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By Mark Richardson

THE ARTIST: RAVE UN2 THE JOY FANTASTIC

(Arista)


Once upon a time, it would have been difficult to imagine
the solipsistic Prince succumbing to guest-artist mania,
in which he devotes an entire album to jamming with friends
old and new. After all, this man recorded most of his best
works alone--producing, singing, and playing everything
himself. So, we wonder, what happened in order for Rave
Un2 the Joy Fantastic to become a showcase for The Artist
and his pals? Whatever the case, it doesn't suit the Purple
One. The best songs on Rave are the ones in which The
Artist works the microphone alone, as on the funky pop of
the title track, which bears a resemblance to his previous
toe-tapper "Kiss." Chuck D sounds out of place on
"Undisputed," the ballad "I Love U But I Don't Trust U
Anymore" features the logrolling efforts of Ani DiFranco,
and "Hot Wit U," featuring popular rapper Eve, fails to
generate sparks. This Artist was meant to go at it alone.