I'll chime in as one who likes Musicology better than 3121. Musicology sounds more genuine in comparison, and the songs are (mostly) much more developed. 3121 is basically two good tracks and a lot of pandering.

PurpleKnight said:

Same here.

While I enjoy Musicology very much, I could never say that I like it better than 3121. 3121 is far better and more innovated than Musicology. The tunes are funkier and much more interesting than those on Musicology.

Out of 10 I would give Musicology 6, but I would give 3121 7 1/2.

Likewise.
Musicology ***1/2 out of *****
3121 ***

You could easily argue that either is stronger musically. Neither is great, neither is bad.

But to me 3121 is better simply because it's funner, catchier, and sounds more like Prince, all the while the music is just as strong as Musicology.

Both albums together would make a much better double disc set.

As individual discs, they seem to have a little something missing.

Wall said:

Forreal

3121 is better.

bkw said:

Musicology is better!

I like it when Prince makes albums for musicians. 3121 seems so commercial to me as well as a lot of Musicology! I love the Rainbow children however! That album is just straight up out in left field. It gives people something different to listen to. I am not sorry to say it either. Prince is a great musician. So stick to the "music" as opposed to trying for radio airplay. Now, that's just my thoughts. But hey, I'm a musician and I examine every thing under the view of a musician rather than a listener for catchy beats and hooks. Although there is nothing wrong with a "jingle" from time to time. But let the thousands of other non-musicians write those songs.

Trading one bad album for another is not much of a stretch.

SquirrelMeat said:

I'm really surprised at these responses - I thought there was a general consensus on here that 3121 was better than or at least preferred by most to Musicology.
I agree with what some one said about Reflections being more personal than anything on 3121, and there is some stron musicianship and good songs on Musicology. For me, the clincher is that Musicology felt sorta all over the place, whereas 3121 feels much more like an ALBUM.
I don't get the comments that PurpleKnight's line about Musicology applies to 3121. Sure, 3121 is trying to please and get the up-to-date pop ear. But it's also not such an easy swallow overall - 3121, BS, Fury, even TAC are all a bit leftfield. I don't want to speak for PK, but Ithink what he meant was Musicology was both playing it safe, and trying to touch all bases. I don't think 3121 does either, at least not o the same extent.

My 2c (well mayb a bit more...)

2freaky4church1 said:

It was for me.

See, I have a friend who was showing off her ability to tie a cherry stem into a knot inside her mouth using her tongue.
So I tried to out-do her by trading one bad album for another in the same method.


& ouch.

How can anyone think Musicology is better than 3121? JEEEEZ!! I think I've only played Musicolgy once all the way through. I like the trax Musicology and Reflection, but the rest of the album i couldn't care less if I never heard them again.

I LIKE BOTH OF THEM. BUT I THINK THAT MUSICOLOGY SOME OF THE SONGS HAD TO GROW ON ME A LITTLE. FOR 3121 I LIKED ALOT OF THEM RIGHT AWAY.
[Edited 5/18/06 13:24pm]