At this juncture and point of time in Prince's career, its easy for me to say i'm really interested in watching Prince more as a producer and songwriter for other artists than solo projects. Like everyone here, we were questioned by who's Judy Hill and why is this record important. I, like most people knew of Judith for being Michael Jacksons main backround singer from the "This is it" tour ,where she really had an oppurtunity to shine. We all know what happened. Going in cold, listening to a new Prince production without any hype behind it is such a breathe of fresh air. So, what is this album ?

As Trains Go By: The album opens with sound of a crackling vinyl, as perhaps to convey the feeling of a lost soul record from the 60’s or 70’s. “Like Cee-Lo Green in a sea of red light. Might as well be famous because I ain’t gonna be white. One way or another I know I’ll be alright. As trains go by. Bedtime’s out of sight.”. The music sounds warm and has a real slow burn funk groove but it’s also dirty and bass heavy. It also recalls the groove and tempo of a track along the lines of “3121”. Judith’s vocals are very strong, soulful incredibly well suited for this type of material. The theme is about being strong in times of social injustice. D’angelo’s “Charade” addressed some of the similar issues but as perhaps in response to that track, Prince as a song writer is more topical with lines such as “How can the chokehold never be on TV. Still be okay with the NYPD”. The line “While Martin sleeps. Brother Malcom is awake” strikes me as no matter who’s sleeping someone is always on guard. “Dreamer” also addressed the issue of not being asleep to reality or taking a blind eye.

Turn Up: This is a really warm, colorful and lively track but also built on more of the tempo of “As Trains Go By”. The bass is even deeper and it recalls the feeling of listening to War or perhaps Sly and the Family Stone. It’s biographical in the sense that it reveals Judith’s background to the listener and her struggles with business. “Straight out of North Holly-fornia. 20 feet away from every star”. Prince shares the vocal duties with Judith trading, switching and swirling between the lines and sometimes together. The chorus is a faster Sly Stone-esque rave up. It also recalls “Turn Me Loose” which debuted in 2008, but never officially released. Prince’s comical monologue calling out fake people towards the end of the song is super animated and gave me a big chuckle. Judith’s road has been challenging, but theres a pay off if you show and prove.

Angel in the Dark: Perhaps the most modern sounding song production wise. This song could easily fit within the contemporary Zeitgeist of todays pop music. The production and chorus recall the urgency found in a track such as “U Know”. This type of production brings Josh's talents to the table. And I think he did a very good job .The theme of the song seems to be of faith and believing in that “something else”. Also the strength of the spirit. Finding the light in a large room. Nice lyrical callback to “Something In the Water”

There was a song called “Angel Wish” that made an appearance during a Dj Rashida set back in January 17, 2013 at the Dakota. It could be possible that this song could be a revamped version of that song. Beautiful Life. This is a really strong track and I hope it proves to be a success for Judith.

Beautiful Life: The song opens with the tickling of piano keys complimented by strings. The arrangement takes it’s time, giving the song a chance to breathe before bringing itself to the chorus.Which is the strong suit of the song. Judith’s vocal stylings are incredibly strong soulful and sung from the heart. Reminds me of "The Love We Make in Spirit". This song is a declaration of joy.

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Judith Hill is over here in Associated Artists http://prince.org/msg/5/415069