It's ok. Gotta love Princey goin' off on Turn Up and that's a decent jam. Same with the others .

I think the album is missing some sexiness to it. I hope there are more tracks. I like what they have so far for sure. It's Grammy-worthy stuff without a doubt. But it doesn't quite make Judith Hill likeable, yet. She's just present. There is a lot of resentment and bitterness bubbling under the surface of the tracks which is fine. That establishes a sense of urgency and snaps us to attention. They have impeccable musicianship and solid songwriting for the most part. What's missing is charm. I know Judith has it, it's just not really jumping out at me from these 10 songs. The album needs a sexy song or two to take it to that next level. And perhaps a bit more world-building and ambience to take us deeper inside the sonic world they are creating. Very impressive record, though I don't think it's quite at that instant classic level in it's current form.

[Edited 3/24/15 15:53pm]

[Edited 3/24/15 15:54pm]

Zannaloaf said:

some of the sonfgs are really great. Cry,Cry,Cry being the best imo. Angel in the Dark and Beautiful Life are also nice. Hope she gets some promo and that people dont start calling her a protege. Her voice is pretty amazing imo- some of the songs a bit weak, which is a shame.

[Edited 3/23/15 13:32pm]

Why is she not protege? def: "a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced or influential person"

Seems pretty clear from interview that's more or less what happened. Also, who cares?

"As Trains Go By" is a speeded up "Xpand" with lyrics and a kick-ass female lead vocal!

A really cool album without a warning!

We'll see track 11 eventually, i'm sure.

Prost!

KeithyT said:

V10LETBLUES said:

My least favorite track is Angel in The Dark mostly because unlike most of the other tracks, more straight forwardly recorded sound, this one is smothered and ruined by terrible ham fisted production flourishes. I get that Prince wants to sound more modern, but it still comes down to taste, skill, and work. The production on that track still reeks of cheesiness. Not as bad as on AOA, but badly produced just the same. Sad because that's the one track with the most single potential. The track should be sent for remixing by a good producer and it could be their single.

It interesting how everyone's tastes differ so much. Angel In The a Dark is my favourite on first listen. I liked the modern take and thought it was the most successfully contemporary track Prince has produced in a while. I wouldn't have a clue how to achieve something like this so cannot even fathom calling it badly produced. I though it was perfect

...but,

that "Angel In The Dark" song is right on the tails of Katy Perry and Hanna Montana.

It has a few elevations, but the chorus is the same to me...

nayroo2002 said:

V10LETBLUES said:

nayroo2002 said:

...but,

that "Angel In The Dark" song is right on the tails of Katy Perry and Hanna Montana.

It has a few elevations, but the chorus is the same to me...

Yes, that's what they are aping, but those artist employ the best producers, producers who created this sound, not badly ape it to pander to their audience. If he wanted it to sound exactly like Max Martin, he should have hired the real thing like everybody elae. [Edited 3/24/15 14:03pm]

Like Mark Ronson?

Where's the line they draw?

Why wouldn't Prince try to play the game (without his name on the front cover)?

nayroo2002 said:

KeithyT said:

V10LETBLUES said:

My least favorite track is Angel in The Dark mostly because unlike most of the other tracks, more straight forwardly recorded sound, this one is smothered and ruined by terrible ham fisted production flourishes. I get that Prince wants to sound more modern, but it still comes down to taste, skill, and work. The production on that track still reeks of cheesiness. Not as bad as on AOA, but badly produced just the same. Sad because that's the one track with the most single potential. The track should be sent for remixing by a good producer and it could be their single.

It interesting how everyone's tastes differ so much. Angel In The a Dark is my favourite on first listen. I liked the modern take and thought it was the most successfully contemporary track Prince has produced in a while. I wouldn't have a clue how to achieve something like this so cannot even fathom calling it badly produced. I though it was perfect

Thank you!

Did anyone else get an unplayable last track of "Back In Time?"

I downloaded the file twice and keep getting a track with 0:00 play time.

V10LETBLUES said:

then you see where I'm coming from.

I see where you're coming from.

I just don't know where you are!

Your perception of music is entirely yours.

Not mine.

