Musicology Review:

Disclaimer: We all come to Prince’s music from different perspectives and tastes and given his diversity I wanted to give you feel for my tastes before my review. What I like best from Prince is funk/soul with rock overtones. I try to reference other Prince songs to describe these, being a life long Prince fan, I know we all have our own opinions on what he does best.

That being said, here we go:

Musicology

This one has already been well debated. Overall, I think it’s a nice kick-off to the album and with Prince, a well positioned “ah” or “good god” and it’s got me. I think Musicology provides those moments. It tells me that Prince is trying to set a tone for the album—old school funk/soul elements. Nice to have this song as a measuring stick.

Illusion, Coma, Pimp and Circumstance

I think his vocal is wonderful in this song as well as the guitar accenting which is reminiscent of “The Future”. Very funky, with a catchy chorus. In terms of the album’s theme, does not sound like an old school inspired jam, but something a bit new for the “true funk soldiers”.

A Million Days

Not the type of Prince song I like, hate when he plays “hair band” like guitar rock. The back up vocal and layered harmonies save it a bit for me as well as his vamping at the end of the song, but a “The Holy River” vibe overall. If you like Holy River, I would guess you’ll really like this one. Not for the “true funk soldiers”.

Life O’ The Party

Was scared when I first listened to this. Thought it was going to be a mix of “The Max” (which I like) and “Jughead” (which I hate). Again I think his vocals on this are outstanding—raw and funky. The chorus is very “Nasty Girl”-ish. Had an interesting break to it akin to the island-inspired rap from “Sun, Moon and the Stars” on Rave. Definitely a head-bopper. Old school on this may mean early 80s...

Call My Name

I’m a sucker for a Prince slow jam. This one rates high in my book. Silky smooth, dripping wet with elements of “International Lover”, “Shhh”, and all that. Has everything that’s great about a Prince slow jam, but what I liked the most is that it felt a little more 70s soul than the others, which felt right for what I thought was the tone of the album.
Prince sings “can’t stop writing songs about you” on this….keep writing them Prince.


Cinnamon Girl

Akin to “Dolphin” which is not one of my most loved Prince songs. Nice subtle guitar work on it however. Felt like “I Like It There” but without the edge and urgency.

What Do U Want Me 2 Do?

Another type of Prince song that only works for me as an exception. This has a “Ballad of Dorothy Parker” vibe in regards to the drum programming and all, but doesn’t come close to touching “Dorothy Parker’s” lyrics.

The Marrying Kind

I’m filing for divorce on this one! Again, another power chord, operatic Prince song. “Three Chains of Gold” style. Not my cup of tea.

NOW A NICE HOME STRETCH!

If Eye Was The Man In UR Life

This is the most interesting track to me on the whole album. It segues from the previous song (which I don’t like) very well, but has it’s own energy and works well by itself. Guitar workout with some simple piano chords and then an interesting jazz break at the end akin to “She Spoke to Me”. The kind of musical journey that makes me love Prince, just sit back, buckle in and enjoy.

On The Couch

Love this. Sounds like a lost Aretha Franklin track from the 60’s. Has a kind of “In The Dark” gospel/blues feel. Now I feel like school is back in session.

Dear Mr. Man

More schoolin’ folks! This has a 70s soul vibe akin to Curtis Mayfield, a little Marvin maybe. Lyrically, it reminds me of Ben Harper’s “Excuse Me Mister”.

Reflection

I really have grown to love this track and think it’s the perfect end to the album. A nice bookend to “Musicology” with the references to the stereo and all. I had only heard the live version of this and the album version if much more interesting with the layered background vocals and live drums. Wonderfully Joni Mitchell inspired.


Overall---I personally could do without the guitar-oriented tracks on this album. They take away from the flow of an “old school” album that is suggested in the opening track. Don’t get me wrong, I love Prince on guitar when he cuts it up and it’s raw. Just not the more pop-oriented, power chord, and almost musical theater flow of some of these tracks. Take em’ out and put in say “Avalanche” as a nice complement to “Dear Mr. Man” and it would have been a very tight, if much shorter, album.

Overall, a good album with some solid tracks, but certainly not a classic. 3 out of 5 stars if you are counting.

Nice review. I enjoyed reading it.

Nice review.

very nice review!!

I enjoyed reading your thoughts on the album, and i agree with your thoughts for the most part, though I am a sucker for the guitar riffs. I most dislike Cinnamon Girl and feel some of the songs are "overproduced," but on the whole, i really enjoy it so far.

Smells like Cream to me !

Great review, Thanks !