Prince released his double album ‘LotusFlow3r/MPLSound’ yesterday. Here’s what my buddy Stephen had to say about it.
I remember back in the 80′s and early 90′s when I was the first person at the record store on the day of a new Prince release. I’d get the very first copy straight from the box – take it home – and sit by myself and groove. There was nothing like the anticipation of what new direction he may be taking and each time it was a thrilling ride.
But over the years it seems that Prince has lost his zest for pushing the boundaries and is more content to put out medicore albums just for the sake of keeping his fans happy. Now, granted…MOST newer fans who never grew up listening to Dirty Mind or Controversy or even Sign “O” The Times may very well be content with his latest offerings. However, SOME of us (and that would be me) think that Prince has gotten too complacent.
Case in point: The recently released LotusFlow3r & MPLSound (Yes, there is a 3rd album…Elixer…but since he only produced this one for his latest female protege I won’t get into that one…yet.) So, let’s start from the beginning:
LotusFlow3r
This album finds Prince in one of his experimental phases again…which is not necessarily a bad thing…but it’s not anywhere close to what we all know he’s capable of. From the first sounds of the opening track you can tell that this is not going to be an album that gets a lot of airplay…which has never concerned anyone who really digs what the man can do in the studio. But on a lot of the songs…he either sounds really bored, really uninspired or both.
77 Beverly Park” It’s an interesting instrumental. And I’ve always dug his instrumental tracks. Still…it’s nothing I haven’t heard from him before. 6/10
Feel Good, Feel Better, Feel Wonderful” : Wha? I mean…ya got the horns back in this one, Prince…but…a funky horn line does not make a good song. 3/10
“Crimson & Clover” This track will only be on the official release coming out Sunday at Target. I like this one. It’s a strong cover with a bit of Jimi’s “Wild Thing” thrown in for good measure. For me, probably the best song on the album…that’s not on the album. 8/10
MPLSsound
From the The L.A. Times: “MPLSound” is a valentine to Revolution-era traditionalists.
From USA Today: MPLSoUND finds Prince revisiting the synth vibe of the ’80s with his outsize ego intact
I CALL BULLSH*T!
Here’s what I say:
(There’ll Never B) Another Like Me: Uninspired attempt at a possible single for radio. 3/10
Chocolate Box: This could POSSIBLY grow on you…but not in a good way. Q-Tip…not even you can save this one. 3/10
Dance 4 Me: The return of the “Camille” voice. What a waste. Not even a good strip club song. 2/10
Note to Prince: For an album that was being hailed as the return to your funk roots it doesn’t live up to the hype. At. All. You shoulda left the Linn Drum Machine packed away in the closet.
Now, dare I review his latest conquest…oh…sorry…protege…Bria? I don’t know if I can sit throuh anymore…sigh..
EXCELLENT REVIEW STEPH! I heard the album through your words….that’s what a review should do to the reader.