Prince still has something to offer, and i think he's reaching a bit, but i'm thinkin' he still wants to keep a finger in the current musical pop field. "U Know" should have been the single with that line of thinking. I also am the mind that he would rather try these type of ideas (and trends mixed within his fortè) with a younger talent.

He ain't gonna write and record another 'Purple Rain'.

Why wouldn't he try new/old/current things out with another talent?

ea1313 said:

Did anyone else get an unplayable last track of "Back In Time?"

I downloaded the file twice and keep getting a track with 0:00 play time.

There is no track eleven.

Apperently, for you, there is no reading the entire thread.

Also, i'm the biggest schmuck on the .org.

nayroo2002 said:

ea1313 said:

Did anyone else get an unplayable last track of "Back In Time?"

I downloaded the file twice and keep getting a track with 0:00 play time.

There is no track eleven.

Apperently, for you, there is no reading the entire thread.

Also, i'm the biggest schmuck on the .org.

OK, I missed YOUR post. I didn't read all the replies, especially not negative ones. I will form my own opinion.

I still have to listen and look forward to it with open ears. I just wanted to make sure I had the complete album, or all that is available so far.

tatocorcu said:

thedance said:

Ok, mods...


what a pity this thread was moved away from the more popular forum Prince: Music & More.

Because no one (less) are gonna watch this thread now.......

My thoughts exactly, I never understand the point of being so anal about what goes in each forum when the concert, associated artists and websites forums are pretty much dead...

I agree. This is the most current "Prince" news out there. It's a shame it was moved to associated artists, when Prince himself is sending out emails promoting this thing which is essentially a Prince album. Meanwhile the mod-generated 'Prince and The Time' remember-when photo thread which seems to have no point whatsoever is still in the "Prince" forum.

is this the same band that performed with her?

Fury said:

Judith Hills "Back in Time" and how it fits in the cannon of Prince music.

Wild Tonight: Invokes the spirit and sound of the Blackbyrds “Do it, Fluid”. The NPG horns are well utilized and augments the track. This song is really fun, lively and full of energy. Ms. Hill does what she does here.

Prince’s spacey vocals appear toward the end, asking the listener “Don’t U ever wanna go Wild Tonight”. Prince’s delivery is really fun and playful, followed by a voice akin found at the end of “The Gold Standard”

Cry, Cry, Cry:This opens like “Satisfied” but only that observation sells this song short. This track opens up and builds to new levels, exploring more musical terrain. Another great soulful vocal delivery. It invokes the spirit and sound of Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and other artists but especially that style of 70’s soul. The chorus is delivered in a pleading type manner and really works well. This is also where perhaps Judith’s talents shine the best on the whole album.

Jammin in the Basement: The song is a jam, so far of the year. Prince is on the keys in a Ray Charles-esque funky sort of way. At the 2:35 mark the NPG horns shine soloing over the incredibly funky foundation that Prince has built. Judith’s performance easily carries this song effortlessly. Perhaps my favorite spot musically on this album. The best recorded usage of the NPG horns so far. This is a really strong closer musically (If thats what it really is)

Back in Time: Whether this 1 second track is an ode to the silence from on Sly Stone’s “There’s A Riot Going On”, or a slight pause to consider back in time music sounded like this. A file error or a track that will soon be revealed when this album becomes available at a retail or download level.

Overall, I think this is a very sucessful project for what its trying to be. I feel this is where Prince is really at right now and musically I really enjoy that. it doesn't give me the sometimes cold feel of "AOA" or "Plectrum Electrum". For an debut artist, this is an incredibly strong record.

Big Chick

"Security Ensuring Thee"

[Edited 3/24/15 16:19pm]

[Edited 3/24/15 16:20pm]

[Edited 3/24/15 16:24pm]

[Edited 3/24/15 16:54pm]

[Edited 3/24/15 20:50pm]

funksterr said:

BigChick said:

Judith Hills "Back in Time" and how it fits in the cannon of Prince music.

At this juncture and point of time in Prince's career, its easy for me to say i'm really interested in watching Prince more as a producer and songwriter for other artists than solo projects. Like everyone here, we were questioned by who's Judy Hill and why is this record important. I, like most people knew of Judith for being Michael Jacksons main backround singer from the "This is it" tour ,where she really had an oppurtunity to shine. We all know what happened. Going in cold, listening to a new Prince production without any hype behind it is such a breathe of fresh air. So, what is this album ?

