NouveauDance said:

Well, I like Mr. Happy, ICP&C and Incense & Candles so they must be there for me!

jtfolden said:

Yeah, but with Chelsea Rodgers, he has the opportunity to do a video that brings the Hustle back.
Hurry Prince, before Madonna beats you to it.

Er... sorry 4 asking such a dumb thing, but when in july is the international release date supposed 2 b already?

The review i did put up on the site yesterday (in a now closed thread):


My 'quick review' after listening to every song on the whole album (No i dont have it, i just ensembled cuts and pieces) at least 1 or 2 times.

A welcome surprise, my expectations were a bit low after hearing Guitar, Future Baby Mama and the 1 u wanna C.

But i must say in many aspects its a big step forward from Musicology and 3121.

Prince has taken much more care in producing the songs: like i said before, it sounds like he has used certain elements of The Rainbow Children (acoustic instruments, more layered arrangements, a more organic feel) again. And it helps his music to 'breath' more. No idea about the songwriting credits, but i suppose the input of Wendy and Lisa also helped him to create more colourfull, layered music.

It sounds like Prince has found his gift to 'perfect popsongs' again: Resolution and All the midnights in the world are a huge step forward from forced sounding pop/rocksongs like Cinnamon girl or So Far, So pleased. He is grabbing back to the more subtle, fluent sounding songs on, well, yes, Parade and Around the world in a day.

On other songs you can also nice, quite new touches: The title track harks back to progrock, but its not so bombastic, and more fluent then Three Chains of Gold.
Chelsea Rodgers has ska-like guitarwork. And surprised me in a way he did with Willing and Able, where he used south african jive-like guitar work.
Somewhere on Earth is not new when it comes to his sound, but its nice to hear him try to do this more organic kind of jazz/soul then a more generic, plastic R&B ballad.

Looking at the album as a whole: next to the huge improvement in his arrangements and his songwriting in about halve of the songs, there a few rotten apples for me that spoil the flow and quality of the album a bit.
Guitar is definitely not bad, but its simple directness does contrast a bit with the more subtle material (The One U wanna C works better in that way, because it has more colourfull surprises in its arrangement).
Personally i find Future Baby Mama a bit too boring. The linn-drum is nice, but on an album on which Prince is sounding fresh and renewed in some sense, it sounds out of place. Like he is too purposely harking back too his past.
I am not sure what i think about Lion of Judah, i mean... i really adore the closing track, Resolution, a perfect little pop gem. But 'Lion' gives me the idea of 'filler'. IMO a long, strong, anthemlike track in the vein of the title track should have been on this place on the album.
The big 'miss' for me is Mr. Goodnight. Alltough i must say its growing on me. First i labelled it as plastic New Power Soul-material and gave it 2/10, i still dont like it now, but its a bit better then i thought: 5,5/10. Nonetheless, stylewise it just doesnt fit with the rest of the material, it breaks the flow, he should have left it off IMO or replaced it with another song.

To sum it up: Planet Earth is not perfect, it has his mistakes in sequencing and the inclusion of certain songs, but in general its big step forward compared to the last two albums. IMO there are at least 5 very good to great songs on it (those might differ from person to person, anyway) and in terms of songwriting, arrangements and overall 'freshness' he sounds renewed in a way.

8/10


Additional thoughts i have today:

I see quite some very harsh critique about the new album today on the board. It seems mostly put there who were expecting a new 1999 or Sign TOO much. IMO thy did set there expectations a bit too high (maybe a result of the positive reviews from the listening sessions). I also notice some of the critique comes from people who are just 18 or 20.
Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but i think they at first should keep in mind its a too farfetched to expect a new, mindblowig masterpiece in this phase of Princes career.
Next to that i think on Planet Earth Prince often shows his 'age', delivering songs that are more subdued, calmer and not as immediately 'grabbing' as its earlier material. It sure is different then his more in-your-face eighties material, but that doesnt make its crap. It happens to a lot of artists getting older, there music gets more calm, less spectecular, also of a part of them aging. I think when your a bit older yourself (like i am) you can appreciate that more and feel like an artist is evolving why he or she does.
Maybe the people who i see react very harsh on this album after a few listens should at least wait till the album is officially out, listen to it more times and take in consideration that this isnt 26 yo Prince but 49 yo Prince.

