Wall said:

scandalousalan said

I honestly do not see what the problem with an older artist playing songs that can appeal to a younger crowd?? I can see your point with regards to him painting a picture of himself as a youthful club goer. But if you were around during London o2, you would see that he actually did play a fucking shit load of nights and aftershows to boot. So he may not be the spring lamb that he once was, but he can still pull it out the bag stamina wise. The point is, "Laydown" is a successful contemporary Funk jam that would fill floors in most decent(contemporary) clubs. Do you really think folk give 2 fux about his age when that guitar kicks in.

I don'

My point isn't that Prince should be making lounge music, it's that Laydown represents everything that's gone wrong with a number of his compositions in the past 5 or so years. There's not a genuine element to it. It's just a amalgam of the trendy and trite plucked from pop culture. There's no spark of creative endeavor or sense of adventure, just phrases and sounds that were best left in the dingy back alley of Club Dirty South, circa 2004.

If Prince isn't doing a c-rate version of recreating his past on 20ten (we get it, you still have the Linn) then he's chasing the time-stamped sounds of others. This is ultimately the musical equivalent of arrested development. Like your mother tweeting while dressed in skinny jeans and using phrases she's picked up from whatever recent reality monstrosity she's obsessed with. These things just shouldn't happen. But as Prince has proven over the years, anything is possible.

Fair points Wall. Whether or not i fully agree with you remains to be seen.

I'M not really qualified to give an extensive review but over the decades ive loved prince for one reason with the music.whether the album sucked or not if he returned to scotland i'd be at celtic park(like i always am anyway).It is pretty old skool,with synths,drums,0 funky rifts and a small sprinkle of now,that make me groove and move.20ten really grabs me when we hit track 2- beginning endlessly.the lyrics on this are smart. tracks further on are hit and miss.future soul song is a love song that just puts memories of the insatiable video in my mind and i love it.sticky like glue has funky with guitar tweeks.Act of god spells it out to the fat cat bankers and the lyrics that "freedom isnt really free and if you try you get locked in a cell" is the truth(even in the near police state called the united kingdom).Lavaux-i have forgot already but like most prince tunes will crawl up on me.Walk on sand is classic high-pitched prince.Sea of everything is cool enough but recentlt ive skipped to Everybody loves me(such an 80's feel good track).the bonus track is cool and sounds like a prototype of previous work.OVERALL 80%OUT OF 100%

eggy said:

I thought I'd give this another go, it's just meh. Just plain and simple elevator music.

Lotusflow3r had a few half-decent tracks, Planet Earth a couple, Musicology the same but really you could maybe make one decent 10 track album with Prince's output since The Rainbow Children.

It's a sad shame to see one of the best musicians ever keep churning out this kind of rubbish, and somewhat amusing that his fanbase are lapping it up.

I'll go and return to my Sleigh Bells / Zola Jesus / Wildbirds & Peacedrums etc etc CD's. Music from 2010 that you listen to and go wow, not this rehashed garbage.

Did Prince point a gun to your head and force you to listen to his music ? This victim attitude from people like you has grown old.

2the9s said:

Has anyone gotten their t-shirts yet?

NouveauDance said:

scandalousalan said:

Remind me not to go to the clubs you go to, ..Do you play bridge?

I was employed as a club dancer for many years if that helps.

Actually, it does! How long ago was that?

It's easy to completely dismiss Prince's new music. Bart and Wall are really riding the conventional view with maximum bluntness (as well as contempt for those who don't share their opinion). In a few years, the last 15 years will be reassessed and more nuanced opinions will emerge. But for now it's cooler to deride and follow the conventional wisdom. As for those who say this is the best since (insert your classic album's name here), that is the other extreme. The truth lies somewhere in between.

Timmy84 said:

Genesia said:

And it only cost $20.10 this time.

What shirt where can I get it

Aerogram said:

NouveauDance said:

I was employed as a club dancer for many years if that helps.

Actually, it does! How long ago was that?

It's easy to completely dismiss Prince's new music. Bart and Wall are really riding the conventional view with maximum bluntness (as well as contempt for those who don't share their opinion). In a few years, the last 15 years will be reassessed and more nuanced opinions will emerge. But for now it's cooler to deride and follow the conventional wisdom. As for those who say this is the best since (insert your classic album's name here), that is the other extreme. The truth lies somewhere in between.

