From Billboard - November 6, 1999 - Page 101



The Artist's 'Rave' Is Wide-Ranging

by Larry Flick



"Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic" is The Artist Formerly Known As Prince's first album released on his NPG label in conjunction with Arista Records. Following is a track listing. All songs were written by The Artist, except "Everyday Is A Winding Road," written by Sheryl Crow, Jeff Trott, and Brian McLeod.



"Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic"

Anthemic party jam on which The Artist flexes a soulful falsetto amid metallic guitar flourishes and percussive funk rhythms.



"Undisputed"

Public Enemy's Chuck D guests on this bass-heavy, hip-hop-spiked cut on which The Artist offers prickly commentary on the music industry. "Commercialism of the music is what brought it down," he says.



"The Greatest Romance Ever Sold"

Infectious pop/funk confection offset by a lushly layered chorus and an insistent, scratch-framed beat. The first single.



"Hot Wit U"

Lean, sexy hip-hop jam that features a seductive guest rap by Eve from the Ruff Ryders.



"Tangerine"

Concise, jazz-kissed acoustic ballad that combines one of The Artist's more instantly memorable melodies with sweet, mildly poetic lyrics.



"So Far, So Pleased"

No Doubt's Gwen Stefani duets on this rousing, guitar-drenched pop/rocker.



"The Sun, The Moon & The Stars"

Jazzy staccato beats and a lilting falsetto vocal by The Artist distinguish this romantic, R&B-laced ballad.



"Everyday Is A Winding Road"

Sheryl Crow's 1996 hit is transformed into a stomping funk jam.



"Segue"

Brief, quasi-classical string interlude.



"Man O' War"

Blues-inflected soul cut on which The Artist deftly darts from throaty baritone to smooth falsetto - while unleashing a spree of Jimi Hendrix-style guitar licks.



"Baby Knows"

Crow provides a sultry guest vocal and harmonica lines on this swaggering guitar-rocker, which boasts a sing-along chorus. "Sheryl's truly brilliant," The Artist says. "She's only begun to tap into all she has to say and share."



"I Love U, But I Can't Trust U Anymore"

Ani DiFranco plays guitar on this stark, intense ballad on which The Artist delivers one of his most heartfelt performances to date. He says working with DiFranco was "like playing in a sandbox with your best friend. She's a beautiful spirit."



"Silly Game"

Subtle, string-laden retro-soul ballad. The Artist shows his chameleonlike vocal quality by dueting with himself on the cut with two distinctively different voices.



"Strange But True

Atmospheric funk jam is framed by spoken verses that paint a myriad of pictures -- most of them fairly philosophical.



"Wherever U Go, Whatever U Do"

Wistful pop/rocker with a subtle, chugging beat and delicate guitar lines.



"Prettyman"

A hidden track. Funky and loose, it unfolds like a James Brown throwdown. Maceo Parker contributes a riotous saxophone solo.