As Trains Go By: The album opens with sound of a crackling vinyl, as perhaps to convey the feeling of a lost soul record from the 60’s or 70’s. “Like Cee-Lo Green in a sea of red light. Might as well be famous because I ain’t gonna be white. One way or another I know I’ll be alright. As trains go by. Bedtime’s out of sight.”. The music sounds warm and has a real slow burn funk groove but it’s also dirty and bass heavy. It also recalls the groove and tempo of a track along the lines of “3121”. Judith’s vocals are very strong, soulful incredibly well suited for this type of material. The theme is about being strong in times of social injustice. D’angelo’s “Charade” addressed some of the similar issues but as perhaps in response to that track, Prince as a song writer is more topical with lines such as “How can the chokehold never be on TV. Still be okay with the NYPD”. The line “While Martin sleeps. Brother Malcom is awake” strikes me as no matter who’s sleeping someone is always on guard. “Dreamer” also addressed the issue of not being asleep to reality or taking a blind eye.

Turn Up: This is a really warm, colorful and lively track but also built on more of the tempo of “As Trains Go By”. The bass is even deeper and it recalls the feeling of listening to War or perhaps Sly and the Family Stone. It’s biographical in the sense that it reveals Judith’s background to the listener and her struggles with business. “Straight out of North Holly-fornia. 20 feet away from every star”. Prince shares the vocal duties with Judith trading, switching and swirling between the lines and sometimes together. The chorus is a faster Sly Stone-esque rave up. It also recalls “Turn Me Loose” which debuted in 2008, but never officially released. Prince’s comical monologue calling out fake people towards the end of the song is super animated and gave me a big chuckle. Judith’s road has been challenging, but theres a pay off if you show and prove.

Angel in the Dark: Perhaps the most modern sounding song production wise. This song could easily fit within the contemporary Zeitgeist of todays pop music. The production and chorus recall the urgency found in a track such as “U Know”. This type of production brings Josh's talents to the table. And I think he did a very good job .The theme of the song seems to be of faith and believing in that “something else”. Also the strength of the spirit. Finding the light in a large room. Nice lyrical callback to “Something In the Water”

There was a song called “Angel Wish” that made an appearance during a Dj Rashida set back in January 17, 2013 at the Dakota. It could be possible that this song could be a revamped version of that song. Beautiful Life. This is a really strong track and I hope it proves to be a success for Judith.

Beautiful Life: The song opens with the tickling of piano keys complimented by strings. The arrangement takes it’s time, giving the song a chance to breathe before bringing itself to the chorus.Which is the strong suit of the song. Judith’s vocal stylings are incredibly strong soulful and sung from the heart. Reminds me of "The Love We Make in Spirit". This song is a declaration of joy.

Cure: Opens up with some very happy piano reminiscent of “Everybody Wants What They Don’t Got”. The Npg horns uplift with the spirits and give this song a real swing. It’s really full sounding and colorful in musical stylings. Musically a cure for the blues.

Love Trip: A breezy jazz, late night type of arrangement with a lyrical theme that recalls a more uptempo “Mellow” not only in delivery but also lyrically seductive.”Why don’t U come a little bit closer and let me hypnotize U 2 the rhythm of my heartbeat”. One of my favorite songs on the album. The chorus is delivered in a very playful Cab Calloway “Minnie the Moocher” sort of way. Prince’s repeated chant of “Love trip” with the vocal effects adds a level of trippyness to the scene. I would love to see this song performed live.

My People: Ventures back into the territory found on the first 2 tracks but more accentuated by the NPG horns. This one would be the last song to honestly grow on me. Thats not a bad thing. I just feel I’ve already been here at this point in the album. But it still reinforces themes of the album.

Wild Tonight: Invokes the spirit and sound of the Blackbyrds “Do it, Fluid”. The NPG horns are well utilized and augments the track. This song is really fun, lively and full of energy. Judith does what she does here.

Prince’s spacey vocals appear toward the end, asking the listener “Don’t U ever wanna go Wild Tonight”. Prince’s delivery is really fun and playful, followed by a voice akin found at the end of “The Gold Standard”

Cry, Cry, Cry:This opens like “Satisfied” but only that observation sells this song short. This track opens up and builds to new levels, exploring more musical terrain. Another great soulful vocal delivery. It invokes the spirit and sound of Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and other artists but especially that style of 70’s soul. The chorus is delivered in a pleading type manner and really works well. This is also where perhaps Judith’s talents shine the best on the whole album.

