Interesting read, thanks. And I agree to some of it.

I agree, Phase 1 is better than what some here makes it to be. I agree with you that the second half of this album is really good, and I like the rest too, the opener not so much though. Song 2-3-4 is hated by so many, I like the way Prince is making edgy songs again (I feel them edgy). Like he is trying new "noisy" ground.

I still dislike Phase 2, yes actually I hate this album, one of his worst his entire career, Baltimore yuck, and the rest sounds just as much forced, cliché, conventional, formulaic.

2 good songs Revelation and Groovy Potential, those I can listen to, I skip the rest, not feeling those at all.

This is how I feel about Phase 1 & 2, don't hate me now haha,

pretty please.....

[Edited 3/3/16 19:54pm]

Phase 1 is the worst album of his career as far as i'm concerned. At the same time though I think June might be his best song of the past 10 years and 1000 Hugs & Kisses is decent. The rest is alright, some of it is awful but it's always catchy and is at least entertaining.

Phase 2 is good, a little too by the numbers for me but I like it well enough. Find it hard to get excited by it though.

Both albums have a song, the X's Face and Stare, that sound like they're gonna be my favourite Prince songs but then go nowhere in particular, that's irritating.

Overall, neither are great for me but i'm glad they're out there. Keep em coming!

[Edited 3/3/16 2:09am]

Phase 1 I keep returning to. Phase 2 bored me very quickly.

Ymaginatif said:

Phase 1 I keep returning to. Phase 2 bored me very quickly.

thanks..


I am not alone then, in feeling good about Phase 1

MIRvmn said:

I can't stand Phase 1, it's a terrible album. But I still love phase 2 maybe even more now than before [Edited 3/3/16 6:58am]

I'm only listening to Phase 1 for the first time and am having a lot of W** moments

I think eventually nowdays we pick the gems eventually anyway for playlists as we outgrow some tracks. If we'd never heard Screwdriver, Groovy Potential, Rocknroll LA & Xtraloveable, CD2 would be spot on for a first listen.

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I think the W** ones on CD1 which might include one or two of the OP's likes should be on a CD called Indifference and the gems moved to Phase 2. Mr Nelson should be on Artificial age.

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I disagree on Baltimore being weak. It's not super strong but then it's such a fully loaded topic it can't be easy. I think it should have started with the chants as the intro after Baltimore is a little weak and it would have made it more tribal and urgent. People need to be up in arms here and I don't mean the mechanical ones.

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But the message does build from the basic background info into ta loving song and the solid message 'peace is more than the absence of war' . It's streaming into harmonies creates a solidarity and the guitar interlude just says 'make love not war' (could be omitted second time round though.)

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The chant is strong and its surge into 2.30 I interpret as a musical dawning realisation of possible evolution in a 21st century enlightenment, if there is enough compassion to 'put the guns away.' The superb breakdown at 3.41 is a hint of tribalism and the radio finishes it well.

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Prince could have though yes, just picked up an accoustic like Tracey Chapman's Revolution at the Free Nelson Mandela concert in London many years ago. Spell binding for its authenticity. But it would not have fit the album.

I like Big City too but not Hardrocklover which is probably where my taste with the OP's differs. I will be back with I'm sure a critical review of Phase one.

[Edited 3/3/16 12:47pm]

[Edited 3/4/16 1:47am]

I still listen to Phase One and like it even more than I did when it was first released. I'm looking forward to more music like it: exciting, cutting edge, futuristic, and loaded with yummy ear candy!

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Although I warmed up to Phase Two after a couple of listens, I really haven't felt compelled to listen to it again. It's okay, but just a little too stale and boring when compared to the three previous albums. I remember Prince saying something about being invigorated by the youthful company he was keeping, meaning Josh and 3rdeyegirl. At the time I cynically blew it off ("sure, Prince.... whatever") but now I see what he meant. Plectrum, AOA, and Phase One are loaded with youthful energy, while Phase Two doesn't have any of that spark.

TheBoneRanger said:

Phase One I haven't listened to more than once and there is no way I'm going there again.

