I've come to the conclusion that 'Musicology' is the best lead-off single, and one of the most genuinely Prince-like sounding songs that Prince has come up with for years!

After the success of 'The Most Beautiful Girl In The World', it seemed that every time an album came out, he'd use a slow love song as the first single from the album in the hope that it would enjoy the same success. But he clearly didn't realise that what drew people's attention to his music throughout the 80s was the constant surprise element. The first time you heard a new Prince song, you'd always think WTF??? However, in the end, the song would become just as essential as all the other Prince tunes and it got to a point where his constant ability to go in a different direction became almost predictable and eventually, you'd forget what it was about P's music that surprised you to start with. Even so, there was always something about the new music that felt so familiar and so comfortable despite it's innovation. At the time of its release, TMBGITW wasn't what people expected from him. Until that point, the casual record buyer was used to Prince coming up with a sexually charged funk/dance number and that, ultimately, is what he was known for amongst the non-fans.

Now, he's finally brought out a lead-off single that uses the sound that he's known for, but for all the casual record buyers out there who still remember him, the song will be a surprise because it's funky, but it ain't about sex and doesn't need to be censored for radio. And it's a surprise for us fans because it's not an in-your-face dance song co-produced by Producer Du Jour in order to make it a hit.

Initially, it's minimalism sounds trite and uninspiring. But, it's definitely got a subtle depth to it and, much like many of his classics, after a few listens it becomes addictive. The groove, although clearly inspired by JB is uniquely Prince's and it's THAT that makes the song work. Whereas 'The Work' and 'Sexy MF' sound like JB inspired funk workouts, 'Musicology' sounds like a proper Prince song. And even better, finally, he's come up with a song for the masses that truly does sound like it was Produced, Arranged, Composed and Performed by Prince, with no additional production by any of the people who we've all, at some point or other, cursed for interfering with Prince's sound.

For those who feel uninspired by the song, try to remember how you felt about TMBGITW when you first heard it - did you think it would become a hit? I know I first thought that it was bland and uninspiring, but ultimately it became one of his biggest hits ever. And what about the first time you heard 'When Doves Cry'? It was a case of either, 'This will never be a hit', or 'How come this became a hit', according to when you first discovered Prince.

If this had been the first single from the follow-up album to Lovesexy, I'm pretty sure that we'd have all been singing it's praises from day one.

Prince has created a song that sounds like it came from his 80s heyday. And considering that the whole theme of the song is about old-school music, I think he's done well.

All just my opinion, of course. But I truly believe that five years from now, whether 'Musicology' succeeds or fails commercially, we'll all look back on the song as a classic Prince song.

Good. You got it off your chest. Can we play a game now.

Pweeease.

great review Haystack!
i can tell you lots of dutch radiostations, which i normally don't care about, are simply very positive about Musicology (the single), and it does get under your skin. Can't wait for the album!!

scififilmnerd said:

Thanks scififilmnerd.

This song DOES indeed grow on you...perfect fit for radio...peeps will
flock to this song, IF it gets airplay...

I find myself singin' it all the time...

no intoxication...still learnin' these words...musicology...
Prince gon' be there, but u gotta...CALL HIM...

INFECTIOUS!

Haystack said:

scififilmnerd said:

Actually, I'm about to re-launch my Org GD career soon.

Watch This Spack.

Revolution said:

You have to learn it correctly!
On the studio version P sings:

"DOUGIE gonna be there,
but you got to call him."

Live he sings:

"Prince gonna be there..."

antoon said:

Who's "Dougie"? Anyone? PLEASE tell me it ain't Doug E. Fresh.

theblueangel said:

Doug E ruined the MCI Center show a few years back. I mean, completely.

My experience with Musicology has been the same. At first, I thought it was too simple and unconvincing. It took a week before I put the song on again (it was the Leno appearance). I noticed more stuff and how well-paced it was. Subsequently, every little sound seemed to be exactly right. Not every Prince song grows on me, far from it. And when they do, they do so slowly. My reaction to Musicology is similar to the ones I had with WDC and Kiss. Maybe it's just all the hype, maybe it's because Prince created another deceptively simple song. We'll see soon enough.

Haystack said:

Actually, I really like it a lot, too! And I think it will grow on me even more.

It's a grower.

ALLMACK said:

His name drop in this song makes me wonder if they had a falling out.
He's not mentioned with the other "heroes", Sly, James, Earth Wind, and Fire,
even when hip hop is mentioned, Jam Master Jay and Chuck D...no Doug E.
In the context of the song...Doug E. gon' be there, BUT U GOT TO...CALL HIM.
Sounds like Doug E was supposed to be somewhere (gig?), but didn't make it.
Yep, they had a falling out...purely speculation, of course, cause I ain't one to
start no rumors...