Exactly.

I've already reviewed every song, so I will just say that this is his best record since the Truth. Every Prince album since then either has forgettable, sometimes horrible songs or songs that just don't cut it as Prince music to my mind. This is the first record since then to have all good to great songs, a rarity. This will be seen as a great album by most.

I'm kinda proud of Prince.

2freaky4church1 said:

I've already reviewed every song, so I will just say that this is his best record since the Truth. Every Prince album since then either has forgettable, sometimes horrible songs or songs that just don't cut it as Prince music to my mind. This is the first record since then to have all good to great songs, a rarity. This will be seen as a great album by most.

I'm kinda proud of Prince.

Completely agree.

'The Truth' is an overlooked classic. '20TEN' though different in style, is similar in quality.

NeoGeo24bit said:

violetblues said:

Tony Parsons was PAID to write a good review.

What? Did you think The Daily Mirrors was going to have a reveiw telling people NOT to buy the copy of the newspaper? The album is not terrible, but c'mon "Sign O' The Times? For anyone to take Tony Parson seriously ever again is going to take an "Act Of God"

I doubt that Tony Parsons was paid to write a good review. Are you really saying a review from a writer of Tony Parsons caliber can't be trusted? Do you even realize who Tony Parsons is?

[Edited 7/11/10 17:27pm]

Agreed.

Tony Parsons is a very successful, credible writer. He would fuck up his career if he wrote a review that was not credible, or he did not agree with.

Tony Parsons doesn't need money. If the Mirror had asked him and he had not appreciated the album, I'm sure he would have backed out and the Mirror would have found another reviewer.

It is objective. Of course Tony Parsons was paid. Does that indicate he wrote a false review? No. Where is the evidence for that?

I think '20TEN' is Princes best album since 'The Gold Experience'? Are you going to suggest that my opinion is not as valid as yours? Am I being paid? Are you?

LittleNicci said:

2the9s said:

Has anyone gotten their t-shirts yet?

What shirts???

Sticky like glue - A layed back funk groove with some excellent vocal layers. This is a summer breeze rather than a stomp but it catchy and enjoyable. Won't be remembered in a few years, but enjoy it while its here.

I'll remember it!

Sorry, but anyone who thinks this is a good album must be smokin' some of the bad stuff. There's not one good track on this thing. Damn near all the songs from the past decade have been cut from the same mold. It's beyond boring.

2freaky4church1 said:

I've already reviewed every song, so I will just say that this is his best record since the Truth. Every Prince album since then either has forgettable, sometimes horrible songs or songs that just don't cut it as Prince music to my mind. This is the first record since then to have all good to great songs, a rarity. This will be seen as a great album by most.

I'm kinda proud of Prince.

"I had a dream last night that I was flying 4 the first time, and in the dream I could pilote my flight with the thoughts in my mind..."
Listening to 20Ten is like listening to Prince for the very first time, and from beginning to end this album is full of surprises. This is crystalline, pure funk, beautiful beats and melodies full of inspiration and joy, and selling this masterstroke with european newspapers and magazines this summer looks like the best move Prince could make: He's been paid in advance, and his music reaches more people than ever - as long as such a tool like the internet exists. Everyone who listened close enough got an announcement of 20Ten on the internet-only single Cause And Effect running on radio station '89.3 the current' a few weeks ago, but nobody expected it to be a stunning work like this, all about the everlasting present: "I am here - where are U?" Yeah, there's a way to get your Purple Rain in the concerts, but this vital artist has got much more to offer: Just lay down and listen to Beginning Endlessly, Future Soul Song, Sticky Like Glue, Lavau%, Walk In Sand and the hidden track describing your action, 'cause Laydown is the tune that makes all Timbalands of this world blush:
"U need 2 lay down and let me show U how we do this thing up in funkytown.From the heart of Minnesota here come the purple Yoda, guaranteed 2 bring the dirty new sound."

I still think the album is a success but have now identified two "skippers".

Beginning Endlessly just doesnt fit. Its more Prince 00's than Prince '83. Sounds more like a lost NPGMC track than even Laydown. Suffers from the overlayered Prince vocals that he has seemed to thankfully abandoned in the other tracks.

Sea of Everything is just too sappy without the charm of Walk in the Sand. Didnt really need two downtempo songs in a row. Odd choice to include here and would almost have preferred Hot Summer somewhere in this set over this one. (and I dont particularly like Hot Summer).

