funkycomic said:

please review this album without any reference to older albums. that is soooo boring and 95% of the time peoples comparisons are wrong. Listen and let those of us who have not heard get a true evaluation of how you feel. Instead of some tired azz "it sounds like something from NPS or Controversy or Batman etc.

It's hard to review it without comparing the songs to Prince's past work. A lot of the songs share similar sounds. The end of one song sounds like the end of Thunder. Everybody Loves Me sounds like Turn it Up. Another song sounds like Witness. Most songs share the same Linn Drum from Prince's old work, too. The album is totally fresh but still sounds like a Prince album for this reason.

DAMN..this is a f##kng good..almost BRILLIANT album

purple yoda....i am so chuffed he chose this to give away for free-its a fucking powerhouse of an album

i am VERY surprised how good this is

JBK said:

Shit!

Very average music. He must have wrote it while gardening.

I'm fed up with the crap prince is servin

g us.

For the first time in my life, I won't buy or download a Prince CD.

Internet is not dead but Prince the songwriter is certainly in inactive mode for good.

are you crazy....are your speakers on???

JBK said:

Shit!

Very average music. He must have wrote it while gardening.

I'm fed up with the crap prince is servin

g us.

For the first time in my life, I won't buy or download a Prince CD.

Internet is not dead but Prince the songwriter is certainly in inactive mode for goo

have a look at all the youtube comments-all are amazingly positive..ive never seen that

i really cannot belive you would say "average"

that alone encapsulates all that is now wrong with once great site.........

average??

jesus

Well, "average" is hardly the biggest insult one can come up with...

You know what, folks? I am personally quite delighted that he's finding the material he did during "Controversy" and "Dream Factory" such a big influence on his sound these days. It just means that he recognizes he was doing something very original during those eras and that it's simply "a sound of his own". It's nice that he still has an interest to do such intentionally kitschy, chirpy numbers like "Everybody Loves Me" instead of trying to do another "Purple Rain" (does anyone really pop in the Disc 3 of "Emancipation" just in order to listen to "The Love We Make"?). The Linn sound there is obviously something that he himself loves too - he's always stated that he gets a kick out of it. I doubt it's there simply an an attempt to "trick" people into thinking he's reclaiming the glory days of the 1980s.

However, I don't necessarily find the record that "retro", because the production standards themselves are here completely different from the 80s. "20ten" just seems to lack a bit on the melodic content - I've listened to the album 6-7 times now and I still have a problem remembering the choruses.

I may play this album again tomorrow. So far it seems like "Sticky Like Glue" is the real standout in this followed by "Future Soul Song". "Sea of Everything" has moved up to good filler lol "Walk in Sand" I can't get the Kotex commercial off my mind on that one.

Very quick observation from first few listens-

Compassion is a good solid start. However, Beginning Endlessly a fumbling over-produced mess. A very average song. It's as if Prince has an idea of what he wants the album to sound like and just can't get there.

Then it all clicks as from Future Soul Song this album really takes off, with great ballads, funk, pop all in force here.

Well done Purple Yoda!

novabrkr said:

Well, "average" is hardly the biggest insult one can come up with...

You know what, folks? I am personally quite delighted that he's finding the material he did during "Controversy" and "Dream Factory" such a big influence on his sound these days. It just means that he recognizes he was doing something very original during those eras and that it's simply "a sound of his own". It's nice that he still has an interest to do such intentionally kitschy, chirpy numbers like "Everybody Loves Me" instead of trying to do another "Purple Rain" (does anyone really pop in the Disc 3 of "Emancipation" just in order to listen to "The Love We Make"?). The Linn sound there is obviously something that he himself loves too - he's always stated that he gets a kick out of it. I doubt it's there simply an an attempt to "trick" people into thinking he's reclaiming the glory days of the 1980s.

However, I don't necessarily find the record that "retro", because the production standards themselves are here completely different from the 80s. "20ten" just seems to lack a bit on the melodic content - I've listened to the album 6-7 times now and I still have a problem remembering the choruses.

I like that, very fair and positive way of look at it

Re-review of the entire album...

OK, first impressions wasn't totally impressed by this but some songs have rubbed off me somewhat while some songs I was initially was like "these are the best" are kinda like "eh" now.

1.) "Compassion" - I think the fact that this song reminds me of "The Time Warp" from "Rocky Horror" makes this enjoyable for me. As for it being an opener, eh. I've heard better openers. It's not a bad song though, it's tolerable but sometimes if I'm bored I just skip it (5/10).

