Prince (August 23, 1990) – “Prince plays hit and myth on new album” Feature – The Province

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Aug 23, 1990
1 min read

This Province feature by Tom Harrison reviews Prince’s new album Graffiti Bridge, describing it as a bold, spiritual, and myth‑laden project that opens the 1990s with renewed purpose. The article contrasts Prince’s moral and mystical themes with the usual rock tropes of sex and drugs, calling the record a striking departure from Lovesexy and Batman.

Publication: The Province Date: August 23 1990 Country: Canada

Harrison’s review explores Graffiti Bridge as both an album and a film soundtrack, noting Prince’s attempt to replace “sex and drugs and rock ’n’ roll” with a more personal concept of “sex, God and rock ’n’ roll.” The critic highlights Prince’s mythological self‑portrayal and his continued spiritual evolution. Songs such as Thieves in the Temple, Round and Round, and Still Would Stand All Time are cited as examples of his blend of pop, rock, and gospel influences. The article mentions returning collaborators The Time, Mavis Staples, and George Clinton, and describes Graffiti Bridge as adventurous, provocative, and thematically ambitious.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

By mid‑1990, Prince was redefining his artistic identity through Paisley Park, merging faith and funk in equal measure. Graffiti Bridge represented his fourth film and a continuation of the Purple Rain mythology.

The review’s tone reflects both admiration and curiosity about his evolving message, positioning the album as a complex, introspective work that bridges his 1980s legacy with a new decade’s vision.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Release of Graffiti Bridge album and film soundtrack

Era: 1990 – Graffiti Bridge / Spiritual Reinvention Era Tone: Analytical, reflective, and slightly skeptical

Photography: Black‑and‑white performance photo of Prince gesturing dramatically on stage

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