First off, thanks to Mr. Bobby Friction (BBC Radio 1) for inviting me down to the 3121 media launch/listening party today. I owe you one Bobby!

As we arrived there, the walls in front of the club had "Prince - 3121" logos on them...We went inside, were ordered to leave all bags and cellphones in the dressing room...and proceeded into the main room, complete with more logos on the mirrors on 3 out of 4 walls, and purple lights lighting the entire room. Enjoyed some of the free food and champagne...and then it was announced...A guy from Universal made a small introduction about what a genius P is, and then..."ladies and gentleman...this is 3121".

* 3121

Title track, a killer midtempo funk jam. "don't you wanna come? 3121...you can come, but y'all cant never leave" is how the hook went, i believe. Camille-ish pitched and distorted kinda vocals. AWESOME guitar solo at the end. At the end, Prince says something to the effect of "It's goin down...like the berlin wall"


* Lolita

KILLER!!! This song hit me straight away, up-tempo synth-dominated melodic pop. This has "HIT" written ALL over it. It reminds me of "Soft & Wet", 2006 style, but with a lot more SEX. yeh thats right, SEX. In true Prince style. He seems to be talking about a bad girl, she's bad, but not bad enough to make him cheat on his partner. The hook goes "Lolita, So sweet-uh, but you won't make a cheater out of me!"....interesting to note a very Time-ish bridge at the end, with Prince shouting "Fellas!, How bad's this girl", and they reply "Bad!", and then it switches to "Lolita! How bad are you girl!" and a female voice says "Bad!" and something else is said (I forget what)....This song oozes fun and party, and has all the makings of a classic Prince hit.


* Te Amo Corazon

works very well in sequencing terms, the slow down after lolita is perfect. no difference to the already released version.

* Black Sweat

no different to the released version.

* I Don't Want To All Night

This appears to have Tamar on backing vocals. Didn't stand out TOO much though, it had that Cher vocal effect where the vocal changes pitch suddenly (if you know what I mean), like what happens when you put autotune on overdrive. that kinda effect. mid-tempo jam, good, I really enjoyed it.


* Love Is Forever

My FAVORITE tune on the album. This one is absolutely murderous. Up-tempo space-age electro-funk, just how i like it! It reminds me of what would happen if Prince jammed with Bootsy and Roger on some futuristic funky shit. The hook didnt hit me straight away, but there's a really melodic bridge that reminded me of something Janet might have done on "Rhythm Nation" , and by the end of the tune, the repeated "love is forever" will be stuck in your head. The sounds on this track are out of this world. Prince is really innovating on this one.



* Satisfied

Basically just a bluesy studio version of how it sounded at the NAACP awards. Didn't stand out too much to me.

* Fury

The bad news? Slightly overproduced IMO, the guitars were OK, but too low in the mix. No Tamar vox thankfully, and Prince makes up for the guitars being low with a TIGHT as hell vocal performance, absolutely spot on. I love it.


* Let's Do Something

I can't remember too much about this one, but I remember liking it.

* Beautiful, Loved And Blessed

I went outside for a smoke when this came on. Not a fan of this really. Too much Tamar. The same as the released version.


* The Dance

I would say this is the weakest track on the album. It didn't stand out to me very much at all. The drum pattern INSTANTLY reminded me of "The Beautiful Ones"....and at the end of the track, Prince screams "baby baby baby" JUST like Beautiful Ones...Sadly, it's not as catchy as that classic. It starts off very dark and almost goth-like, the intro was very Trent Reznor.

* Get On The Boat

Great funk-jam, not electro, but a nod to James/Sly, complete with horns. When it started, I said to Bobby "That's gotta be Maceo" .Sheila E does a great percussion solo, and sure enough, halfway through, Prince shouts "Maceo!" and Mr. Parker launches into a great solo, as does Sheila, as does Prince playing a very jazzy solo on the piano, all in unison. Great stuff.


---The Conclusion---

Prince's MOST consistent work in years. Puts 95% of his 1990's output to absolute shame. If this album is not a hit, it will be because Universal fucked up on the promo, but with all the money spent on the party today, they seem to be doing a good job. Myself and Bobby are both BIG fans, and we agreed it was our favorite album since LoveSexy. Absolutely stellar, I haven't been this excited about Prince's material for a while. This one is for the fans, and to show everyone else who invented the electro-funk Minneapolis style that everyone tries to copy these days. And he still does it better than anyone else.

This album WILL be big. Mark my words. It's absolutely stellar, with very little filler. Out of 12 tunes, I would give 6 of them 9/10. Even the weakest track is still at least a 6/10.....Overall I would give the album 8/10.....it's the best thing I've heard in a long time....


Sorry my review was kinda brief, I've had a long day and I'm absolutely knackered. If you wanna know anything else, orgnote me and I will try and remember. I can't wait till this album gets released. You better believe I'll be first in the queue to buy it.


DON'T YOU WANNA COME? 3121!!!!!
[Edited 2/17/06 19:47pm]

WOW!Thanks for the review. Can't wait until the CD is released. Thank you .

Great review!!!! Can't wait for it 2 b leaked!

