haha. it's funny you say that cause i was thinking the same thing. it's like when he got back in bed with Warners, he had to give them good stuff. it ain't 1990 anymore so he isn't their top priority.

In my opinion, Prince never lost his form. You can find greatness and at least three or four good, if not brilliant songs on every single album he´s ever released. There are seven songs I absolutely love on AOA and maybe three songs I like on Plectrum Electrum, but there were also great songs on albums such as Lotusflower, 3121, 20Ten and even Planet Earth, though I must admit I don´t go back to those albums very often and when I do, I only listen to the three or four songs I like.

AOA is an album that has only one or maybe two tracks I skip, so there´s that, but all in all, I don´t think that he´s held back on good songs in the last two decades. This release seems more cohesive and more thought out though. I don´t think that he´s trying to prove a point now that he´s with WB again.

If there were a Warners related reason, it's more likely that he's found some inner peace by having his masters back. And is able to focus his zen with a laser like intensity.

But 3121 is a brilliant album for me, and as KoolEaze says, there's brilliance on every album.

But something does feel different. And I don't think it's to do with the quality, but maybe the cohesiveness? Or the mystery? (Where is he?)

Militant said:

I really enjoyed 3121, and I like parts of Planet Earth and Lotusflow3r.

What was missing in those albums though, is a vague emotional longing--Prince does that well.

In AOA, this returns in fine form. I dislike 5 of the trax on the album ( I mean, really really not impressed by them AT ALL), but the album still ends up being a good album. This is because of that emotional vibe that runs through it. Prince hasn't done that in a long time.

Like all independent artists, Prince had been heavily catering to his existing fanbase, releasing specialized albums, opening websites for the faithful, revisiting the old sounds the converted cherish, etc. Independent artists can't count on robust promotional means to expand their audience so they try to keep their fans happy -- obviously many expected more of Prince because that had mixed results.

With a big promotional machine like WB behind him, he decided to be far more ambitious and careful this time around. He seems to be more able to collaborate these days, perhaps he took feedback from outside his camp and listened well enough.

Whatever he's doing, it's working like a charm.

Return to form?

PE is solid, not his best work, but It's quite enjoyable.

AOA is a stinker, except for 3-4 tracks.