None of this is meant to suggest that Batman is a great album. It still ranks as Prince's least essential release of the '80s. In the context of so many non-essential Prince releases in the past 15 or so years, Batman's quality becomes far more apparent. The man may have been coasting, but he was still breathing rarefied air.
"A sinister cabal of superior writers."
Article comments
1 - Lynnette
Interesting retrospective. I might have to dig out my old CD.
2 - Al Barger
And you're probably still underestimating the album. Comparing the Batman album unfavorably to Sign o the Times is like saying that John Lennon's Plastic Ono Band album isn't as good as Sgt Pepper. You could be a couple steps below Abbey Road or Parade and still have a heller good album.
I especially appreciate the props for the "Batdance." I really appreciate how Prince took the rare chance of a guaranteed hit radio song as the opportunity not to put out some cheesy easy schlock, but one of the freakiest and most experimental pieces of even His career.
But you're all wet on "Lemon Crush." That one is AWESOME!!! I am not the only one to consider that to be a forgotten classic.
PRINCE RULEZ!!!
3 - anonymous
good overview. I recently listened to this due to a renewed interest in Tim Burton's Batman, as well as a newfound interest in Prince. In parts it contains more character development than the film! Also, when listening to "Vicki Waiting," imagine Christian Bale singing about Rachel Dawes and Heath Ledger's Joker - it gives it all an added dimension.
4 - Leandro
I have a strage liking for this album since it was my first LP, when I was 4-5 years old.
Vicki Waiting indeed is a very good song, my favorite.