And then of course i'll buy it!!!
[Edited 2/17/06 14:50pm]

Awesome, thanks Simon - you really came through!

Sounds great - looking forward to hear it myself!

Thanks for the nice review. Now I am more willing to buy the album in a few weeks.

Militant said:

That is exactly what I was trying to say over here:

http://www.prince.org/msg/7/177110

and got poo-poo'ed

amyhr said:

Right, but I've heard the whole album, and you haven't.


I wouldn't say that the SNL Fury is representative of the album version either - the synths are FAR more predominant on the studio version than on SNL. Guitars still there, but lower.

Already posted in 3121 sticky but here it is again:

I attended the London playback of 3121 this afternoon and have been smiling like a stupid kid since. This is the album that we’ve all been waiting for – it is simply SPECTACULAR.

Granted, BLAB should be replaced but, other than that, we’re talking about the sort of album you really won’t ever need to hit the skip button with. I know I don’t post much but I’m familiar with the strong opinions here on the org and I genuinely think this will be the album that will make you all shut the fuck up!

Personally, I think this album represents Prince embracing his past instead of constantly trying to run away for it. I don’t know if that comment will make sense to everyone but, for me personally, there were so many musical references to his 80s work that you can’t help but think he’s finally decided accept his former persona. There’s no obvious bible-bashing or preaching which is also a huge relief for me. Also, this is the first time Prince actually sounds “current” production wise. In my opinion, every time he’s tried to sound like he’s “down with the kids”, it’s just cringe worthy. This is a far cry from the plasticy overproduction of NPS, EMANCIPATION, RAVE et al.

I’ll try not to repeat everything that’s been said in the track-by-track descriptions so far.

1) 3121 – An absolutely phenomenal opener. Reminds me a little of “Crystal Ball” in its experimental structure, layering of instrumentation and production. There has already been a reference to the CAMILLE voice. I can see what this reviewer means but it’s not really the Camille of old, I don’t think. Where the original Camille was a bit of an “analog accident” for lack of a better description (I remember some story about his engineer recording the vocal way too hot by accident and getting the Camille effect), this vocal on 3121 is digital and crystal clear. It sounds like he’s just duplicated the main vocal and pitch shifted it up an octave in this case. There’s also a slamming drum loop that has the kind of thuddy-crunchiness of DAYS OF WILD. Lots of distortion, fuzz and slick guitar effects. An instant favourite.

2) Lolita – A bit too campy for me, personally. Lots of synth, very upbeat, very poppy. Not bad by any means – but just not my cup of tea.

3) TAC – You already know

4) Black Sweat – Ditto

5) All Night Long - Ok, now I can actually picture this track being played in a club…and I can’t remember the last time I heard a non-80s Prince track in public. Prince actually sounds really contemporary here. There’s some cool drum programming and a pseudo-reggae drum break done Prince style.

6) Love is Forever – Can’t remember the details here. I remember a very slick-funky verse that bled into a cheesier chorus. There is some SICK rhythm guitar here, though.

7) Satisfied –Unplug the phones, turn down the lights – this is the song to get busy to for a whole weekend. Nice blues progression with some awe-inspiring horn arrangements. Reminded me a bit of On The Couch in places. If anything, it ends too soon.

8) Fury – You all know this track already but I have to say one thing: I was sitting next to two stonefaced middle-aged music journalists… and their jaws just dropped when the guitar ripped in. Anyone who has a remote connection to the music press will know what a stubborn and cynical bunch of dickheads they can be. So that was a pleasant sight to see.

9) Let’s Do Something – Funky acoustic guitar riff at the intro and a vocal that has a lot of the low end cut out so it sounds like Prince is singing down the phone. It’s not overdone and the vocal melody is really simple and infectious. There’s a killer guitar solo and some nice percussion towards the end.

10) BLAB – Bleugh. Get rid of it.

11) The Dance – I never listened to the NPGMC version much but I quite like this one. It’s much darker and very cinematic with its use of strings. There’s a definite tango feel and some nice staccato piano work. It has as outro with Prince screaming and pleading.

12) Boat – Holy shit . Words cannot do this track justice. This is OLD SCHOOL!!! I was instantly reminded of TOWER OF POWER’S WHAT IS HIP. It’s also like PRETTYMAN meets THE WORK….yet better than both combined!!! Prince does James Brown – but better than he’s ever done it before. Nice solo from Maceo and some absolutely fucking insane bass and percussion work. Definitely an instant favourite for me. I had my funky face glued on for the whole track and would have got up and danced if my professional reputation didn’t depend on it.

OK, now rip me apart.

Thanks for the review. Can't wait to pick it up. So far from this reading this,
it sounds like P has found the funk again.

Militant said:

well to you!



It's all good -- when the album comes out people will be returning to my thread and singing my praise! Oh, I amuse myself too much...

hmmmm the comments on THE DANCE not standing out?

Another review said it was his best ballad in a LONG TIME and he screams in it, etc.....

anyone else?

Glad to hear people reference Prettyman...probably the best song off of Rave.

Lil disappointed in the inclusions of Satisfied and BLAB and The Dance reworked(tho I love that song). I think he could have given us 3 other songs. But it sounds like I'll like this album. Thanks for the reviews.