Some shorter sidenotes:

- I notice i get a bit irritated about The One U wanna C: it sounds energetic and a fun-type of song on the first few listens, but more and more i have the idea this song is not going to be a 'stayer'. It reminds me too much of an ultra-catchy song of Shania Twain you enjoy on a 'radio-level' because of it catchieness, but you get totally sick of after it after hearing it over and over for days.

- The other song that still doesnt do it for me, and i think it will never really do is Mr. Goodnight. Its like Prince thought: hey, i need a track on this album to satisfy the contemporary R&B fans and picked an old idea out of the vault, and written and recorded a song around it in 2 days or so. Totally generic, it has no 'purpose' on the album.

My three favourite songs still are the following:

- Somewhere here on Earth: his best ballad in a lot of years IMO, it still gets mixed reactions at this moment, but i think a year from now people will realise this is one of the strongest Prince tracks from this decade.

- Chelsea Rodgers: i think because of the rave reactions during the listening sessions, people where expecting some killer track in the 'hard funk vein', well this is a killer track, but its probably more seventies disco mixed with ska then the people expected.
Again you have an example of Princes 'aging' here. The peoples idea of 'a killer dance track' by Prince in the eighties and early nineties would probably been: a hard funk-track, with some rockguitar and weird effects thrown in: Prince going to the audio-max.
I consider this a killertrack because Prince sounds like he doesnt have to proof again that he can deliver these big, bouncy tracks his followers are releasing (Love, Black Sweat were examples of that).
Chelsea Rodgers sounds way less 'forced' in that way, a more natural effort to deliver a great dance track. No, it might not sound as spectacular at first hearing, like 1999 or Batdance for example. The geniousness like in it subdued, almost nonchalant execution, it takes you some 'spins' to realise how genious Prince really is when it comes to really understanding how to create great dance-music. His approach is just different then in the past.

- Resolution: this song might sound a bit too breezy on first hearing, but thats also the quality of it i think. The simpleness of the arrangement, the harmonious background vocals are really refreshing IMO. The strength of it that it seems really effortless at first, but after some 10 times listening to it, the composition itselve is almost on par with cuts like Raspberry Beret or Starfish and Coffee. Again, its the more subtle, flowing delivery that makes it different, but not worser, then similar tracks from the eighties.

novabrkr said:

Spot on

Indeed very spot on.

The second halve of the nineties (when he really lost me as a fan) are something of the past.

A sore object here, but i personally consider The Rainbow Children one of the weakest spots in his career.

But, when it comes to Musicology and 3121, i did get the feeling Prince was getting his 'act' together. Those albums werent truelly remarkable, but kind enjoyable from beginning to end.

This one (Planet Earth) sure has its flaws and mistakes, but in general this a creative step forward. There are at least 3 great tracks on it, and Prince often sounds more fresh and inspired (and also carefree) then he has done years.

My personal advice to him would be: postpone your biblestudy for another year, and dive immediately into the studio with Wendy and Lisa, record a new album with them quite quickly, call Eric and Sheila to participate on a few cuts, and a good change it will give us a 9 out of 10 near masterpiece

Hey Purple Peeps!

Been reading the previews with interest and scouring the depths of cyberland to fetch bits 'n pieces of the trax from PE....

....and finally caught a break

so 17 years of such moments waiting nervously for that 1st listen (which I cherish every year, but it kinda leaves you with the feeling after the concert has finished) here are my immediate thoughts....

Planet Earth - my girlfriend wasn't that bothered with it, but this is how all albums should start. Slow, growing into a crescendo of noise, fused with piano and heavy screaming guitar. A song with a message from the mould of Strays of the World, Gold and Empty Room. I love the Earth Wind and Fire-esque diversion in the middle (reminded me of a similar portion of Last December). Truly powerful start.....I'm gonna like this album!

Guitar - Man, when it follows PE then it works so much better than in isolation. PE gets you all worked up, and Guitar just keeps throwing you against the wall. The album is a Prince concert in its sheer concept - build you up, grab you by the throat, shake you, drop you, sit you down and sing to you, play a little medley ditty, suck you in, then grab your throat again and spin ur ass around the room begging for more.....but I'm jumping the gun.....sorry Guitar is better and better after so many listens, which must be a good thing.

