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PrintableHere's my updated review after hearing the album a few more times.
3121--Great opener. Relentlessly funky electronic beat and driving drums that reminds me of Crystal Ball. I love Prince's use of combining regular vocals with his Camille voice. An infectious song that both reintroduces you to the quirky charm of Prince and grabs your attention with an instantly catchy hook. (4.5/5) Lolita--Those classic synths really drive this song. A fun-spirited pop song with strong structure and a good sense of melody. (4/5) Te Amo Corazon--This song gains strength with the perspective given to it by its place on the album. Its gentle string arrangement and soft, romantic breeziness fits in perfectly here. (3.5/5) Black Sweat--Electro funk with effective falsetto vocals. This sounds like Prince reclaiming his old sound, and he does it with charming attitude. It's just a shame that it ends before it can really turn into something special and fully find itself. (3.5/5) Incense and Candles--The only bad song on the album. This is a rehash of every tired modern R&B act in music today, with its contrived attempt at sounding sensual and current. You know it's bad when Prince hides his beautiful voice under a vocoder. You could replace Prince and Tamar with Beyonce and Usher here and you'd never notice a difference. At least Tamar's vocals are sexy. (2/5) Love--Wonderfully energetic, vibrant techno noodlings in the same vein as Disc III of Emancipation, except here the production doesn't drown out the exceptionally strong melody. (4.5/5) Satisfied--I guess Prince thought he missed out on the potential of On the Couch, 'cause he seemed to want to re-record it here. That's pretty much all it is. It's a tighter, more focused, more engaging On the Couch, which had a decent amount of soul but felt like it was rambling. This song improves upon its basic foundation in every sense. (3.5/5) Fury--This song's biggest weakness is that the awesome SNL performance has proved deceptive. This is simply not a rock song, and I'm fine with that. It's a keyboards-driven pop rocker, and while Prince's vocals could've used more urgency, this song's incredibly fresh structure still shines here. It's really quite a well-crafted pop song, with a spirited hook, and fun lyrics. (4/5) The Word--Mature, thoughtful vocals from Prince that mesh well with the atmospheric tone of the music. Somewhat patchy lyrics here, but I at least appreciate that he preached his message without shoving blatant dogma down my throat. This is a really effective mood piece. (4/5) Beautiful, Loved, and Blessed--It's a generally pleasant R&B number with a positive message, and at least its place on the album makes sense, thematically. I still feel like it goes on a little long though, despite its enjoyable funk breakdown at the end. (3.5/5) The Dance--Incredibly atmospheric and somber, while maintaining a certain feeling of youthful romanticism. This isn't just great music; it's simultaneously good storytelling too. The strings really add a nice layer of understated dread to the whimsical romance of the piano and other instruments. Prince's inevitable emotional outburst at the end perfectly caps off the song. (4.5/5) Get on the Boat--A fitting closer in that it encapsalates the fun spirit of the album overall. Nice use of horns and an uplifting, if not a little familiar message of coming together while we still can conveyed in an unpretentious manner. (4/5) 3121 is a commercial Prince project that's refreshingly fused with his loveable quirkiness and vibrant attitude. It's just a shame that so many memorable songs with genuine hooks are joined by a few by-the-numbers cuts that, while mostly well made, come off as Prince coasting for the sake of being commercially safe. This is still quite a rebound from the uninspired, dead sound of Musicology though, and quite a fun album overall. It has so many sparks of ambition and life that were missing from past commercial attempts. Overall Score: 3.5/5 [Edited 3/7/06 10:28am] The world is a comedy for those who think and a tragedy for those who feel.
"You still wanna take me to prison...just because I won't trade humanity for patriotism." | |
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lspear76 said: PurpleCharm said: He should write age-neutral lyrics...how about that! What's an age-neutral lyric? You don't think there are 60 year old executives with beautiful rims on their beautiful cars? Is it really that serious? 