After a few more listens and hitting repeat on certain tracks I think this is a great album. Period. I see some saying things like there's no memorable hooks and I completely disagree. I was singing some of the songs after a few listens. It's almost like certain folks are hearing a completely different album. I dunno. And of course the ones who blast everything Prince does now are well doing it again. Real shocker there right. Lol. Fine if you don't like it. Just don't hate on people that do like it. I think that's Fair.

My only complaint, I wish some of the songs were a little longer. More extended jams would be nice.

And here's hoping an eventual U.S. release brings more tracks! I know wishful thinking but so what.

8/10 for me.

emesem said:

I still think the album is a success but have now identified two "skippers".

Beginning Endlessly just doesnt fit. Its more Prince 00's than Prince '83. Sounds more like a lost NPGMC track than even Laydown. Suffers from the overlayered Prince vocals that he has seemed to thankfully abandoned in the other tracks.

Sea of Everything is just too sappy without the charm of Walk in the Sand. Didnt really need two downtempo songs in a row. Odd choice to include here and would almost have preferred Hot Summer somewhere in this set over this one. (and I dont particularly like Hot Summer).

I see what you saying and agree on some points. I just wouldn't call them "skippers".

I just think the 2 you mentioned aren't the strongest cuts compared to the others. And understand these are very minor quips for me. I do think Hot Summer and Cause and Effect could've been included also. All that said, I'm still very happy with this album.

As far as i can see, music is simply entertainment. I was and am entertained by 20ten. I can hear aspects of many previous tracks from those on Prince and For You (especially vocal harmonies) to the same guitar chord on Da Bang in Laydown.

I think his actual playing is fabulous - the rhythm guitar is super tight and high in the mix, and i love this style. The vocals are great and are a reflection of where he currently is. It is interesting to note that so many of the tracks are so many peoples different "best on the album".

Personally, i think that his funk works best (regardless of the obvious musical prowess) when the subject matter has more reality and bite to it (like it used to before Mr Graham came along). I totally respect Princes decision to follow any religious path he chooses, but when you are forced into changing the lyrics of past songs to suit a current way of thinking, the danger and feel of funk is lost. Funk is dirty, going door to door is not and so the flavour of such current tracks has been affected and become pedestrian before a note has even been played.

This is going to be the way it is folks until Mr Nelson changes his mind again - which i doubt will happen any time soon. People might be looking to the eighties through rose tinted glasses - times change, people and technology caught up (or were allowed to via such technology without the talent) and Prince no longer sounds as distinct as he did. I was very happy with 20ten but it is just pop music by a pop artist. If you want musical intelligence and art, go check out Frank Zappa. There is room for both types of entertainment - which is all it was ever meant to be.

So...I went in to this album ready to hate it. After loving 3121, I had been disappointed in Planet Earth, initially been ambivalent towards LotusFlow3r (though I do enjoy it now) and truly disliked MPLSound. And when it was said that this was another attempt to bring back the 80s sound a la MPLSound, as I said, I was ready to despise it.

Color me surprised when, having listened twice to this album, I really enjoy it. And, as someone who generally isn't the biggest fan of Prince ballads, I even enjoy those. In fact, this album would be superb, were it not for the one clunker: Everybody Loves Me. Cause & Effect should have taken the place of that terrible track...

My faves are Sticky Like Glue...Act of God...Compassion...(but esp Sticky Like Glue)

And did anyone else notice the similarity of sound between Beginning Endlessly and Illusion Coma Pimp and Circumstance (except that the new song is cohesive, whereas the previous one meandered...)

=0P

From the little bit I've heard, sounds like vintage Prince for the most part. Anybody know when we poor saps from the US will be able to pick up a copy?..

I've been jamming to this CD since Friday night and it's definitely one of my favorite Prince releases. Along with Cause And Effect & Hot Summer Prince is definitely bringing it this summer!

I hope he tours the states cause these songs must be killer live.

First album in quite a while I've liked at the first listen. Being a fan since 81' its nice to see him step back a bit into his roots...(The synth sound)...I know he's got more in him. Just needs to accept his past for what it was even though he rarely likes to take a step back. Great album Mr. Nelson!