Somewhere Here on Earth - see...."drop you, sit you down". A beautiful vocal, sending you into a fantasy jazz club where it's you, a few strangers and prince all suited up sat at the piano playing just for you. OK - 3 for 3 so far. Now I'm worried

The One U Wanna C - Right you lot. We had a little break, so best get ur ass off that seat, get on ya feet and clap your hands! Upbeat, funky, great melody - summer has arrived. Perfect timing after SHOE to raise the energy again, but in a nice 'smiley' kinda way. This sound goes back to the 80's for me with a twist. Agree that there's a country rock feel, but thank the lord it 'aint "Right The Wrong".....at least it's restored any doubts that "shocker" had left me with in 93. 4 for 4.

Future Baby Mama - Hate the title, but hey.....that's the only bad thing about it. Classic prince, soulful ballad. Shades of "eye hate u" in there somewhere, and there's also that percussion thing he uses in When Doves Cry and If Eye Was Ur Girlfriend . The ladies will love this. So far I'm impressed P....so where's all the filler trax?

Mr. Goodnight - now I've read lots of bad vibes about this track, and was a little confused about the negativity of some 'rapping' by Prince. Well, gotta say, I wasn't that taken with it to begin with, but actually it kinda grows on you. I can see why some say it might not fit on this album, but it's not a weak track in any way. Prince is a fabulous rapper, but he needs to stop mispronouncing brands of champagne just to make it rhyme

All The Midnights In The World - mmmmm.....not sure. I need to force myself to listen to this one over and over and over, 'cos first up it really didn't seem to fit in the album. It's got a Starfish and Coffee vibe, but it is a cheesy children’s TV ditty, however I have a feeling it will grow on me. I know what describes it perfectly (gold star for me).....it's like the intermediate raspberry sorbet you have to clean your palate before the main course!

Chelsea Rodgers – have been waiting to hear this after all the raving about its funky disco sounds…..and it rips it up! Reminiscent (well a little) of Billy Jack Bitch with a disco, reggae and scar twirl. Who cares about the lyrics – this is one seriously funky track. You Go Prince!

Lion of Judah – jeez, I though someone had chucked in an alternate version of Purple Rain when it started….but then it quickly becomes a modern take on those complex rock classics born out of the 70’s. Yeh, the title is a bit strange, but I truly adore it when Prince continuously switches keys on us. For me it’s a multifaceted song, with lovely backing vocals, and some serious interlaced guitar work.

Resolution – pretty much the perfect ending to a nearly perfect album. This should have been called ‘Revolution’ for all the Wendy and Lisa influence I can hear (not sure if they were on this, but it sure sounds like it). The album started with an important message, and this track finishes it all in the same light. There’s even a slight taste of scar influence again half way through followed by a sweet, clean guitar solo. This song should leave you feeling contented that you just listened to one of Prince’s best albums for a long time.

So, yes – I loved it! Don’t hate me for saying so. Those of you who haven’t heard it all yet, I apologize for raising any expectations. After all, they can play us all the same songs over and over and each of us will always hear it differently. That's what I love about all this jazz

Riverpoet31 said:

That's right! Put your soul on hold for the salvation of superficial demands so that this time next year you will be the very same distance away from satisfying everyone.
...in a cycle that never ends.

Good God, I just heard this album. This has to be one of the worst albums he has released. I will post a longer review after a few more listens but after one spin, I am almost saddened by Prince's MIA talent on Planet Earth.

internationallover2004 said:

See!

shaomi said:

Pleaaase

It's really quite interesting that this album polarizes so much. I guess that's a good thing in itself.

Coming off the heels of two of his most accessible albums in years, Prince continues his steady and consistent stream of releasing some solid material for the masses to hear.

Planet Earth – This title track opens to an eerie piano intro that eventually progresses into a grandiose production of heavy drums, spirited guitar playing and passionate vocal work. For some Prince fans, it may echo shades of the “Empty Room” and “Gold.” A dramatic way to open the album – almost daunting to here the first time around. (5/5)

Guitar – Prince’s most mainstream approach – a light pop/rock track with lyrics that almost anybody could write. It’s a throwaway track, but it’s got some spunk. Fun, nonetheless. (3.5/5)

Somewhere Here on Earth – A ballad track that taps into the jazz portion of Prince’s varied forte. Renato’s keyboard and piano contributions are a welcome change to this track, adding to the wonderful muted horns and trumpets with provoking lyrics. One of the more inspired ballads Prince has had in a while. (4/5)