Look, it's obvious that you think it's appropriate for an almost 50 year old man to be rapping about his rims...I don't. IMO it comes across as forced and desperate. P should not feel that he has to appeal the the lowest common denominator of music listeners. I don't care how many hip terms P uses, he will not be considered cool by the masses of under 21 consumers. [Edited 3/7/06 10:21am] | |
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PurpleCharm said: lspear76 said: So, even if Prince has great rims on his car, he shouldn't mention them in his songs? What if he really loves those rims, hugs, kisses, and cleans them every day? Should Prince, instead, sing about things more his age, like getting a prostate exam? What if, Prince mentioned Xbox 360? Would he still be not acting his age? What if he grew up with "Atari" and was still a videogame fan? Isn't 40 something the new 30 something, anyway? Are there subjects Prince isn't allowed to talk about? He should write age-neutral lyrics...how about that!  even then, it wouldn't work out.
all's that i'm and some others here are saying, lou, is that he sounds awkward when he tries out the new-school colloquialisms. don't get mad over that, because it ain't worth the stress. seriously. | |
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PurpleCharm said: lspear76 said: What's an age-neutral lyric? You don't think there are 60 year old executives with beautiful rims on their beautiful cars? Is it really that serious?
Look, it's obvious that you think it's appropriate for an almost 50 year old man to be rapping about his rims...I don't. IMO it comes across as forced and desperate. P should not feel that he has to appeal the the lowest common denominator of music listeners. I don't care how many hip terms P uses, he will not be considered cool by the masses of under 21 consumers. [Edited 3/7/06 10:21am] By the way, what exactly is the "lowest common denominator" of music listeners? A song that will never be released as a single mentions "rims" and he's trying to appeal to "the lowest common denominator?" I don't get it. Please enlighten me. "Don't you think one of the charms of marriage is that it makes deception a necessity for both parties?" | |
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Handclapsfingasnapz said: PurpleCharm said: He should write age-neutral lyrics...how about that! even then, it wouldn't work out.
all's that i'm and some others here are saying, lou, is that he sounds awkward when he tries out the new-school colloquialisms. don't get mad over that, because it ain't worth the stress. seriously. It only sounds awkward if you're getting old. I'm sure Prince's lifestyle involves dating beautiful, young women and hanging around young people, driving beautiful cars. There's nothing really old about him. "Don't you think one of the charms of marriage is that it makes deception a necessity for both parties?" | |
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lspear76 said: PurpleCharm said: Is it really that serious?
Look, it's obvious that you think it's appropriate for an almost 50 year old man to be rapping about his rims...I don't. IMO it comes across as forced and desperate. P should not feel that he has to appeal the the lowest common denominator of music listeners. I don't care how many hip terms P uses, he will not be considered cool by the masses of under 21 consumers. [Edited 3/7/06 10:21am] By the way, what exactly is the "lowest common denominator" of music listeners? A song that will never be released as a single mentions "rims" and he's trying to appeal to "the lowest common denominator?" I don't get it. Please enlighten me. With the term "lowest common denominator" does that refer to teenagers? I'm not trying to blow up anything cause I'm not like that but I want to know too. I'm not a fan of "old Prince". I'm not a fan of "new Prince". I'm just a fan of Prince. Simple as that | |
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PurpleCharm said: lspear76 said: What's an age-neutral lyric? You don't think there are 60 year old executives with beautiful rims on their beautiful cars? Is it really that serious?
Look, it's obvious that you think it's appropriate for an almost 50 year old man to be rapping about his rims...I don't. IMO it comes across as forced and desperate. P should not feel that he has to appeal the the lowest common denominator of music listeners. I don't care how many hip terms P uses, he will not be considered cool by the masses of under 21 consumers. [Edited 3/7/06 10:21am] yup! i'm 25 years old, and like i had said some time ago on here, i've always thought that he's cool for simply being himself. | |
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Handclapsfingasnapz said: PurpleCharm said: Is it really that serious?
