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Tuesday, April 20, 2004

This Week's Hot CD: Prince's 'Musicology'

Musicology (NPG)

"Listen to the groove and let it unwind your mind."

That's what the recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee intones listeners to do on the old-school title cut that opens Prince's latest album. Steeped in the R&B/funk that flavored his earlier output, "Musicology" is more accessible than Prince's recent sound experiments like "N.E.W.S." and "The Rainbow Children."

Prince resurrects "back in the day" feelings through such songs as the love ditty "Call My Name," party jam "Life 'O' the Party" (which recalls Vanity 6's "Nasty Girl") and the erotic, tongue-in-cheek bluesy number "On the Couch." He even rides the politically conscious route in "Dear Mr. Man."

While this album does not break new ground, it focuses on a fun and playful Prince whose turn of phrase and instrumental dexterity call to mind why we embraced him in the first place -- and still do. (Billboard)

GRADE: A