The One U Wanna C – A very catchy track that dips into the country-rock category, but this maybe one of the few tracks that loses its appeal after a while. Plenty of fast guitar work, with thumping drums, a cool bassline and an energetic vocal delivery. But I think the country-twang attached to it gives the song its own charm. (3.5/5)

Future Baby Mama – An R&B melody that would fit comfortably on an Urban radio playlist. Touches of the old Linn-drum machine are scattered throughout, giving off the slight retro vibe that you would associate with Prince’s sound. Cool and sensual are pretty much the words I’d use to describe this little ballad. Cool and sensual. (4/5)

Mr. Goodnight – Some Prince fans will have a problem with this track, since he brings out his dreaded “rap” skills on this one. In my opinion, it sounds more like spoken verse, so I had no problem with it, but that doesn’t go without saying it won’t give you a chuckle – it’s slightly cheesy. This bassline reminds me of something you would hear out of the West Coast in 1994, but to the Prince fan that’s familiar with more material, the overall track might remind them of “Player.” I don’t mind this track. It’s a laidback R&B cut - nothing more. The guy’s 49 years old, he’s gotta chill every now and then. (4/5)

All the Midnights of the World – The shortest track on the album, with some pretty interesting arrangements. It’s on the sugary side, but it has its charm. Its vibe is almost reminiscent to “The Ballad of Dorothy Parker” and “Starfish and Coffee,” but I wouldn’t put it in that league. It’s more of a segue than anything. A decent segue, at that. (3/5)

Chelsea Rodgers – Finally, some FUNK! A fun disco-funk number with Prince bringing in the whole band to contribute – lots of bass, lots of horns and trumpets, and assisting vocals. Prince’s vocals are turned down a bit to mix in with Shelby’s soulful singing, reminiscent of the arrangements Earth, Wind and Fire brought to the game. Prince sounds like he’s having a lot of fun – full of energy and spirit. Definitely a standout track, especially for the funk lovers. (4.5/5)

Lion of Judah – A nice pop/rock number that sounds like a cross between “Cinnamon Girl” and “Money Don’t Matter 2 Night” – could have fit easily onto the Musicology album. Prince’s vocals sound sincere, with nice guitar work and effects to boot. (4/5)

Resolution – Another light pop/rock number that could have fit easily on Musicology. It’s simple and to the point, not too much to elaborate on here. Another nice production, in terms of arrangement, once again. (4/5)


Prince obviously isn’t out to reinvigorate the music industry, he just wants to make music in his own quirky way. No shame in that, considering he’s got a 30 year legacy and doesn’t have to prove anything to anybody. He just wants to hang around and make music for as long as he wants, when he wants. Compared to Musicology and 3121, Prince doesn’t sound like he’s being forced to do anything – it seems like he made some of these tracks effortlessly. He’s definitely more vibrant and energetic on Planet Earth than he was on his previous two albums, which helps it out in the end. Solid stuff to me.

Overall – 4 out of 5

calldapplwondery83 said:

That's putting it lightly. I mean, I got a sinking feeling in my stomach while listening to it. For example, one particular moment that gave me this feeling was the verse melody of AtMinW...what the hell was he thinking when writing such a stupid, uninspired melody?.

It's hard to find even a single moment of inspiration on this album. FBM probably has the best overall "feeling" with its interesting melody and production qualities. The well is definitely dry after 2 mediocre "comeback" albums and one truly afwul one. This is one of P's lowest career points if you ask me.

For the record, I don't care if his music is "accessible", "commercial", "black", "white", or whatever. I just want him to write some food fucking songs in whatever form. Thus, I can find albums like Rainbow Children, New Power SOul, and Planet Earth low points in his career because there are no strong songs on those albums. TRC has always fascinated me, not for its music, but for how anyone can call it a masterpiece - its such a weak collection of music. PE is bad but on a different level - its commercial oriented crap rather than inaccesible, "artistic" crap.
[Edited 7/8/07 15:42pm]

shaomi said:

r u guys ignoring me on purpose?

lspear76 said:

- I always think about it.
I mean, I dont consider Prince to be a ´pop superstar´ like Madonna. For me he is an artist, a genius artist. I expect more from him than I would expect from Justin or Madonna. When I think of a Prince album I would think ´is it as great as Duke Ellington or John Coltrane in terms of composition and musicianship?´
Maybe when Prince finishes a bad song, he thinks ´ah, ok, it´s still better than 90% of today´s bands´. But I am always expecting great level stuff from him because I know he is able to do it.

midasG said:

great review! thanks!

