Musicology

Description

After the experimental jazz funk of 2001's 'The Rainbow Children' and 2003' 'N.E.W.S.' Prince returns to normality with 'Musicology'. The album mixes smooth funk, R&B, and rock, updating the style that made him a household name in the early Eighties. The single 'Musicology' is also included.

Editorial Review

Believe it or not, it is over 25 years since his debut. That album was 'For You'and Prince Rogers Nelson was barely 20. But the early 80’s was when his name really became household, and purple was the colour of choice. One of his earliest experiences was seeing James Brown perform, and that influence is as visible now as ever before. That the title track starts with a Brown-esque yelp is not by accident. That it ends with a sample of "Kiss"is also relevant. But nothing of the countless tracks, albums and internet releases that he has put out over the years has been irrelevant. Mixed yes, but the odd and inaccessible joined at the hip with the most luscious of pop. Inseparably inspired.

Musically he never stands still, and the quarter century has seen him go from a name to a symbol, to another name, then some initials, and now back to plain old Prince again. His moniker has come full circle as has his music. Parts of ‘Musicology'could be from the 70’s, but of course his authority has matured. There is fervor in every composition, almost to the point of being in pain as shown on the delightfully titled “Illusion, Coma, Pimp & Circumstance" But it oozes life, even though the beats are bare, the funk just raw.

There’s natural variation within the theme. “Life ‘O'The Party" is very stripped down old school funk that chugs around quite adequately, but there’s lurve in those tight purple loins too. Very tight for “On The Couch" judging by his high pitched wince. “Call My Name" is also more for the candles than dancefloor. There has always been a sexual undercurrent in his work, sometimes more overt than the moral majority felt comfortable with. “Jack U Off" from 1981 was not a reference to changing a wheel.

Yes there is rump-shaking going on through ‘Musicology' but not in a '999' kinda way. More old school, intentionally unpolished, but still with the personal traits that make a Prince album special. A groove with a feeling, a beat with a soul, and words of individual character. Not all these tracks will be for everyone, and as ever he seamlessly crosses boundaries between soul, funk and rock, but true artists don’t pigeonhole anyway.

By and large this is a low down and funky CD but “What Do U Want Me 2 Do" is more skittery jazz with a late night summer feel. It is no grammatical surprise of a title either as numbers and letters have always been interchangeable on his Alphabet Street. Traditional may not be his nature, but he can still dream up a hook to die for around melodies that only he can do. “A Million Days" has that essence whilst “Cinnamon Girl" is even better, and a highlight of the album.

He’s launched careers over the years (would Sinead O'Connor have turned out the same without “Nothing Compared 2 U"), written for countless others and been covered by even more. Universally revered by anyone who can hold a note. However the world is still no more acquainted with Mr Nelson the person, as any time in the last two decades. He is remains private in life but inspired through music. He is still the creative force of old, and can bang out imagination without seemingly trying. Even though the capitals have been dropped, The Artist is back in residence.

Neil Chase
Music Editor

Additional Info

• Label: Sony Music
• No of Discs: 1
• Recording: STEREO
• Format: Single Case

Tracklisting