AsTheQuoFlies said:

GeurtWalraven said:

One star. If possible, not even one star at all. What a load of rubbish. “Out now, the new release from Shelby Johnson with guest appearance by Prince. Experience the excessive presence of a so eager and still trying to prove to Prince that I can really sing, but in reality not.” Luckily i have so much to choose from, his best work made in the 80’s. W2A, a one time listen.

Agreed on the female vocals. They're not bad, but they very prominent.

Having said that, the vocals are nowhere near Sheila, Rosie, Tamar or even Andy Allo. What sounds great onstage in the moment might not translate to the studio.

Some have said that these vocals were partially added "recently" to finish out some songs. Wonder if that's true? I did see Shelby and Morris Hayes on TV promoting this album. They sure did focus on those two.

3.5 stars, enjoyable cd but nothing ground breaking. Which is ok. I love the organic sound.

So far as a whole album I like hitnrun part 2 a bit better.

Why U selfish sons of biscuit eaters!

I have been listening W2A a few times now and I really like it. What I don't understand about how most people here view this album is from what POV do you approach it? Prince made a lot of music for the world to hear and a lot of music for his private world which included himself and his friends. Does anyone remember the disclaimer on Chaos and Disorder where he wrote "this music was originally intended for private use only" or something to that effect.

But if one listens to this album from his point of view it feels very different and it makes more sense. He had a lot to say and he put his feelings onto an album that was very dear to his heart. Put things in perspective. Yes he ruled the 80's, proved so much. As he went into the 90's proved different things as he still had it but then braked hard to change directions and fight the music industry. He still put out beautiful albums since he fell in love in the mid to late 90's and started to get very political and religious as in TRC. He kept this up for most of the 2000's. He obviously knew this stuff wasn't marketable but put some stuff out there anyways.

But take a step back and don't listen to the album from our pov. From wanting some old school funk, from wanting some jam sessions that go on forever or some high energy music that brings back flashes from the past. Look at it from a roughly 50 year old musician that has given so much to this world who makes an album for himself. Then it starts to make sense. It's starts to feel like your listening to a musical diary of a man who has a lot of thoughts.

The opening track is awesome. It grabs my attention. Like so many Prince albums they are so different from each other and it's as if a completely different musician made each album. You have to give it a few listens before his albums settle in. I remember listening to Parade and being like WTF or Around the World in a Day. At first listen you have no comparison, no context. But after repeated listens it starts to make sense. W2A the track makes me stop what I am doing and listen to what this man has to say. It sounds omnious but not in a preach way. Like walking down an unfamiliar hallway to open a door not knowing whats behind.

Running Game- he continues his preoccupation with the "System" that bothers him so much. It's light and full of air. I can bop my head to this hook while doing the dishes or dusting around the house while getting his message loud and clear.

Born 2 Die- sounds so unique. If you don't snap your fingers or tap your feet to this track you got rythym problems. I love the way he sings this song. Very fluid. The message is simple and clear. Live your life right or your just wasting time. Enuff said.

1000 Years- This song is hope eternal. You can just tell how much he loves this them of a better life other than here. And this song delivers. I bet he loved writing this song and putting it together. Great hook and it sounds so light.

Hot Summer- this song is not as offensive as some make it. It's a simple filler song like so many he has made over the years. Put some sunglasses on and drive and don't over think it.

Stand Up and B Strong- A real gem. Vunerability is the theme of this song. It's rare to hear Prince not only do a cover but sing a song that most likely refers to himself. I agree the "weak knees" and reference to the use of "pills" is likely referring to his own plight. Again a song to himself.

Check the Record- Ripping guitar riff and edgy. That's why so many people like it. Because they want this Prince not the self reflecting Prince. Put this one on repeat.

Same Page, Different Book- Funky AF! Message is clear. Again a reference to 1 God with different names and religions but we should all focus on our similarities not our differences. A throwback to the black album sound if I am being honest. Love the jabbing horns.

When She Comes- A classic Prince ballad. What's not to like. Pour a glass a wine with your significant and light some candles and play this. Relax, it won't hurt you.