BTW, does somebody have the credits of musicians who played on each song?

shaomi said:

yes u r, it can't b anything but that

shaomi said:

Well, Kinda. I'd love to say more, but not sure if I'm allowed. So best keep my mouth shut.....I heard the album in a dream or something along those lines. All above board and all that

I noticed the same. Well, thats often the case with his albums, so nothing new there

I am curious about the reactions on the album a half year from now.

An observation i just made by the way: could it be that Planet Earth is the first Prince-album ever without a drummachine / programmed beats on any track?
Maybe i should wait to the official release to really judge that.

Another feel i have about this album: it is surprising to notice that at the moment Prince teams up with Wendy and Lisa again, it immediately brings back the 'magic' in his music. At least in some of the best songs on this album.

I aint the kind of person stating 'Prince is nothing without Wendy and Lisa' or so, but while i think about, maybe it really is the case that Prince needs strong, creative side-musicians / co-writing partners to really bring out the best out of him. Maybe Wendy and Lisa really brought that 'extra something' on Purple Rain, ATWIAD and Parade, maybe we should give Eric Leeds, Sheila E and Levi Seacer more credits for Lovesexy, and maybe we should thank Michael Bland and Sonny Thompson for helping Prince during the early NPG-years.....

I am allready waiting for the die-hards to come-out and react like: Prince could do it all by himselve allready! he doesnt need Wendy, Lisa or Sonny.

But thats what i hear happening on Planet Earth: fresh input from side-musicians (is that Atlanta on trumpet?) and co-writers (expect at least three or four co-written songs on this album) making Prince sound fresh and renewed.

I hope he realises him thatselve too.

shaomi said:

July 15 in the UK, free with a newspaper.

Then July 16.

July 24 for North America

I'm assuming July 13 for Japan and Australia.

Ah, I only heard ´Guitar´ and I will wait for the entire album, but I am very happy that it seems to be a very ´organic´ album.
3121 had some good songs, but some of them were too 80s or too ´modern´. This kind of stuff tends to get ´dated´ easily...

To put it short: i have the strong sense this album will appear much more to people who became a Prince fan in the mid-eighties, and a lot less to younger fans who discovered him in the mid - late nineties.

It shows quite a lot of Prince-elements i associate with mid-eighties Prince.
- A shakey vocal delivery of what is instead a very good melody (Paisley Park, Raspberry Beret), there is something about the contrast that gives it an edge.
- Melodies that sound a bit weird, off-key at first, harmonies that are quite dissonant, but in the end they just make sense.
- Instrumentation that sounds a bit messy, out of focus during first hearings, but that are actually giving the songs edge and character.

During the nineties Prince became much more straightforward in the delivery of his music, going for a semi-live sound at first and a more electronic pop-funk sound later, but leaving out the little twists, the dissonants, the subtle experementation that made his mid-eighties music so special

I can imagine a person who did get a Prince fan in the late nineties having the feeling things are a bit out of focus, or shakey on Planet Earth, because music in general did get so polished and formulaic around that time.

But personally, as someone who did grow up with ATWIAD, Parade and SOTT, it feels like Prince is 'coming home' again.

Riverpoet31 said:

That's the most encouraging thing I've read about this album so far. Now I REALLY can't wait to hear it.

Riverpoet31 said:

I don't know, I'm not buying that. When it comes right down to it, its about the songwriting itself. There are some halfway decent tunes on PE but he performs them badly (in my opinion). Again, one can strip down a performance to the written song itself. PE is almost devoid of songs past mediocre.

PS: People are saying Chelsea Rodgers is the best song...Prince barely sings on it, so I find it really ironic that most people like it best. Me, I personally don't think it's that great at all.

PPS: If anyone ever had worries about Prince's singing ability, there are a few examples on the album on here that really show the limits of his vocal range, particularly All the Midnights in the World. At the same time, he sounds really great on other songs like SHOE and FBM.
[Edited 7/8/07 16:27pm]
[Edited 7/8/07 16:30pm]

Raze said:

THANX!!!

Oh lawd that's in 1 week !! Cool!!!