Critical Analysis Essay

Freddie Rouse
ENC 1101
Critical Analysis: Writing about Music
Mrs. Reid
4/19/11
His Royal Badness
He is considered a legend, a pop icon; at 50, he’s one of the few men who can rock ruffles, heels and makeup without blinking an eye.   Thirty years after the release of his first album, Prince Roger Nelson still performs live for his many fans.   With his electric, sexually, high explosive, personality; he still has the musical skills and talent to maintain his mega star status today (Gonzales, Michael A).   Prince contributions to the music industry are best illustrated through his musical genius, creativity and his rebel attitude.
` This musical genius broke many cultural barriers with his musical genre, which had a cross-genre appeal, which place him in the company of some the greatest entertainers in this era.   Those musicians in that era we can refer to are Michael Jackson, Kool and the Gang, and Rick James. These musicians contribution to the music industry was their ability to cross over musical barriers of other musical categories many listen to, such as pop, and rock, that included racial and social boundaries that seem untouchable musically.   Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”, Kool and the Gang’s “Fresh”, Rick James’s “Super freak”, and Prince’s “Purple Rain”, are the classic example of the music that was classified as cross over material.   Prince’s style of musical influence along with the other’s brought about a revolution, a different style and sound. Prince became one of the most influential celebrities of the 1980 and early 90’s; he wrote and produced other artist also during this time.   He became known as an eccentric genius who dresses in high heels, ruffles, and a purple trench coat.   In the recording studio he was so multitalented, that on many of his songs he played all the instruments himself.   This was part of the revolution, the musical style and sound, Prince would contribute to the music world.   The ability to use his musical gift to...