So I found it used today at a record store for $7.99. A nice little find considering that it was available only to NPGMC subscribers (am I correct on this?). I had the hope of listening to it at work, but we got swamped so it had to wait until later this evening. I popped it in, and hunkered down to listen to it. After a few listens I have to say I really dug it. Its definitely not as flashy nor memorable as other albums but at the same time my head was bopping up and down at points.

I did have a question. What was up with the silent tracks? Did they serve a purpose. Did I miss something? The last track was kinda anti-climatic as well.

Freaks On This Side is a great track as is Come On. I dug the sassy horns on FotS. Come On is easily latched onto as I found myself singing along in no time.

When U Love Somebody is a really great track. I'm surprised someone hasn't picked it up for a soundtrack or something. It just seems like that type of song. By far its my favorite track on the album, for its stylishness and sing along factor.

So what are your thoughts on this album?

Phra said:

No, it wasn't only available to NPGMC members - this was released to the general public and had quite a bit of promotion - not that many people remember!
I assume the silent tracks are just there for the "hidden track" to actually be hidden - wate of time IMO. Isn't there an ad there as well? Can't remember, and as I have no desire to put it on to find out, I guess that answers your last question!

dust-collector

It's only worth buying for 3 tracks in particular: Come On, The One, and Wasted Kisses.

The rest of the album ain't too good.

'Mad Sex' is o.k too i suppose.

i have to admit that NPS is the least played in my Prince collection.
When i say least i mean "never"
oops i forgot Kamasutra.
each to their own i guess

I like Newpower Soul - sure it's a big ol' pile of shit for a Prince record, but ir reminds me of the Summer of 1998 when he toured with it, got to see my first aftershow (Hippodrome) and the Brixton Academy show was very enjoyable.

Also that's when I got my first PC, and it reminds me of staying up all night chatting on the net to other Prince fans.

ive only just remembered that this album even exists. i never listen to it, maybe i should try it on again.. im not expecting much, cant even remember any of the tracks

I still can't believe peeps don't like this album. Sure it's too short, and doesn't have enough funk guitar, but the HORZ and VOX kick ass. Also, most all of the keys and drums are Prince... In fact, it has some of the best urban contemporary drum tracks from the whole '90s stuff. It sounds like Prince used the Roland drum kit and triggered alot of the sounds.

Freaks On This Side
Push It Up
Madd Sex
NewPower Soul

These tracks rock.

GOLD is the least played album in my house, despite Endorphin Machine and Shy.

G.

Giovanni777 said:

I lu-hu-hove Gold.

Controversy probably gets the least play round here, or D&P maybe.


There are some good songs on NPS, but I think most of them work better on their own. As an album, it's too samey.

I'd happily stick most of the songs on a party tape.
[This message was edited Wed Dec 3 9:18:49 PST 2003 by 1p1p1i3]

1p1p1i3 said:

Funny that u mentioned you hardly ever listen to 'Controversy', I only just played it today.

I'd have to say I listen to 'Emancipation' the least...it's just so bloody long.

I can't listen to that album.

Its a great "mood" album rather than an album of great songs. It works better if you play it in one go, rather than skip to individual tracks.

"Come On" is Camille's last gasp.
"The One" is timeless and beautiful.

I play the album more than I play Come, , The Gold Experience, Diamonds & Pearls and Graffiti Bridge.

BinaryJustin said:

You're strange.

Giovanni777 said:

Damn straight! I always thought this was a great album particularly 4 the parts U mentioned. Prince's horn arrangements (especially on Come) R just awesome. I really love the horn riffs on Mad Sex. Plus The One and When You Love Somebody R 2 really great love songs. It's a real good mix of funky shit with soem good ballads as well.

You have to have this album for 'Come On' and 'Wasted Kisses'.
'The One' is also a nice track, but far better live.

Also worth noting on that album is 'Until U're In My Arms Again'. Brilliant track let done by the OTT production.
[This message was edited Thu Dec 4 6:20:13 PST 2003 by Sly]

Oh Yeah.

I forgot 2 mention "Come On"...

Definately.

ALSO, Marva King's vocals sound perfect with Prince's... That spooky thang she does on "Push It Up"... hittin' the high notes 2.

G.

all this cd did was collect dust for the first 6 mths i had it but reently i put it in and it didnt sound too bad. Come on is the shhheeet.

This is the "Black Album" of the 90s.

How anybody can diss this album or say that his more commercial crap from the 90s is better, is beyond me...

Seriously - listen to it as whole album. Don't skip tracks, and don't make a compilation from individual songs. Sit down, pour some wine and listen to it in one go. All his other 90s albums just sound like disjointed collections. This album reminds me of Controversy, 1999 or Around The World In A Day. Every song is painted from the same pallette.

Maybe if all you hardcore Prince-O-Philes had loved this album at the time, he wouldn't have gone all Biblical on our asses.

This is the transitional point between the Prince of 1988 and the Prince of now. Larry was present musically but not as influential (personally) as he is now.

This album sounds like a "goodbye" letter from an old friend.

So has nobody re-listened to the album since this thread started?

BinaryJustin said:

I've been listening to this album heaps the last week or so - also GCS2000, Come 2 My House and the Come On remixes. I'm really starting to dig the post-emancipation, pre-rainbow children era. That was when I started following Prince and now 5/6 years later I'm starting to rediscover it all over! NPS is definately the Black Album of the 90s. One of those ones that some may overlook but there's so much stank on the album I can't deny it!

i love the album, esp love some body and until your in my arms again. I also think its one of his best albums for art work. That and Rave

I just put this cd on. The title track is still an embarassment. He should have nixed that and started with Mad Sex or something else.