Look, it's obvious that you think it's appropriate for an almost 50 year old man to be rapping about his rims...I don't. IMO it comes across as forced and desperate. P should not feel that he has to appeal the the lowest common denominator of music listeners. I don't care how many hip terms P uses, he will not be considered cool by the masses of under 21 consumers. [Edited 3/7/06 10:21am] yup! i'm 25 years old, and like i had said some time ago on here, i've always thought that he's cool for simply being himself. But what is Prince being himself? I don't "get it" how you know what Prince is. You don't know him personally, don't hang with him in everyday life, don't talk to him on the phone, etc. What if Prince talks about his rims all day long? "Don't you think one of the charms of marriage is that it makes deception a necessity for both parties?" | |
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It's funny how most reviewers are giving the lowest ratings to the songs which have been out for a while. (TAC, BS, BLB, Fury)
Makes you wonder how the rest of the album will do after repeated listens. Not well I fear. "What a lovely fat beat with a zompige baslijn" | |
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lspear76 said: But what is Prince being himself?
doesn't take long to figure this question out on your own, if you've been a fan long enough and have been paying close attention. | |
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roanmairin said: It's funny how most reviewers are giving the lowest ratings to the songs which have been out for a while. (TAC, BS, BLB, Fury)
Makes you wonder how the rest of the album will do after repeated listens. Not well I fear. My rating of TAC actually went up half a star after hearing this album, and my reviews of BS, BLB and Fury have remained unchanged. The world is a comedy for those who think and a tragedy for those who feel.
"You still wanna take me to prison...just because I won't trade humanity for patriotism." | |
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Handclapsfingasnapz said: lspear76 said: But what is Prince being himself?
doesn't take long to figure this question out on your own, if you've been a fan long enough and have been paying close attention. Well, when I play "For You" I hear a bunch of synths, cheesy lyrics and disco music. Maybe that's "the real Prince." "Don't you think one of the charms of marriage is that it makes deception a necessity for both parties?" | |
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lspear76 said: Handclapsfingasnapz said: doesn't take long to figure this question out on your own, if you've been a fan long enough and have been paying close attention. Well, when I play "For You" I hear a bunch of synths, cheesy lyrics and disco music. Maybe that's "the real Prince." nope. | |
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lspear76 said: PurpleCharm said: Is it really that serious?
Look, it's obvious that you think it's appropriate for an almost 50 year old man to be rapping about his rims...I don't. IMO it comes across as forced and desperate. P should not feel that he has to appeal the the lowest common denominator of music listeners. I don't care how many hip terms P uses, he will not be considered cool by the masses of under 21 consumers. [Edited 3/7/06 10:21am] By the way, what exactly is the "lowest common denominator" of music listeners? A song that will never be released as a single mentions "rims" and he's trying to appeal to "the lowest common denominator?" I don't get it. Please enlighten me. The people that like the type of music P was talking about when he was schoolin' everyone in 2004- pre-packaged, producer driven music...you know, the core audience of Britney, Beyonce,Keyshia Cole,Mariah, etc. Does that help?  | |
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roanmairin said: It's funny how most reviewers are giving the lowest ratings to the songs which have been out for a while. (TAC, BS, BLB, Fury)
Makes you wonder how the rest of the album will do after repeated listens. Not well I fear. mmm, time will tell.  for me, this'll be another "take whatcha dig, leave whatcha don't" affair. | |
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Why am I even going back and forth about P using that line about the rims in I&C? I said I liked the song, damn. | |
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PurpleCharm said: Why am I even going back and forth about P using that line about the rims in I&C? I said I liked the song, damn.
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I must be in the twilight zone
I see better reviews over at Okayplayer than I do here on the Org The song "love" just ok? 2 and 1/2 stars out of 5 Is this really Prince.Org This album is good if not great You might as well stop checking for new Prince music right now if you ain't diggin this because you are never going to be satisfied. Bringing Together Five Decades of R&B/Funk/Soul/Dance
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It's just one bad line in one bad song. No big deal. The world is a comedy for those who think and a tragedy for those who feel.