Phase Two I played a lot and just concluded it was remarkable how Prince's musicianship is so thoroughly on point while at the same time his songwriting is plain abysmal. I build up a tolerance for the album if I force myself through a few cringe-inducing listens, and eventually I can appreciate a lot of the album for that day. But when I return to it later on, I just can't force myself through that again. Nor should I have to go through any of that to play a record. Live instruments or not the album is just plain bad.

I skip past it to Babyface (Return Of The Tender Lover) and Janet Jackson's latest.

is not Black muse betta than anything on Black mess-iah.....?

I like both albums.. but then again my musical aesthetic is pretty vast. Phase 1 I can listen to only when I'm in a very social mood or if I'm going to go out and have fun someplace. Phase 2 is more my sit at home and chill album. I still listen to AOA and PlecElec more than either of them to be honest.

controversy99 said:

I've been revisiting HNR Phase One and listening to Phase Two about once every day of two recently. My opinions of the two albums are changing significantly. Is anybody else experiencing a change?

NAW. Still enjoying the both of 'em.

EmmaMcG said:

It's cool that you like Phase One and I'm sure there are a few others who like it too but that youthful energy you mentioned is exactly what turned me off it. For me, Phase One is his joint worst album along with 20Ten. From a man who once claimed not to follow trends, he didn't half jump on the EDM bandwagon quickly. The whole thing came across as sad. He's 57 years old and he's trying to be "down with the kids". And it sounded like a 57 year old man trying to be down with the kids. The last 4 tracks are OK but the crap with Rita Ora should have stayed in the vault. I much preferred Phase Two. Its not the most original sounding album of his career but it's a good solid album and in my opinion, his best since 3121. Plus, Look at Me, Look at U and Revelation are stone cold classics in my book. I suppose which album you prefer comes down to your taste in music. If you like what u hear in the charts, phase one is what you'll gravitate towards. If, like me, you prefer old school horns based music, then it's Phase Two. Its not cutting edge, but there's only so many times you can expect Prince to reinvent the wheel. Personally, I hope Phase One was just him getting this commercial sounding album out of his system so he can get back to real Funknroll.

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Well, my tastes in music are pretty wide (I'm listening to Judas Priest as I type this) and, in fact, the reason I listened to Phase Two a little more is because someone previously made that same point about the horns and being an admirer. But so am I, so I gave it a few more spins and warmed up to it. I love NPS, The Vault, Goldnigga, Eric Leeds, Maceo Parker, etc. I didn’t like The Vault right away either, but now I enjoy it quite a bit, especially the horns. And Phase Two still has a lot of ear candy, although more subtle than Phase One....for instance, listen to Baltimore with head phones and there’s all kinds of subtleties to the guitar which are quite nice.

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As for the age thing, I’m the complete opposite as you there. I’d hate for Prince to ever stop soaking up styles and processing them into his own sound, which is something he’s always done since the very beginning. Rather than an artist in the studio, Prince is more like a mad scientist in the laboratory, and styles like trap and dubstep are just more elements with which to experiment. And, me personally as a music enthusiast, if I like something I’m not going to avoid listening to it because the audience is predominantly young kids. Fuck that! There’s no way I’m going to miss out on something I enjoy because everyone thinks it’s “sad.” And keep in mind that jazz, rock and other various styles that Prince plays in his 50s were once considered fads for the “kids.”

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I know what you mean, though. It’s like when I heard Robin Williams or Ted Danson try to rap. You can tell that they just don’t get it and it made them look old and out of touch, and it makes me cringe just thinking about it as I type. It sounds like you and most people on the Org are having that experience now with Prince and Phase One. It bums me out though because I feel like the majority of his fans are missing out on a crackling, kick-ass album!

