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.

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 realized 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

* 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.

If it's as good as The Gold Experience I'll be happy...