Arbitrary Lists: The Top 5 Absolute Worst Prince Albums

I did a post the other day about the Top 20 Best Prince (and Prince-Related) Albums. So, I thought it was only fair to redress the balance. So, here’s the Top 5 Worst Albums in Princedom. Trust me, the man may be a genius, but he’s truly been responsible for some stinkers.

Once again, these are solely based on my opinion, which makes it 100% correct…


5. 20Ten (Prince) [2010]

I’m not sure I’ve really got over the sheer level of disappointment that I greeted 20Ten with. Everybody Loves Me is probably the stupidest song he’s ever written (actually, no, that’s Purple and Gold). It’s telling that the album’s best track comes after 67 tracks of utter silence (seriously). Eventhe cover looks atrocious.

Saving grace: Beginning Endlessly, LayDown



4. Elixer (Bria Valente) [2009]

Technically, it’s not that bad, it’s just uninspired. Bria was apparently his girlfriend at the time, but she sadly lacked the charm of Vanity or Sheila E. Plus, it’s BOR-ING.

Saving grace: Another Boy


3. The Chocolate Invasion (Prince) [2004]

Released through his - for the time - revolutionary, but now sadly de-funked (see what I did there?) website, the NPG Music Club, but once again, BOR-ING. I hardly remember anything about this album. In fact, I forgot I had it.

Saving grace: U Make My Sun Shine


2. New Power Soul (New Power Generation) [1998]

Even this album’s engineer thought this was the worst album Prince ever made. I don’t, though. I think it’s…

Saving grace: The One


1. Apollonia 6 (Apollonia 6) [1984]

This one is the final album released to tie in with Purple Rain (the others being The Time’s Ice Cream Castle and, obviously, Purple Rain itself - see about those in the other list), and Prince definitely blew his load on the first two. The “big hit” on the album, the song they put in the movie and released as a single, is Sex Shooter. And, boy, does it suck. And not in the good, literal Sex Shooter kind of way. Sort of sets you up for the rest of the album.

Saving grace: Erm…the few seconds of silence at the end…?




And there you have it. Whilst we're on the subject of Prince though - and to leave on a positive note - I am liking the new, more rock n roll approach he's going for at the moment with his new band 3rdEyeGirl. They recently released a photo of the test pressing for the gatefold vinyl edition of the upcoming album PlectrumElectrum, Check it out;