I was going by the reviews from members of Prince.org. Seems a lot of folks there don't care for the Gold album much. They think Prince 'sold out' and went for hits instead of making 'music'. They don't like the rap on it. They think it's too much 'all over the place' with no theme. Did you know that Prince considered the song 'Gold' to be his next Purple Rain. He wanted that song to be a huge hit and it just didn't catch on.
Personally,I agree with "Gold Experience"
The UK gave Prince his first Number 1 with "The Most Beautiful Girl In The World",and it's a song I've never liked,mainly because it feels "Hit written",and predominantly a chart made goal,in my opinion.
There was a lot of "self indulgence",after the success of "Purple Rain",and some people can get put off by the accessibility,and the fact you have to delve deeper,through multiple play,in order for the songs to grow on you..
A lot of great stuff,but difficult to instantly appeal.
I saw Prince in Manchester in 1990..an open air football ground,and although criticism at the time on stage (just over an hour!),the guy was phenomenal!
It was a re-scheduled gig,from earlier in the year,due to Prince finishing off his movie "Graffiti Bridge",and I spent a lot of time playing that soundtrack,and LOVE it!
Not a great movie,but like I stated earlier,a lot of Prince's music needed constant playing..