TheBoneRanger said:

EmmaMcG said:

It's cool that you like Phase One and I'm sure there are a few others who like it too but that youthful energy you mentioned is exactly what turned me off it. For me, Phase One is his joint worst album along with 20Ten. From a man who once claimed not to follow trends, he didn't half jump on the EDM bandwagon quickly. The whole thing came across as sad. He's 57 years old and he's trying to be "down with the kids". And it sounded like a 57 year old man trying to be down with the kids. The last 4 tracks are OK but the crap with Rita Ora should have stayed in the vault. I much preferred Phase Two. Its not the most original sounding album of his career but it's a good solid album and in my opinion, his best since 3121. Plus, Look at Me, Look at U and Revelation are stone cold classics in my book. I suppose which album you prefer comes down to your taste in music. If you like what u hear in the charts, phase one is what you'll gravitate towards. If, like me, you prefer old school horns based music, then it's Phase Two. Its not cutting edge, but there's only so many times you can expect Prince to reinvent the wheel. Personally, I hope Phase One was just him getting this commercial sounding album out of his system so he can get back to real Funknroll.

-

Well, my tastes in music are pretty wide (I'm listening to Judas Priest as I type this) and, in fact, the reason I listened to Phase Two a little more is because someone previously made that same point about the horns and being an admirer. But so am I, so I gave it a few more spins and warmed up to it. I love NPS, The Vault, Goldnigga, Eric Leeds, Maceo Parker, etc. I didn’t like The Vault right away either, but now I enjoy it quite a bit, especially the horns. And Phase Two still has a lot of ear candy, although more subtle than Phase One....for instance, listen to Baltimore with head phones and there’s all kinds of subtleties to the guitar which are quite nice.

-

As for the age thing, I’m the complete opposite as you there. I’d hate for Prince to ever stop soaking up styles and processing them into his own sound, which is something he’s always done since the very beginning. Rather than an artist in the studio, Prince is more like a mad scientist in the laboratory, and styles like trap and dubstep are just more elements with which to experiment. And, me personally as a music enthusiast, if I like something I’m not going to avoid listening to it because the audience is predominantly young kids. Fuck that! There’s no way I’m going to miss out on something I enjoy because everyone thinks it’s “sad.” And keep in mind that jazz, rock and other various styles that Prince plays in his 50s were once considered fads for the “kids.”

-

I know what you mean, though. It’s like when I heard Robin Williams or Ted Danson try to rap. You can tell that they just don’t get it and it made them look old and out of touch, and it makes me cringe just thinking about it as I type. It sounds like you and most people on the Org are having that experience now with Prince and Phase One. It bums me out though because I feel like the majority of his fans are missing out on a crackling, kick-ass album!

So many great points. I think you are so right with the Scientist in the Laboratory quote. Phase one has a lot of energy, fiest and freneticism. Whilst I love both albums and they work as counterpoints. I would have to say I have listend to Phase One more as it is just so different from previous albums. I love Phase Two with Revelation and the classic sound but I have no problem with Prince trying new things and exploring his musical range. Prince has always been electronic as much as any other part of his ouvre.

The only songs i listen too on phase 1 is 1000 Hugs, Exsface and HardRockLover. The rest i dont care for. Im all for prince trying new stuff, but the rest of the songs are rubbish in my opinion. Phase 2 is a good album, if a little old fashioned. As somebody has already said. Between phase 1 and 2 there is a great album in there somewhere! Perhaps he should let a few hardcore fans listen to a load of new tracks or some from the vault, and let them piece together his next album to make a great one!

TheBoneRanger said:

I heard the songs from phase 1 and 2, and didn't even bother buying those albums. hell, I wouldn't even download that crap for free! Knowing how talented Prince is...it's mindboggling at how the quality of his music has dropped off. He's all about the $$$ over the music, and it shows!

[Edited 3/4/16 8:16am]

Phase one might be 'crackling kiss ass' for some but after a few listens which have tested my patience it will get 3 track downloads from me. I can appreciate a few young pop charts hits: I even have one Justin Bieber song, overdosed on Dangerous (R. Schultz mix) and One Republic's Counting Stars so I don't think it has got to with age completely. My take on the album as the W** tracks will not get another listen.

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Million $ show - Not a bad opener, enough variety to merit further listening. Goes off the deep end here and there but the ladies maintain a little sanity. The message is to internet haters and not critics I hope. Revelation does this so much better though.

