Romance 1600 (1985)
In this 80s pop masterpiece, Sheila E and Prince ride a silver swan through the night sky, leaving behind contrails of purple ice crystals as a thousand narwhals carve your name amongst the stars. The album version is over 12 minutes long and whispers messages which can’t be grasped by transient minds. Clear your head of all thoughts and let the saxophone rewrite your genetic code while you unlock new levels of euphoric bliss. It’s the kind of track that could have landed anywhere in 1985: Around The World in a Day; The Family; An early configuration of Parade; The Krush Groove soundtrack. But A Love Bizarre was gifted to Sheila E to rescue her sophomore album from mediocrity. I’m a fan of Romance 1600 but it would be infinitely more listenable if they also gave Dear Michaelangelo this extended treatment and ditched all the other songs to create a Fela Kuti-style two-track album symphony.
I love your writing and the way it reinvigorates my passion for Prince’s music. You have a rare gift sir. Thank you.
Thank you. That’s incredibly kind of you to say.
Great song – probably a top 20 for me…..a masterpiece.
I’m already wishing I placed it higher.
I have really been enjoying this list. I’ve been making it a part of my everyday, trying to get through 10 a day since I’m late in the game. I always listen to each song too but it’s hard when I miss him so much. And writing? You are one helluva writer! Bottom line: Thank you for this list (although I’m really hoping to see Shockadelica creep in somewhere-surprise me lol!).
Thanks for your words. So kind. And don’t worry, Shockadelica is def still to come 🙂