Jammin in the Basement: The song is a jam, so far of the year. Prince is on the keys in a Ray Charles-esque funky sort of way. At the 2:35 mark the NPG horns shine soloing over the incredibly funky foundation that Prince has built. Judith’s performance easily carries this song effortlessly. Perhaps my favorite spot musically on this album. The best recorded usage of the NPG horns so far. This is a really strong closer musically (If thats what it really is)

Back in Time: Whether this .01 second track is an ode to the silence from on Sly Stone’s “There’s A Riot Going On”, or a slight pause to consider back in time music sounded like this. A file error or a track that will soon be revealed when this album becomes available at a retail or download level.

Overall, I think this is a very sucessful project for what its trying to be. I feel this is where Prince is really at right now and musically I really enjoy that. it doesn't give me the sometimes cold feel of "AOA" or "Plectrum Electrum". For an debut artist, this is an incredibly strong record.

Big Chick

"Security Ensuring Thee"

[Edited 3/24/15 16:19pm]

[Edited 3/24/15 16:20pm]

[Edited 3/24/15 16:24pm]

[Edited 3/24/15 16:54pm]

As I heard track 1, I thought, ok, here comes another 5 minute spin off project. But by the time I head track 2 and 3, I was really pleased, Overall, I'm really enjoying this.

If P produced Angel In The Dark then he has still got the modern ear. He just obviously doesn't always want to use it with him own material.

funksterr said:

controversy99 said:

funksterr said:

I agree. This is the most current "Prince" news out there. It's a shame it was moved to associated artists, when Prince himself is sending out emails promoting this thing which is essentially a Prince album. Meanwhile the mod-generated 'Prince and The Time' remember-when photo thread which seems to have no point whatsoever is still in the "Prince" forum.

So would you rather have it PM&M with the subject "A Note from Prince"? That seemed very odd to me. If i was running the Org website (which I'm obviously not), I'd put the thread on her album's internet release in Associated Artists AND put a story on the homepage announcing "Prince's new project is an album by Judith Hill" or something like that. It's really outside of my comprehension how the Org folks decides what goes on the homepage. This album Seems like an obvious candidate.

I'm sure it's been said but the Prince part on Turn Up 2:26-2:40 is so fuuny. The way it ends has me in stiches. Funniest thing he's ever put on record?

controversy99 said:

funksterr said:

I agree. This is the most current "Prince" news out there. It's a shame it was moved to associated artists, when Prince himself is sending out emails promoting this thing which is essentially a Prince album. Meanwhile the mod-generated 'Prince and The Time' remember-when photo thread which seems to have no point whatsoever is still in the "Prince" forum.

So would you rather have it PM&M with the subject "A Note from Prince"? That seemed very odd to me. If i was running the Org website (which I'm obviously not), I'd put the thread on her album's internet release in Associated Artists AND put a story on the homepage announcing "Prince's new project is an album by Judith Hill" or something like that. It's really outside of my comprehension how the Org folks decides what goes on the homepage. This album Seems like an obvious candidate.

The subject line of the email sent from Prince read : A Note From Prince. If Prince is emailing folks that is definitely Prince news. So yeah the title is appropriate and in no way odd. The "Prince and The Time" thread has sat in the PM&M forum for weeks even though it features essentially nothing but old reposted pics and info by one mod. It's kind of odd that this thread, was moved after 1 day, but the other more useless assoiciated artist thread remains in PM&M. This thread would seem to be much more relevant to anyone looking for Prince news.

[Edited 3/24/15 18:02pm]

When and how will we know which tunes Prince wrote or co-wrote? Maybe Prince should be on The Voice. we need to know for http://www.neosoul.com/mu...jams2.html

follow Neo-Soul on twitter.com/NeoSoulTM

Interesting, I just got the LiveNation email about 15 min ago (11pmish Eastern time U.S., 3/24/15), about a day and a half after the emails first started going out. Maybe they are staggering it to keep from overloading their system?

Anyway, still digging this release. Thanks, Prince & Judith!!