2.) "Beginning Endlessly" - Now initial listens I was crazy about this track. But now not so much. The second half holds up but it drifts. It's funky but has slight reggae overtones (I like reggae so don't get me wrong about the way I'm describing it) but it had potential to be better (6/10).

3.) "Future Soul Song" - My thoughts on this song initially still stand - it's one of Prince's best songs in years to me. Has potential to be a real classic if Prince ever promotes this particular song (in America lol) (9/10).

4.) "Sticky Like Glue" - Initial listens were good but the rap was disalarming at first. Now after repeated listens, it's easily one of my favorite songs on this album. The only one besides FSS I would put on repeat, it's funky R&B with a slight pop sensibility, not really a funk song in general but it's funky (8/10).

5.) "Act of God" - Well I can dig whatever social issue Prince wants to attack. And earlier I said the lyrics stick out sorely but you know it makes sense considering how most songs that talk of issues sound. It's the third best song on this album but my initial thoughts on it sounding juke jointy still stands (7/10).

6.) "Lavaux" - Nice synth pop with a funk sensibility with lyrics Prince could've written in his sleep though I liked the initial lyrics. This is probably a fantasy piece lyrically but it grew on me musically. Just wish it was longer than what it was (6.5/10).

7.) "Walk in Sand" - Initial listens I was disappointed with this. In a way it could've been better as a longer song but it's nice filler though. Obviously not a single plus it segues to the other ballad but it's just OK, but now when I listen to it I'm more reminded of Kotex commercials, thanks a lot! (5/10)

8.) "Sea of Everything" - one verse didn't make sense but I love the flow of it. Nice R&B ballad but could've been longer. I think this was my real pet peeve with the subsequent ballads. "Walk in Sand" still sounds sleepy but you could fuck to "Sea of Everything" if it was a bit longer. Just saying. (6/10)

9.) "Everybody Loves Me" - "Hey Ya" for preschoolers. (0/10).

10.) "Lay Down" - funk y'all if you think I'm gonna put "77" on the number! Maybe it's best the song was as short as it is because had he continued on, it would've been a drag but it's not good as an album closer at all (4/10).

----

The only real stinker is ELM. But everything else has something I can kinda enjoy about it. Still think the album left a lot to be desired but this is what a settled-down, middle-aged pop legend sounds like producing songs with his trademark sound.

Not a classic but it strangely holds up. 56.5/100 for effort lol Again it doesn't drag like it did on "Musicology", it's much like how "3121" was in a way of its cohesiveness but lacked a hot opener and closer to me. The best tracks are in the middle of the tracklisting (3, 4, 5, 6).

[Edited 7/10/10 3:30am]

[Edited 7/10/10 3:32am]

Hmm I just saw someone else say the album sounds like several demo songs...and I didn't even think of it but the majority of it does sound demo-ish. "Laydown" in particular sounded unfinished to me.

I don't know if this really belongs here and I'm not about to make a thread so I'm gonna leave this here but apparently this is what Prince had to say about his record being released on the Daily Record in Scotland:

[Edited 7/10/10 3:41am]

From the Mirror:

Purple reign

By Tom Bryant 10/07/2010

THE AMAZING Prince GIVEAWAY!

[Edited 7/10/10 4:14am]

Ok I've got to do a track by track cause i'm loving this album just loving Compassion Although it sounds like "Sexuality" mixed with "Can't Stop This Feeling I Got" I do really like this, Love the thumping synth bass and guitar work Beginning Endlessly Had my shoulders and hips moving from the first note and there's no bigger compliment I can pay Futures Soul Song So glad he didn't start this in falsetto it really woke me up. Was expecting an Emancipation ballad till the rich baritone came in, From there in he had me. Sticky Like Glue How does his rhythm guitar continue to get more punchy, clean, slick and funky every year? So subtle and sparse just touches of color to the main groove. Act Of God This would sound perfect either segued between Train and Witness For The Prosecution on Dream Factory or, Sung by Mavis Staples on the Voice (tell me you can't hear her wail it) Lavuax I love that he's done a tribute MJ in his own way, Opening with a nod to "shake your body down to the ground" infact I'd be suprised if he didn't wright this rehearsing Shake Your Body Down To The Ground cause he was performing it during the time of his visit to Montreux and Lavuax. Either way sweet Walk In The Sand If someone told me this was a revamped outtake from For You I would believe them. This has the same acoustic guitar flourishes and live drum sound as he did in his 70's work. Sea Of Everything Love that it doesn't really have a hook it just carries you off rather than drags you with it. Call My Name without the pop chorus. Everybody Loves Me oops I would rather this song was replaced with Cause & Effect it would flow better. It just sounds like Dirty Mind without a Dirty Mind (ie nothing). It reminds me of No More Candy which is never a good thing. I'm not whingeing cause I can just skip it and I'm happy for it to be on the album I guess I just don't get why. Laydown Do I even need to say how good this song is everybody has said it much better than me. I think he thought about the production on this one alot more than the rest of the album. I feel like dancing round a stripper poll with a bunch of dollar bills hanging out my boxers (like all good Jehova's Witnesses) In conclusion Yup will be playing this for weeks and rediscovering it at regular intervals for the next 10 years I'm sure

