3121

Its been 2 years since the fantastic 'Musicology' and that's 2 years too long it feels. Finally Prince has returned with this fantastic funky album. 'Musicology' did not leave my cd player for about a year but I have to say that 3121 is the Prince that I love - funky, fun and sexy. The opening track '3121' introduces us to this irresistable sound that is so unique to Prince. We then flow into the fantastic and fun 'Lolita' which is quite old skool Prince. I can even hear a little 'soft and wet' in there somewhere. Great words - its a sing a long track. We then slow things down with the beautiful 'Te Amo Corazon.' I love the instrumental section of the song. 'Black Sweat' follows and I must say I wasn't too impressed with this song when it was first released but it's definetely a grower. Not one of the stronger tracks on the album, however. 'Incense and Candles' has an irresistable chorus - it's chilled out and sexy and very addictive. 'Love' brings the funk back and has an incredible beat - this track must be listened 2 at full volume. 'Satisfied' slows things down again and sounds very 'Call My Name' / 'On the Couch' from 'musicology' and that has to be a good thing. 'Fury' is another fast and fun track with Prince really working it with the guitar. Another one to turn the volume up on. 'The Word' has a great sound to it, a little jazzy and one that you can't sit still to. 'Beautiful, Loved and Blessed' is a nice summery song, quite uplifting. 'The Dance' and 'Get on the boat' are not two of the strongest tracks on the album in my opinion but with time I'll probably grow to love them. My only problem with the album is that there aren't enough songs, however as we all know with prince its always about quality as opposed to quantity. This is a fantastic album and I love all of the positive attention its getting. Many are saying its the best since 'Sign O' The Times' but I'm not going to go there. That was Prince then, this is him now. The fantastic days of 'Purple Rain' are over so lets embrace the new material and move on with Prince in whatever interesting direction he takes us in. This is a man almost in his fifties and he doesn't even have to try. This is how it should be done. Every one needs this album.

This is an excellent follow-up to the commercial return Musicology which flattered to deceive.It blends a lot of Prince's 80's output with an attempt to twist todays stale R&B sound to something more experimental.He also journeys into new territory with latin beats and arrangement which some success.

Ranging from hard dirty funk (Black Sweat & 3121) to synth pop (Lolita,Love and The Word) with a sprinkling of balladry (Satisfied & Te Amo Corazon) added to some experiments like The Dance and Incense and Candles.

Overall interesting,diverse and concise and as always makes you wonder what direction he will go in next.

Actually bought the album as a birthday present for my hubby, both former 80's Prince fans, so I was not really expecting the Man to be back to his former glory, but my opinion, the album is "SUPERB ", and the return of the musical Genuis in all his glory!! Fury & The Word are most definately my favourite tracks, the guitar rifts are amazing, I can't wait to get out in the car and have it blasting out, or Mega with my I pod, so for all former Prince fans, a must to have in the collection, you definately will not be disappointed, I don't normally leave reviews on albums, but made an exception here, +++++++++.