1010 RTT- Not exaclty my cup of tea but more of his favorite subject, religion and politics. He's entitled to be indulgent

Yes- More affirmation to be loving. I personally don't care for this one track but I get this concept turns him on. Go on Prince with your bad self. Still a little too much singing by the back up singers and not enough of our guy.

ODWWABFree- A truly great way to end this album. A stand out for me. Syrupy. Sounds sweet to me. Another reaffirmation of what keeps this guy going.

Look in the end we are all entitled to our opinion. For those that don't like it that's cool. But he kept this album unrealeased for a reason. Maybe it simply was an album that he made for himself. I just feel so lucky to hear what he did in the studio and no one ever heard of this before until recently. I think what also makes Prince's music so special to me is that when I hear something that moves me that he wrote it's makes me feels so high. So much more that when I other music that simply sounds good. So yeah I can see the different point of view on this album but maybe step back and let this album sink in and view it as Prince putting to music some of his most personal thoughts on society and that's why he kept it for himself. There is still a lot to appreciate. Like he says in 1000 light years "what's wrong with listening with your heart?" Not your ears.

In the end I give it 3.5 *s for me. For Prince I give it 5 *****s.

[Edited 8/4/21 8:12am]

jhon00 said:

Not enough FUNK! Funny FUNK. Cool Funk. Nasty Funk. Dirty Funk. Raw Funk.

-

That!

Topday, 2 out of five.

But tomorrow maybe 3... who knows.

The fucker still needs to grow on me (maybe).

Too much of lame two chord songs with barely any inspiration.

Up until now, I understand why Prince held it back.

But... we'll see within a week or so.

-

It's a 1 or 2 out of 5 stars album.

Not worth a release or repeated listen

[Edited 8/5/21 1:19am]

3.5/5 when i compare to all his albums. I tend to like more produced songs more, but do appreciate the live organic vibe of this album. My favorites so far are 1000 light years -- i'm honestly surprised he could shelve this beautiful song; 1010 and one day... are also favorites. I like different parts of all the songs, nothing made me cringe. Very impressive lyrics overall, i love when he waxes metaphysical and political. i laughed at the george washington line.

Its growing on me. I revise my rating from 2 to 3 stars. I'm not even skipping "Hot Summer" at this point WTH?

Prince's take on "There's a Riot Going On" (clear with the Slyish "Yes" and ODWWABF).

RogerRoger said:

2 Stars for me **

If they built an album around Check the Record.... *****

'When She Comes' ---------->

I'm enjoying Welcome 2 America more and more as an album.

Weirdly, I didn't make up mind after only hearing the album once or twice. I've been playing it this week, waiting until I've had more of a chance to absorb it, before making any decision.

There's not a weak track on this album for me. Every one is damn good. It's easily a 4 out of 5 from me.

[Edited 8/7/21 6:56am]

It is growing on me. I really like the vibe of this album.

4 out of 5 stars for me. I really like this album.

ChaosDisorder said:

2 or 2.5 stars at the most. The album just didn’t do anything for me. It’s the same production style of most of his 2000s output that makes the guitars sound sterile and the drums lacking in punch. There’s just no bite, no punch to the instrumentation. It sounds too “perfect”. It also feels like “Shelby J. featuring Prince”, and I’m not a fan of Shelby. It always feels like she’s trying to overpower the songs instead of just singing.

all of this = YES

3.5

It's pretty much like every album he released from Musicology on. It's better than Planet Earth but slots for me right in there with 3121 or LotusFlower. Best thing it has going for it is its cohesiveness andc onsistency.

HAs a nice flow to it and everything fits together pretty well.

3.5 stars

Solid release baby

CherryMoon57 said:

3 stars...would have been 3.5 stars if Black Muse were included in the original format.

1

when she comes is dire. like some spoof on snl.

RODSERLING said:

First listening : zero stars. Out of the average eponym track, nothing memorable. A human brain needs at least 7 listenings to judge an album.

Not my brain, Mr Serling. I got it first time but then I got The orb's Cydonia on first listen. Lucky me.

There is no arguing with the book. Likewise there is no argument with a well-versed musicologist.