drum machine, the Oberheim synthesizer, somehow became Prince's signature sound. His growing facility as a guitarist and the development of his signature guitar sound coincided with the arrival of Boss stomp boxes and, a little later, the DigiTech "Whammy" pedal. Every shot of his stage gear I've seen since is basically, if not actually, the same pedals. As the 80's wound down, drum pads and drum machines began to give way to more traditional acoustic drum sets. 'Lovesexy', though apparently recorded right on the tail of the 'Black Album,' documents the beginnings of his movement into the more improvisational, jazzy sound.
To my ears 'Lovesexy' seems less produced; more live and spacious. Again, all these years later, I think I understand. There was a major change in personnel between 'The Black Album' and 'Lovesexy' and I think it shows in the music. The mythology surrounding this time, whatever the details, point to a drastic and sudden shift in consciousness. Stylistically, to my way of thinking, between the 'Black Album' and 'Lovesexy' he becomes less the front man of a band and becomes more a band leader and arranger. The 'Black Album' is the fitful releasing of the past. Perhaps this is what exorcising his demons sounds like. 'Lovesexy' is not without its own controversy, but for me it is the end of the "former" Prince. For me, the 'Black Album' is the last of the intense, introspective and still-innocent Prince. 'Lovesexy,' and the music since then are the sound a man becoming more at peace with himself -- if not always with the music industry.
- Audio CD (November 22, 1994)
- Limited Edition edition
- Original Release Date: 1989
- Number of Discs: 1
- Format: Limited Edition
- Label: Warner Bros. Records
- ASIN: B000008JLN
- Average Customer Review: 93 customer reviews
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