SexualSuicide said:

First album in quite a while I've liked at the first listen. Being a fan since 81' its nice to see him step back a bit into his roots...(The synth sound)...I know he's got more in him. Just needs to accept his past for what it was even though he rarely likes to take a step back. Great album Mr. Nelson!

By the way IMO the best work in the past 25 years is ONA (Piano).

after giving it a few listens over the weekend, I have to admit that I like it. It's not SOTT or even TGE but it does seem to be a good well rounded album. It's mature (I don't like that word) and it sounds as if but I doubt it, that Prince decided or had a few elements to make the album and ran with it. I think that's why the songs sound mostly the same as far as production goes.

And it's not clouded by any big pronouncements that previous albums were burdened with, like Planet Earth or Musicology (even though I did like both of those). It's cut and dry. I was always hoping for an album with more linn drums. Glad I got it.

If I did have any criticism, it would that there isn't that big bad guitar in there shining thru.

PurpleKnight said:

Wall said:

The only way a track like Laydown can work for Prince these days is if its' a call to his fellow senior citizens for a nap.

What t makes these trend chasing tracks so cringe inducing is not only their wretched music, but their disengenous lyrics. A moronic anthem like this when sung by some twenty something stooge works amidst the midnight rabble because at least the person spouting the crap is still in their youth when such empty calls to 'bounce' (for the love of) can be chalked up to being young and stupid. But when its a 53 year old pietistic Napoleon, it enters that area where its like watching your grandfather freestyle, and the old bastard is actually taking himself seriously while he's doing it. Prince needs to realize nobody thinks he's up in the club 'bouncing.' At best, he's in the back of the club, brooding like some tarted up Howard Hughes with a circle of meatbags protecting his every breath. Get a little genuine, maybe 'Here comes the Purple Yoda, going door to door for Jehovah,' and I'll be the indie kids will at least give you some credit for being ironic.

Exactly. It's pathetic that all a man has to sing about after all those life experiences (including tragedies like losing both parents, a baby and going through two failed marriages) are bragodocious party anthems that assert how hip he is. They reek of insecurity and desperation. Can it really be that he has become this shallow? It seems unlikely. I would bet money that he really just wants to sing about Jehovah but won't do so because he doesn't want to tamper with his post-2004 mainstream acceptance as a pop legend.

I actually think there might be greater depth on For You than on 20Ten. That is very telling.

[Edited 7/11/10 22:20pm]

Surely you must be delusional?

Music is entertainment, Prince has no reason to put his personal business out in the public eye, what good would sulking over himself do for his music?

His lyrics arent 'shallow' on this album, take another listen, he drops some gems here and there.

You would prefer a boring introspective sap-fest over a feel good groove?

If you dont like 20ten that is your opinion, I cant do anything about it and Im not trying to, but when you make some lame comments that have no merit i have to break it down.

Genesia said:

On first listen - I like it. For once, it doesn't sound like he's trying too hard. Nothing feels forced - which is a good thing after stuff like Feel Better and Chocolate Box (not to be confused with Disco Jellyfish).

Compassion - Same sort of flavor as No More Candy 4 U, but without the "fuck all y'all" attitude. It's a odd combo of hippy happy lyrics and driving, punky, Linn-ish melody. Not necessarily a bad thing.

Beginning Endlessly - Basic trying to bag a babe lyrics, backed by dirty-sounding keys. Catchy.

Future Soul Song - Nice, mellow groove. Dreaming about flying...singing a song of the soul. Female voices on the backing tracks. Gets his religion in there..."In the absence of fear and control...is the sound of the surrendering soul." Not in an overbearing way, though. Nice.

Sticky Like Glue - I have no idea why we're together, but we're sticky like glue. Fizzy...the bubbles tickle my nose.

Act of God - Music, okay. Lyrics, bleh. My least favorite on the disc.

Lavaux - Y'know...somebody referenced The Pointer Sisters "Automatic" - and I hate to say it, but I do hear that. I ain't hatin', because it goes somewhere better from there. Has the most Minneapolis sounding keys I've heard in a long time.

Walk In Sand - Light, breathy falsetto. Nothing too serious here. He's just walkin' on the beach - and it sounds exactly like that. Like you could see two people running in slow mo with their hair flying, falling down laughing in the sand.

Sea of Everything - What can I say? It's a baby-makin' track. Has a Future Baby Mama vibe - both melodically and lyrically. "Will you wander the wilderness searching for a king? Will you settle for a Prince...and a sea of everything?"

