Prince : Musicology
Columbia

With the release of Musicology, his Purple Badness, a recent inductee into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, proves he's still one of the most talented and prolific songwriters and musicians of our time, and of course, the funkiest. It's his first major-label distributed album in five years and many are referring to it, and his recent show-stopping live performances, as an effort to make a comeback. The truth is, Prince never left. He just didn't want to be a part of the commercial and cut-throat state of the current music world. In recent interviews, he's said he wants to introduce young musicians to the art and craft of music, and that's exactly what Musicology does.

In Musicology's 12 tracks you get a little of everything - funky jams, sensual grooves, and even a catchy pop song. One thing you won't find on this album is a parent advisory label for explicit lyrics. Prince has made a religious change in his personal life and it certainly seems that this renewed faith has contributed to a cleaner, but no less funky or sexy songwriting style.
    Throughout most of Musicology, Prince does his one-man band thing - sings all the voices and plays all the instruments. The title track pays homage to some of his musical role models, "true funk soldiers" Earth Wind & Fire, James Brown, and Sly And The Family Stone.
    On three songs he sings about the state of the world today. In Cinnamon Girl, the catchy pop song in this album, and Dear Mr Man, it works. In Call My Name, a love ballad, it just seems out of place. With Musicology, Life 'O' The Party, and especially in Illusion, Coma, Pimp & Circumstance, Prince does what he does best; make us want to party like it's, well, 1999.

Musicology is a confident and entertaining album. Upon your first listen, it's good. Afterwards, it gets even better. Does it come close to Purple Rain or Sign O' The Times? No, but few things ever will. Musicology is a must-have for true Prince fans and highly recommended to everyone else. After all - Nothing Compares 2 Prince.

:: Adela Brito