Prince — 3121

You may be wonder what a review of a pop album, Is doing here?. Well firstly Prince has always had an inventive and often experimental take on pop. And secondly he’s released some of the most inspired and influential music around, over his long career.

3121 is somewhat of a return to former glory of the 80’s. The quota of good and interest tracks far outlays the duff ones, which was the other way round, in more recent years. We open up with the title track, which is a wonderful strange funked up beast of a track, vocals coming in from all angles, and a great ominous vocal refrain “you can come if you want to, but you can never leave” add to this he offers up a one of his most blistering guitar solos in a long time, towards the end of the track. The Dance opens up as a lush ballad, but with some really nice touches, along the way. Really breathtaking jazzy/ come concert pianist piano work, and some moog Synth like twists. Get on the Boat is prime funk matter, with great brass burst; you can not possible sit still to this. Black Sweat stands as the best single in along time, maybe like a modern, more sleazed up version of material that appeared on the Parade album.

Most of the other tracks have something to offer, the only really misstep is, the vocoda tinged Incensed and Candles. Which just comes off as rather uninspired  R & B pop, it’s so bad you could see it appearing on a Justin Timberlake album. Oh and Prince raps on the track too, which is always a big 'no no'.

All in all worth the entry price, for those who had lost faith and worth a look for those interested in tasting his work. No way up there with the 80’s albums, but a good try.