Ok I've got to do a track by track cause i'm loving this album just loving

Compassion
Although it sounds like "Sexuality" mixed with "Can't Stop This Feeling I Got" I do really like this, Love the thumping synth bass and guitar work

Beginning Endlessly
Had my shoulders and hips moving from the first note and there's no bigger compliment I can pay

Futures Soul Song
So glad he didn't start this in falsetto it really woke me up. Was expecting an Emancipation ballad till the rich baritone came in, From there in he had me.

Sticky Like Glue
How does his rhythm guitar continue to get more punchy, clean, slick and funky every year?
So subtle and sparse just touches of color to the main groove.

Act Of God
This would sound perfect either segued between Train and Witness For The Prosecution on Dream Factory or, Sung by Mavis Staples on the Voice (tell me you can't hear her wail it)

Lavuax
I love that he's done a tribute MJ in his own way, Opening with a nod to "shake your body down to the ground" infact I'd be suprised if he didn't wright this rehearsing Shake Your Body Down To The Ground cause he was performing it during the time of his visit to Montreux and Lavuax. Either way sweet

Walk In The Sand
If someone told me this was a revamped outtake from For You I would believe them. This has the same acoustic guitar flourishes and live drum sound as he did in his 70's work.

Sea Of Everything
Love that it doesn't really have a hook it just carries you off rather than drags you with it. Call My Name without the pop chorus.

Everybody Loves Me
oops I would rather this song was replaced with Cause & Effect it would flow better. It just sounds like Dirty Mind without a Dirty Mind (ie nothing). It reminds me of No More Candy which is never a good thing. I'm not whingeing cause I can just skip it and I'm happy for it to be on the album I guess I just don't get why.

Laydown
Do I even need to say how good this song is everybody has said it much better than me. I think he thought about the production on this one alot more than the rest of the album. I feel like dancing round a stripper poll with a bunch of dollar bills hanging out my boxers (like all good Jehova's Witnesses)

In conclusion
Yup will be playing this for weeks and rediscovering it at regular intervals for the next 10 years I'm sure

This is IT. This is a new classic. In ten years time, we'll be saying 'this is almost as good as 20Ten!'

Singingboy said:

This is IT. This is a new classic. In ten years time, we'll be saying 'this is almost as good as 20Ten!'

That is if Prince keeps making music and don't make no retirement statements. Then again this is probably as good as we're gonna get...who knows?

The Reporter from The Mirror in the article Timmy84 posted said:

It's a historic collaboration - the first time a major recording artist has released a new album through a national daily newspaper in the UK.

Didn't Prince himself do it 3 years ago with PE?

.

[Edited 7/10/10 5:26am]

HatrinaHaterwitz said:

Timmy84 said:

It's a historic collaboration - the first time a major recording artist has released a new album through a national daily newspaper in the UK.

Didn't Prince himself do it 3 years ago with PE?

YES!

Timmy84 said:

HatrinaHaterwitz said:

Didn't Prince himself do it 3 years ago with PE?

YES!

Well, I guess to be fair...PE was pretty forgettable!

This is what MPLSound should have been, it's 20 times that album easily

Thanks Prince 4 giving us all ten new tracks to enjoy this summer.

Note 2 the ORG

Sometimes music is simply best when it's enjoyed and not dissected down to every ten second mark. Stop trying so hard 2 hear what U miss and listen 2 what U have.

Timmy84 said:

HatrinaHaterwitz said:

Didn't Prince himself do it 3 years ago with PE?

YES!

Well, technically, no, as the paper was a Sunday paper only, not a daily one - that's how they can get away with that line.

Back on topic - I've seen mentions of the "2 types of Prince music since the 00's", and I reckon if I was able to be selfish I'd prefer more TRC's or Lotusflow3r's than MPLSound's or 20Ten's.

That said, after a few listens, I'm enjoying it more and more. Beginning Endlessly, Future Soul Song, Act of God and Laydown are ones that I enjoy.

This place cracks me up at times, with the ways people mistake their opinions for fact. No one should EVER have to justify liking or not liking any music at all - you either do or you don't. Comparisons and expectations should have no place in the judgement of any musical output. If it makes you feel good, then it's good, simple as that.