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Shut this down - Yup absolutely I'm about to shut this down. My name is Prince has just shifted to second last position of most loathed songs. Just intolerable this. Like being served spaghetti bolognese on top of lasagne. Trying to merge Hard house with Rap (or dubstep and trap whatever) is an insult to my ears. Even as an electronic song without the vocals I wouldn't listen. The ending is nice that's all. Lyrics 1/10 'We didn't ask you anything???' Excuse me: #JesuisCharlie et #NoussommesUnis

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Ain't about to stop - This reminds me of that album where he holds a gun on the cover as a microphone. Can't remember the name. A collaboration with a Rap artist fine but I ain't about to change my taste just because this is Prince. For those who enjoy head-banging stuff & Rap cool, but I'll pick up some bass somewhere else thanks. My life is a box of chocolates, Belgian truffles not a pizza. Some interesting sounds and nice Eastern tinkle, that's it. I'm very happy when it's stops.

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Like a Mack - Not bad, but why not a solo Alternative CD with all the individual nice sounds without the rock-rap? Doesn't warrant more listening though despite the melody, horns and moderate rap lyrics. 'The girls are hot' ? Was 'hot' the only word that rhymed with 'not'. How about spot, dot, clot, plot, rot, or blot, etc? Though Curly is not too bad, no download.

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This could be us - Pretty melody and nice lyrics but something doesn't flow for me in how the lyrics match the alternative sounds. I think I've heard a nicer version somewhere else without the extras or that annoying interrupting guitar. Melody and lyrics are intriguing but it feels like an untidy indecisive song as if it doesn't know where it wants to go.

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Fall in love 2Nite - Not feeling this either. It's cute but there are sounds in there which I don't dig. Can't relax, dream or dance to it.

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X's face - Like the storyline and consistent music theme. But the lyrics 'go and take that banana' ? Wonder if it's the proverbial finger to someone. Not a bad track but not one I'd listen to.

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Hardrocklover - I honestly hate angry sounds like this. The vocals remind me of some other song (non-Prince) . No man what a headache. Can't concentrate on the lyrics. Too much effort.

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Mr Nelson - Love this………Intro perfect, 1.04 my sound completely. Leaves space for the imagination. It's a wicked twist and change at 1.36 but it meshes well and I can even handle the guitar part, almost, because I know something nice is coming.

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1000 X's & O's - Classic Prince - Definitely fits on Phase 2 better and could be a sister to Baltimore if he'd kept the theme to 'slaving away' and love, leaving out the 'phone' and sexiness. But a gem of a sound.

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June - Another classic Prince gem, yes….simplicity in a complex world. Nice closing track.

[Edited 3/4/16 9:14am]

not sure it's been said already but phase 2 makes a far better 'disk 1' than phase 1, with phase 1 making a better second disk. I've put both albums into one itunes album with phase 2 tracks coming first, makes a stonking collection actually. looking forward to adding phase 3!

My opinions have not changed much since the albums were released.

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HNR Phase 1 is the bad and desparate trend chasing album, Tracks 1 - 4 are by far the worst starting punch on any Prince album. They are all just raucous noise and poorly constructed. Despite this, I do not mind listening to them in the car and playing them loud. Two more songs Mr Nelson and TCBU remix are just noize and there is not much depth in the X's face. That leaves 3 very good songs and these to me are worthy of any of his other songs. It is still a 6, leaning down into the high 5's.

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HNR Phase 2 is a different matter, Xtralovable sounds done to death and Baltimore may be cheesy, but the rest is genius, sexy ballads, funky bass laden songs and some great horn tracks. It has classic songs like "Stare", "Revelation" and "Black Muse". Even though I amnot a huge fan of it, "Look at me u, look at u" has a huge amount of fan love, its a good track, but not the best he has ever done.

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Unlike HNR Phase 1, there is no fat or filler here, all the songs are at least good and several are masterpieces, although hardly genre shattering, the all sound like exceptional Prince songs we have grown tolove. This is why its a solid 8½ rather than a 10. Its better than AOA and 3121, but just and up there with the Gold Experience, but its not quite on the level of 1999, PR, Parade, Sign or Lovesexy. On the other hand Phase 1 is his worst album since NEWS and the Rainbow children, although better than both, only Musicology comes close to how bad it is.

Nothing has changed.

Phase 2 is the same old same old, Phase 1 at least refreshing.

Adorecream said: