I'm thrilled with 3121, but I'm thinking it's just another step towards reclaiming his throne and not a destination work. TRC started things, Musicology launched the #1 tour, Black Sweat has him back on MTV and VH1 and there are gems on this cd (Love, Get On The Boat) and it's solid in a way that last two cd's weren't. But, I still think he can build on this momentum. I could be wrong and this really could be his Songs In The Key Of Life type effort, but I still think the best is yet to come...

Question remains, where has he been? Was he holding back because he felt people were profiting unduly off of him (WB, Mayte, lawyers)? Answer for me is, who really cares. Prince is in the process of remaking history and extending his legacy. He's opened up himself and his home to strangers and outsiders like never before. I live in LA and I'm hearing stories constantly of him inviting people over to his house and being seen around town. (Kind of annoys me that I haven't had the good fortune of getting to meet him yet, but I'm holed up in my apartment working on my own new music).

One thing's for sure, Prince's legacy is not only secure in a way that Michael Jackson's or George Michael's never will be, but he has the chance to do some stuff later in life that guys like Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix didn't have time to do.

I admit I wish Fury was more like the live version and how I agree with many that the synth line on Black Sweat hurts my ears. I also wished A Million Days sounded more contemporary and that Everlasting Now had a single edit and video. I also have to say I'm having more fun listening to Prince music in this decade than I ever imagined I would. The 2000's are not the 1990's for Prince and if this is the Dawn, may it continue for many years to come.

I honestly don't think Prince has plans to reclaim anything. The man does what he wants. 3121 is his most focused, Princely album in a long time, but it breaks no new ground. I once read an interview with him from a few years ago where he said he was shelving a new song he recorded because it was too out there..."they're not ready for that yet". I found that disappointing.

During his peak years, the songs he released were HITS, with lyrics you could easily sing along to, and sounds that really grabbed your ears and didn't let go. These days, tunes like that are few and far between. He makes nice songs, perfectly listenable, amazing musicianship, but they don't wow you like KISS, DOVES, LETS GO CRAZY.

One gets the feeling he's holding back and coasting. Only he will decide when to open up fully and stop restraining himself from truly shining. We see this in his live performances, but rarely in his albums and new song material...

That said, 3121 is incredibly fun to listen to----packed with great jams. Light years better than "Musicology".

I would be inclined to think that this work he seems to be doing in the last couple years is not so much to reclaim his crown, but more to pick up some of the pieces that shattered when the name change era happened - a ways of trying to answer to those who thought he was alienating the masses.

PANDURITO said:

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

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Whether it's his intention to "reclaim his throne" or not, that's where he's headed with his work the past 4 years. Not just the music, but the method of promoting and distributing it. If we're lucky, he will tour this year, appear more on TV (live and videos) and keep the ball rolling.

Age has been talked about by myself and others. I think it creates a challenge, but has it's advantages and he's certainly making the most of them now.

switters said:

Im tired of the breaks no new ground statement when it comes to prince...He has done almost every kind of music.

paisleyfunk said:

This is a comeback thread, get a grip guys.

switters said:

In an interview Wendy said she knows Prince has much more, better music inside of him that would blow the stuff in the eighties out of the water. Something to think about.

MarcelJ said:

Get a grip!? The fact that the lock is floating around in your thread has nothing to do with your thoughts but that you are discussing bootlegged material. I agree with you

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

I see. Hey, I'm listening to an online radio station and I understand these promos were sent out to other terrestrial stations to preview the cd. Since radio isn't going to play Prince anytime soon, word has to get out somehow.

I certainly want people to BUY THIS MUSIC.