"You still wanna take me to prison...just because I won't trade humanity for patriotism." | |
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intha916 said: I must be in the twilight zone
I see better reviews over at Okayplayer than I do here on the Org The song "love" just ok? 2 and 1/2 stars out of 5 Is this really Prince.Org This album is good if not great You might as well stop checking for new Prince music right now if you ain't diggin this because you are never going to be satisfied.   I've been waiting for this type of album for so long and so many other are in the some "boat" and to see a good number of people dogging it is kinda baffling but that's Prince music for you. Everyone has an opinion and it makes places like the org interesting.[Edited 3/7/06 10:49am] I'm not a fan of "old Prince". I'm not a fan of "new Prince". I'm just a fan of Prince. Simple as that | |
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I never thought i'd live to see the day where two whole pages would be given over to discuss Prince's rimming. | |
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the bassline in the title track does remind me of Days Of Wild.. but there is something about 3121 that I like better. | |
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BananaCologne said: I never thought i'd live to see the day where two whole pages would be given over to discuss Prince's rimming.
  | |
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BananaCologne said: I never thought i'd live to see the day where two whole pages would be given over to discuss Prince's rimming.
I'm not a fan of "old Prince". I'm not a fan of "new Prince". I'm just a fan of Prince. Simple as that | |
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Meloh9 said: the bassline in the title track does remind me of Days Of Wild.. but there is something about 3121 that I like better.
Yeah, it's a great tune. It makes me think of the Black Album, maybe the Camille like voice I guess. The dissonant guitar is awesome. This song is for the old school fans. "What a lovely fat beat with a zompige baslijn" | |
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BananaCologne said: I never thought i'd live to see the day where two whole pages would be given over to discuss Prince's rimming.
I wish the "org" existed when Diamonds and Pearls came out. I would love to hear the reactions to Jughead & Push. That was 15 years ago. On a related note, my score for "The Word" has increased to an "A." This is a killer track. It sounds like Ani Difranco. The best section of the album is from Love to The Word. 4 great tracks in a row. As it stands: 3121 (A) Lolita (A-) Te Amo (B+) Black Sweat (B-) My Rims (D) Love (A) Satisfied (A) Fury (A) The Word (A) BL&B (B) The Dance (A) Get on the Boat (B) "Don't you think one of the charms of marriage is that it makes deception a necessity for both parties?" | |
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lspear76 said: On a related note, my score for "The Word" has increased to an "A." This is a killer track. It sounds like Ani Difranco.
My Rims (D) | |
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"the word" and "Love" are great!!! A+
"...Like a Bird flying over the hill tops, Love is like the sky U know, it never stops...." woohoooo  Keenmeister |
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Hell I'm willing to give these songs all:
3121 (A) Lolita (A) Te Amo (A) Black Sweat (A) Incest & Candles (A) Love (A) Satisfied (A) Fury (A) The Word (A) BL&B (A) The Dance (A) Get on the Boat (A) It's just that perceived as a complete album and from the artistic viewpoint this album sucks ass beyond belief. Great songs, unimpressive album. And it's not just that it's unimpressive on the whole. It's also just so damn wrong [Edited 3/7/06 11:08am] | |
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3121 (B+)
Lolita (A) Te Amo (B-) Black Sweat (B+) My Rims (C-) Love (A-) Satisfied (B) Fury (A-) The Word (A) BL&B (C+) The Dance (B+) Get on the Boat (B-) "Lolita" would fit on Beck's Midnight Vultures (except it would have much better lyrics but the vocals wouldn't be a coolsexy)... "Love" sounds like Prince wants to mimic MJ (not follow him, but purposefully put out an MJ track)...his vocals at the beginning of this song could be straight from MJ himself if you didn't know better. "Fury" is MUCH darker and stomps MUCH harder than I first gave it credit for...I guess it's cuz I finally listened to it on headphones instead of my Sony computer speakers..lol... | |
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