Then again, that's just my humble opinion!!

[Edited 7/10/10 6:30am]

HonestMan13 said:

Thanks Prince 4 giving us all ten new tracks to enjoy this summer.

Note 2 the ORG

Sometimes music is simply best when it's enjoyed and not dissected down to every ten second mark. Stop trying so hard 2 hear what U miss and listen 2 what U have.

Note From The Org

Sometimes a fan community site is simply best when it's enjoyed and not told what to do every ten seconds. Stop trying so hard 2 please Prince because he's not here! Be grateful that you have a place where you can at least, discuss Prince because he doesn't give a damn enough to have a full functioning website, for you to go to.

HatrinaHaterwitz said:

HonestMan13 said:

Thanks Prince 4 giving us all ten new tracks to enjoy this summer.

Note 2 the ORG

Sometimes music is simply best when it's enjoyed and not dissected down to every ten second mark. Stop trying so hard 2 hear what U miss and listen 2 what U have.

Note From The Org

Sometimes a fan community site is simply best when it's enjoyed and not told what to do every ten seconds. Stop trying so hard 2 please Prince because he's not here! Be grateful that you have a place where you can at least, discuss Prince because he doesn't give a damn enough to have a full functioning website, for you to go to.

alxndrstff said:

Timmy84 said:

YES!

Well, technically, no, as the paper was a Sunday paper only, not a daily one - that's how they can get away with that line.

Back on topic - I've seen mentions of the "2 types of Prince music since the 00's", and I reckon if I was able to be selfish I'd prefer more TRC's or Lotusflow3r's than MPLSound's or 20Ten's.

That said, after a few listens, I'm enjoying it more and more. Beginning Endlessly, Future Soul Song, Act of God and Laydown are ones that I enjoy.

This place cracks me up at times, with the ways people mistake their opinions for fact. No one should EVER have to justify liking or not liking any music at all - you either do or you don't. Comparisons and expectations should have no place in the judgement of any musical output. If it makes you feel good, then it's good, simple as that.

Then again, that's just my humble opinion!!

[Edited 7/10/10 6:30am]

The same rule that applies to wine applies to music: Drink what you like.

Vendetta1 said:

HatrinaHaterwitz said:

Note From The Org

Sometimes a fan community site is simply best when it's enjoyed and not told what to do every ten seconds. Stop trying so hard 2 please Prince because he's not here! Be grateful that you have a place where you can at least, discuss Prince because he doesn't give a damn enough to have a full functioning website, for you to go to.

Valid points, and..

i do like the song analyses and break down aspect of this site. That is half the reason i come on here. Its nice to hear what others have to say, and if its negative thats ok too. Its just discussion. Some folk need to get their heads outta the purple clouds now and again.

Speaking as a cynical Prince fan, I have to say I was extremely apprehensive about this album, had almost made the decision to draw a line and not listen to any new Prince albums.

I'm so glad to say that this album has surprised and delighted me. First couple of songs aside, from Future Soul Song forward this is his best album in a VERY long time. The production is so much simpler, there are no nasty middle 8s, it's a true solo record. A bit Parliament, a bit Sly, and even a bit Prince! It's a focused record, it doesn't feel like he's just mashed some old songs together with new ones to make an album. There's no singles here, just a solid album.

There are still lots of things I could do without, and his lyrics need a little, erm, work, but I feel hope for the first time in 15 years. I would have liked one guitar solo, though...

[Edited 7/10/10 6:59am]

His best Prince album OF A LONG TIME

SUCH AN AMAZING ALBUM

i LOVE EVERY SONG!

Beautiful to drive to

Prince is back in full effect (though he never left?)

Hey orgers...Huge Prince fan here. I'm the guy that's been posting the videos about Prince on youtube you may have seen in these forums.

I kinda wish I didn't read a review stating that this was Prince's best album in decades. Somebody was hitting the crack pipe. I LOVE me sum Prince. And "20Ten" isn't bad.

"Beginning Endlessly," "Act of God" and "Laydown" are really the only songs that got my attention. But hey, I didn't love "Chaos and Disorder" the first couple times I played it. Then 3 months later I played that CD from to back about 500 times before it left my CD player. So who knows.

I did VERY MUCH dig the "DMSR" vide with the percussion and keyboard in many of the tracks.

I'm very happy to have new Prince material....and for free. But it does make me want to go back and listen to all of his stuff from 1986 and back.

Well...looks like I'm building in early 80's Prince playlist for my weekend.

Have a great weekend guys and girls.