Fantastic!

My excitement for this CD continues to build

Finally time for P to really really shine!!!

2004
1984
2006
1986
Get on the boat - 3121

w00t!

Partyman

Prince's new purple patch
By BECI WOOD
Sun Online

MINIATURE maestro Prince invited The Sun Online down to the UK’s first playback of his eagerly-anticipated album 3121.


After several failed attempts at re-launching his career in recent years, I can confidently say this hour-long collection of pop, rock, Latin and funk tunes proves Prince is back to the highs of Purple Rain and 1999.

His shock conversion to become a Jehovah Witness and experiment with jazz-infused sounds left many long-term fans out in the cold, however 3121 thankfully shows Prince has definitely re-learnt how to write irresistibly catchy pop songs.

The pint-sized singer was elusive as ever, revealing only the name of his forthcoming single Black Sweat.

Sounding similar to Pharrell Williams, the track showcases minimalist funk alongside hip hop beats and brings back memories of 1986 hit Kiss and 1991 Gett Off.

Another track worth mentioning is Spanish sounding No3.

Sources say it will be titled Te Amo Corazon and its slow and seductive Latino beats should definitely help you get smooching on the dance floor.

It is also evident the LP showcases a return to the raunchy lyrics about sex and women that had dominated so many of his songs from Dirty Mind to The Black Album in the late 80s and early 90s

This is particularly evident in track No7 which reminded me of 1987 hit Sign Of The Times.

And No10, which I assume will be called Beautiful, shows off the artist’s diverse vocal range to perfection.

In the song he flits between deep tones and a very high feminine voice

A number of star performers, including saxophonist legend Maceo Parker and Sheila E, also join the superstar on the album.

Despite a few weaker tracks, I’m confident 3121 will land a Top 10 spot on its March 20 release.

Madonna may still reign as the Queen Of Pop, but could Prince return to the throne as King?

What a bloody good album this is going to be. Thank you so much for these reviews, I must admit when I heard Te Ano, I got forboding, Fury and Black Sweat could have been the best and I would have accepted that, but thankfully they seem to be even bettered by other tracks. 3121, yes I do want to come!!!

What's all this about "return". The man "returned" in 2004. Doesn't anyone remember?

superspaceboy said:

To be fair, that was just in the US. The UK didn't get much of Musicology in the same way you guys did.

Saying that, Im an easily pleased Prince fan who thinks Chaos & Disorder is absolutely wonderful, so 3121 it seems is going to put by brain into meltdown.

NewFunk said:

There’s no obvious bible-bashing or preaching ==> you mean like on Lovesexy or saying the Lords Prayer word for word during Controversy. You people are so mixed up you don't even realize that Price has been preaching the gospel for 30 years in his music. Its the music that is different here not the messages!!! Price has been singing about salvation and all those this revolving around that for his entire career. Lord people in this forum are so damn confused...let alone dense
[Edited 2/19/06 20:28pm]

ohhh SHIT

can't wait can't wait CAN'T WAIT!!!

Sounds like it's going to be another good Prince album by the numbers.
i crack myself up (1999, 3121, get it?)
thanks for the reviews!
i'm really looking forward to more electro-funk punk
oh yeah, whatever happened to that song, "vibe"??
anyway
i don't remember the last time i've been this excited about a new Prince album

bring it on!!!!

I can't wait, my God. I think that we're going to have a new master album. I feel a newbie in the Prince world again...


Thank you for sharing your experience.

2020 said:

Prince is back to the highs of Purple Rain and 1999.

As I said just last night when a couple of people began posting reviews of the record and complained about it being a Pop record. Prince is a Pop artists. sure he does other forms but it is his Pop records that get him the most acclaim. Last night I also sighted that among the many Pop records hes done 1999 and Purple rain were classic and hoped that 3121 reverted to that form and not the form of an NPS or Rave or Diamonds and Pearls. I hope this writer is correct! That would be very exciting. Theres is absolutely nothing wrong with a dynamite Pop record and perhaps just perhaps we finally got another one from Prince! By the way this is not a diss on brilliant records like Sign, Lovesexy or Parade they just on a whole really weren't designed as Pop records

Thanks for the review.. everybody listens just a little differently so it was good to hear your take on the album and it gives us a lot to look forward to. I think I am one of the few in those that don't mind the Tamar vocals.. I became more of a fan after listening to her closely on the vanguard jam video.. singing a song that not many women can pull off. I am really looking forward to this album.

Thanks

Alexandernvrmind said:

Don't get your knickers in a twist. P did indeed embrace religion and spirituality in the past, I totally agree. *** But it was always balanced with an appreciation of the carnal and the sensual***

The last few releases prior to 3121, however, include preaching that's certainly more agressive ... and without a sensual/corporal aspect to counteract it. Surely you can see that?

Thank you Militant and NewFunk for your reviews! I can truly say that I am amped up for this CD. And it comes out a few days before my birthday, man it's so on! Bring on 3121!!!!
[Edited 2/17/06 16:58pm]

SammiJ said:

Um, me, too, kinda...