Prince’s “Evil” Album: The Mystery of The Black Album

Prince, the musical genius, was known for his eccentric behavior and disruptive career moves.
But even by his standards, withdrawing his 1987 album, The Black Album, just days before its release seemed like an act of self-sabotage.
The Black Album was intended to be a return to Prince’s roots. After the success of albums like Purple Rain and Sign o’ the Times, he was accused of courting a white pop audience.
The Black Album was his response, featuring tracks heavily influenced by Black music genres like funk and jazz.
However, just days before its release, Prince had a spiritual epiphany and decided that the album was “evil.”
He demanded that Warner Bros. withdraw all copies and even paid for their destruction out of his own pocket.
Despite his efforts, The Black Album made its way onto the bootleg market. Prince even included a warning in his “Alphabet Street” music video: “Don’t buy The Black Album, I’m sorry.”
Over time, Prince’s attitude toward the album softened, and he performed some of its tracks live. In 1994, he agreed to an official limited release.
Today, The Black Album remains a collector’s item, with original copies fetching high prices at auction.
It’s a fascinating chapter in Prince’s mythology, a reminder of his complex and enigmatic personality.
Apparently, THIS is it!
Read more – The “Evil” Album Prince Withdrew Days Before Its Release via MentalFloss.com
Source:
- O’Brien, Jon. “The ‘Evil’ Album Prince Withdrew Days Before Its Release.” Mental Floss, 20 Nov. 2024