http://www.latimes.com/en...3672.story


The doves can stop crying now
Richard Cromelin
March 19, 2006


"3121" (Universal)* * *

THE artist formerly known as out of his mind appears to have stabilized.

When Prince "liberated" himself from the major-label music business a decade ago, his musical course became so bewilderingly indulgent that even the occasional bright spot wasn't much cause for celebration, since he'd likely be back soon with something unlistenable.

But here's a sign o' changing times: He's followed 2004's return-to-form album, "Musicology," with another R&B-rock hybrid that recalls the days when he tossed off these gems with effortless brilliance. Like its predecessor, "3121" (due in stores Tuesday) looks backward for its inspiration rather than blazing new trails, but its quirkiness, playful tone and rhythmic irresistibility remind you why Prince ruled the world for a while.

Well, some things are new. In "Lolita," this onetime libertine actually rejects a young seductress' moves, discussing the matter in a funny call-and-response with the "fellas" in the band (also funny because Prince plays most all the instruments himself).

But there's plenty of lust too, concentrated most effectively in the spring-tight funk of "Black Sweat." Also spirituality (James Brown-style in "Get on the Boat"). And meaty, "Dirty Mind"-style synth hooks, florid ballads, soaring melodies, even something that sounds like a Tom Petty rocker ("Fury").

Uneven? No question. Entertaining? Is the rain purple?


(by the way, I think the three *** is 3 out of 4)
[Edited 3/17/06 1:25am]

I want to see some real reviews.
The ones posted seem to be from people who have only listened to the album once.

muirdo said:

"3121" (Universal) * *

'salright.

Fauxie said:

Byron said:

I would be so ashamed for the rest of my life if I ever wrote something like this so many years after it first wasn't funny. And I can honestly say that I don't just think so as a Prince fan.

I think they should all rate albums out of just two stars, for consistency and easy comparison.

Prince seems to get criticised a lot for 'reaching back into his back catalogue' but at least he has one to reach back into; all these pop artists (or rather, the producers and studio technicians of these pop artists) are simply reaching back into back catalogues of OTHER artists, but they seem to get away with it without criticism. As the saying goes, there is nothing new under the sun.

calldapplwondery83 said:

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All of these critics are mixed up with the enteratainment industry. They will never admit that P's methods are unorthodox a lot of the things he had to say about the music industry appear to be true.