NPG/Universal

Producer(s): Prince
 

 Highest Pop Chart Position:
US - 1
UK - 9
 

Another year, another one-off album distribution deal with another record company.  This time it's Universal/Motown which is all well and good, but you can't help wondering just how committed a record company is to an artist with a one-off deal, to that of longer term artist's in their roster...that said...

3121 (the no. of Prince's palatial mansion in Hollywood where exclusive parties for the rich, famous and specially invited are occasionally held) follows on the heels of Musicology in that it's hard to find something on this album that Prince hasn't done in the past before. The mood of the album is more playful and upbeat with the horn section mainly ditched in favour of a return to the original Minneapolis synthesizer sound. 
Some old school hardcore long-time Prince fans may be slightly disappointed for the lack of something musically and lyrically challenging.  On the other hand most folks who are relatively new to Prince's music will surely be delighted and amazed at how this pop chameleon can cross effortlessly from one genre of popular music to another.  Many of the tracks here are a masterclass in Princeology; from the dirty, sexy, grinding camille-esque funk of the title track to the big band finale of "Get On The Boat" feat Maceo and Shelia E.  The tongue-in-cheek cockiness of "Lolita" staccato pop/funk rhythm reminds this reviewer of an updated "Soft and Wet" complete with added The Time style chants, "Black Sweat" recalls the minimalist sound of "Kiss", "Incense And Candles" makes use of the vocoder in a Cher-like fashion. "Satisfied" is "On The Couch" part 2 old school R&B, on the rollickin' "Fury" Prince dusts of the old Oberheim synthesizer used on "1999" over Hendrix-like vocals, "The Dance" is a dramatic reworking of a track that previously appeared on The Chocolate Invasion (Internet only release) album with added haunting orchestration and grand piano playing by the man himself - one of the album's many highlights..
So it seems like Prince has put his sense of inventiveness on ice for safe commercialism, which I'm sure is down to the wishes of the distributing record company rather than that of Prince.  The music biz now is a far different landscape from  what it was in the 80's, and taking creative and artistic risks with a major label looking for an instant return on their investment perhaps isn't the surest gamble these days.  The success of this album not only depends on the music (which is almost faultless) but on the commitment of both the distributing label and artist.
For the moment the risk taking Prince may forever be confined to the odd download via. his NPG Music Club.

Standout Tracks: "3121", "Lolita", "Black Sweat", "Love", "Fury", "The Word", "The Dance", "Get On The Boat"

Experience Rating:  Fun and funky... Don't U wanna come? (8/10)

Rhino/Warner Bros.

Producer(s): Prince
 

Yet another "best of" compilation from Warner Bros. (apparently the last Prince compilation they are allowed to release...thank u Jesus!). 
What makes this one of particular interest to hardcore fans is the 2nd disc of 12 inch extended versions and remixes for the first time on CD (...sadly no "Erotic City").  To everyone else it just serves as a good intro to the 1st half of the man's long and varied musical career...

Standout Tracks: Almost all...

Experience Rating:   (9/10)

FS Music

Producer(s):
Kip Blackshire

Notes

Kip's follow-up album is basically an expanded version of the critically praised EP he released just over a year ago with 7 new tracks added.
He writes (co-writes) all of the music while his song writing partner Zoe LaPlaca supplies most of the lyrics.
It is evident here that Kip's basically a rocker at heart.
The easy route for Kip and other young black artists starting out these days would be to try and become the next R Kelly or 50 cent. But clearly Kip is going for his own identity with his brand of "Pentecostal Rock" as he refers to his sound, which to me has elements of Lenny Kravits, Seal, Terrance Trent D'Arby, not to mention his mentor.  This is a guy independently taking charge of his own career and (so far) not giving in to commercial pressures.
Real musicianship, full-on heavy guitar and drums feature throughout which somehow works with his strong, vibrant, gospel rooted vocals.
A great set of jams but sometimes you do yearn for Kip to show the more tender side to his voice and include a couple more softer tunes into what is mainly a loud, raucous but enjoyable CD.

Standout Tracks: "Touchin' & Agreein'", "Flying", "Prelude", "Don't Leave".

Paisley Involvement: None

Experience Rating:  If he keeps it up, a promising career lies ahead... (7/10)

Universal

Notes

Tamar Davis is the latest in a long line of female songstress to be touched by the hands of the Purple One. At the time of writing this review there is still much uncertainty over the release of this album and whether or not Universal records are still involved.

With only a promo copy at hand one can only assume that Tamar wrote most of the words and Prince most of the music.
Unlike some others before her, Tamar can actually sing, sadly the poor execution of some of the half-baked songs make you wonder if Prince's heart was really into this project or his mind was busy occupied elsewhere (...his looming divorce to ex-wife Manuela for instance..).  Whatever the reason..  this is substandard Prince with many of the songs using the same old tired beats, lacking good modern production values and the sheer inventiveness one has become accustomed to with the Prince of days gone by.

It's not all doom & gloom however... "Holla & Shout" could do well on Urban/R&B club dancefloors, obligatory rock track "Redhead Stepchild" could get you to either crank up the volume or hit the skip button on your hi-fi - it's a good song but it doesn't suite Tamar, "All I Want Is You" is excellent but half finished and "Sunday In The Park" is brilliant but slightly overblown and laboured towards the end. "Beautiful, Loved & Blessed (Reprise)" sounds plain embarrassing and unnecessary.
Still its only Tamar's first album...given the right guidance and material she could have a promising career ahead of her.

Standout Tracks: "Holla & Shout", "Holy Ground", "All I Want Is U", "Sunday In The Park".

Paisley Involvement: High

Experience Rating: Not all bad... just not all good (6/10)

Susu

Notes

This release is very much a continuation of her last album You Gave Me Freedom.  Nothing much has changed in terms of musical direction (old school traditional soul) and production (mainly self produced in her home studio).
Her unmistakable gospel toned voice is in top form as usual, but the songs do suffer unfortunately by poor and outdated production.  Which is a shame because a talent like hers deserves a lot more.  She needs a modern producer to do her material justice.

[COMING SOON]

Standout Tracks:
Paisley Involvement:
Experience Rating: 

215 Records

Notes

Sophomore solo set from the beautiful and talented NPG bass player Rhonda Smith and I'm pleased to report that this album is a very big improvement over the last.

This album displays a lot more confidence, conviction, ideas and musical textures... elements lacking in her debut.  Along with other fellow guest collaborators on board (including Prince, Kat Dyson, Mike Scott, Renato Neto and Sheila E.), Rhonda has produced an excellent mix of soft soulful songs and jazz instrumentals with a touch of funk.  Her Sade-like sultry, silky smooth vocals sounding ever more seductive, in tune with her Stanley Clarke influenced style of jazz bass playing.

From the attention grabbing opening track of "What Do They Think Music Is?" to the musically rich closing of "Ray Of Light" Rhonda music manages to keep you captivated throughout its 50 minutes.  Surprisingly, the funky "Time" which features Prince on guitar is one of the weaker songs on this set.
The album's many highlights include the semi-funky "To Get With You", the Alabama blues of "Country Music", the syncopated handclap rhythms of "Sunshine", the exotic "The Hypnotic", the Common-like rap vocals of  Abyss on the break-up song "I Miss You".

Standout Tracks: "To Get With You", "Country Music", "Sunshine", "The Hypnotic", "I Miss You", "Ray Of Light"

Paisley Involvement: Low

Experience Rating: Rhonda has come along in leaps and bounds...a serious "chill-out" album. (8/10)