Everybody Loves Me - Wow - I want to like it, but I definitely don't, at this point. He didn't try on this one, at all. A throwaway. Maybe it'll grow on me. I hope it does.

Laydown - Oh, man - vainandy is gonna hate this one. I like it, though - think it's kinda catchy. Ends way too abruptly.

I think SquirrelMeat is right - this thing's gonna sink like Planet Earth. But it's nice to have something light and new to blast for the summer.

I hope this review is acurate; I just might buy it. I found the last one very forced and obnoxious even. I liked 3121 alot and Planet Earth well enough. I just can't take another album of I am the greatest of Jehovah's creations and I am filthy rich to boot. Does he refer to himself as a "Dime" again? Please say NO!

minneapolisFunq said:

PurpleKnight said:

Exactly. It's pathetic that all a man has to sing about after all those life experiences (including tragedies like losing both parents, a baby and going through two failed marriages) are bragodocious party anthems that assert how hip he is. They reek of insecurity and desperation. Can it really be that he has become this shallow? It seems unlikely. I would bet money that he really just wants to sing about Jehovah but won't do so because he doesn't want to tamper with his post-2004 mainstream acceptance as a pop legend.

I actually think there might be greater depth on For You than on 20Ten. That is very telling.

[Edited 7/11/10 22:20pm]

Surely you must be delusional?

Music is entertainment, Prince has no reason to put his personal business out in the public eye, what good would sulking over himself do for his music?

His lyrics arent 'shallow' on this album, take another listen, he drops some gems here and there.

You would prefer a boring introspective sap-fest over a feel good groove?

If you dont like 20ten that is your opinion, I cant do anything about it and Im not trying to, but when you make some lame comments that have no merit i have to break it down.

CHURCH!!!!!

Deadflow3r said:

Genesia said:

On first listen - I like it. For once, it doesn't sound like he's trying too hard. Nothing feels forced - which is a good thing after stuff like Feel Better and Chocolate Box (not to be confused with Disco Jellyfish).

Compassion - Same sort of flavor as No More Candy 4 U, but without the "fuck all y'all" attitude. It's a odd combo of hippy happy lyrics and driving, punky, Linn-ish melody. Not necessarily a bad thing.

Beginning Endlessly - Basic trying to bag a babe lyrics, backed by dirty-sounding keys. Catchy.

Future Soul Song - Nice, mellow groove. Dreaming about flying...singing a song of the soul. Female voices on the backing tracks. Gets his religion in there..."In the absence of fear and control...is the sound of the surrendering soul." Not in an overbearing way, though. Nice.

Sticky Like Glue - I have no idea why we're together, but we're sticky like glue. Fizzy...the bubbles tickle my nose.

Act of God - Music, okay. Lyrics, bleh. My least favorite on the disc.

Lavaux - Y'know...somebody referenced The Pointer Sisters "Automatic" - and I hate to say it, but I do hear that. I ain't hatin', because it goes somewhere better from there. Has the most Minneapolis sounding keys I've heard in a long time.

Walk In Sand - Light, breathy falsetto. Nothing too serious here. He's just walkin' on the beach - and it sounds exactly like that. Like you could see two people running in slow mo with their hair flying, falling down laughing in the sand.

Sea of Everything - What can I say? It's a baby-makin' track. Has a Future Baby Mama vibe - both melodically and lyrically. "Will you wander the wilderness searching for a king? Will you settle for a Prince...and a sea of everything?"

Everybody Loves Me - Wow - I want to like it, but I definitely don't, at this point. He didn't try on this one, at all. A throwaway. Maybe it'll grow on me. I hope it does.

Laydown - Oh, man - vainandy is gonna hate this one. I like it, though - think it's kinda catchy. Ends way too abruptly.

I think SquirrelMeat is right - this thing's gonna sink like Planet Earth. But it's nice to have something light and new to blast for the summer.

I hope this review is acurate; I just might buy it. I found the last one very forced and obnoxious even. I liked 3121 alot and Planet Earth well enough. I just can't take another album of I am the greatest of Jehovah's creations and I am filthy rich to boot. Does he refer to himself as a "Dime" again? Please say NO!

There are NO references to "dimes" anywhere on this CD.

Was I the only one that that crap bothered? I just know he would think of me as a penny