Gold is my favorite song on that album. I Like during the break down when shouts "1-2, 1-2-3" And then he just tears into that guitar solo. P-Control cracks me up. That song should've been released as a b-side to one of his Purple Rain singles during the 80's. It would've topped the charts like "Erotic City" did. Good album altogether. In my opinion it was his 2nd best album of the 90's behind Diamonds and Pearls.

With this CD Prince declared not only was he back (well sort of, he was still called O(-+> then), but he was back with a vengance. The sounds on this CD just tear though you. It's loud and raccus and the best part is Prince is back to playing guitar! He's such a talented guitar player and it's terrific (and long overdue) to hear those talents featured once again.

The presentation of the music is set up to be like you're clicking your way through some cyber world, dipping into the various 'experiences'. A computer-like voice introduces the CD and is heard many times throughout along with keyboard punches and assorted beeps and blips. It's a great idea, but one that might ultimatley date the CD.

Fortunately the music included here will wipe out any bad taste left by the computer host. Things start off with a bang with the rocking 'P Control' and 'Endorphinmachine' before hitting the gentle groove of 'Shh'. 'We March' is a song about racism, that offers some interesting lyrics, but is probably the weakest song here. "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World' gets a much more guitar and drum based treatment than what was heard on the radio and 'Dolphin' is all about rebirth, transformation and reincarnation. 'Now' and '319' are so full of energy and immediacy, they drag you to the dancefloor and won't let go. 'Shy', 'Billy Jack Bitch' and 'I Hate U' form a trilogy of sorts. Telling the story of meeting a girl, falling for her and then the messy relationship that follws. It's raunchy, it's raw and it's pure heaven to hear! The CD closes with 'Gold' which is anthemic like 'Purple Rain' and 'The Holy River' but surpasses them in that it feels so urgent.

That's the one thing that stands out to me. This is an urgent sound. I've never heard Prince sound like this. It's a sound of such heartfelt energy that it just HAS to be heard, and it has to be heard NOW. It's an amazing experience. A GOLD experience. Don't miss out on it.

Okay, bad news first. The operator segues between tracks get irritating after multiple listens. I understand The Artist's reasoning behind this, because it does bring continuity to an otherwise diverse and broad-reaching album. But, I guess I'd just like more music and less talk.

That aside, the music on this album is nothing short of brilliant - some of the best you will hear. This is The Artist's guitar playing at its best, and this is the NPG at its best. Listen to the Michael Bland's drum solo on track 4, or Tommy Barbarella's keyboard solo on track 3...the NPG is as tight as I've ever heard it. Prince's playing is pure genius - his solos are phenominal and his singing is mind-blowing - the scream he manages on "Endorphinmachine" is reason enough to buy this album.

Even more amazing than the playing, are the vehicles used to deliver the playing - the songs themselves. They are ambitious, diverse, and all excellent. "Gold" the title (and closing) track, is a magnum opus for Prince, combining multiple styles into a grandiose rock piece. Supplementing this last track are other gems like "Endorphinmachine" (hardcore funk-rock), "Shh" (slow R&B), "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World" (R&B meets old school Doo-Wop), and others.

This CD will keep you dancing from start to finish. More than that, it will keep your jaw dropped and your mind open. It's pure genius, and pure Prince






Prince has a lot of albums that I would rate 5 stars, but I would say that this is his best. All the songs are great and each one sounds different. "Shhh" is a little weaker than the rest and the npg operator gets old after awhile, but other than that it's perfect. "Gold" is one of the most amazing songs that I've ever heard. It's worth the price just for that one alone! They really ought to put this album back in print. I'm pretty sure that the album went gold so it's not like it wasn't selling very well.






Hey Prince could still be brilliant. This album is proof. Hard edged genius funk rock and ballads with amazing production, melodies, harmonies, playing etc. A MUST HAVE. Hard to find but worth it.









I stumbled across this out of print album and fortunately bought it at a reasonable price AND in perfect condition...just a terrific album...an undervalued gem...the other reviewers have already extolled its virtues so I'll just say that I HIGHLY recommend seeking it out and buying it. Enjoy!

Gold is my favorite song on that album. I Like during the break down when shouts "1-2, 1-2-3" And then he just tears into that guitar solo. P-Control cracks me up. That song should've been released as a b-side to one of his Purple Rain singles during the 80's. It would've topped the charts like "Erotic City" did. Good album altogether. In my opinion it was his 2nd best album of the 90's behind Diamonds and Pearls.