Emancipation [PA] - Prince (CD 1996)

"The Artist" has established himself as probably the most talented and successful artists of his time and EMANCIPATION is definitely his second peak of his career (from the standpoint of Prince marking a new beginning...one free of the evils of the industry allowing musical and lyrical freedom). Within are three CDs of bliss that will thrill TAFKAP fans and win new ones. He conquers R&B, swing, jazz, salsa, techno, and (of course) rock with his first album since his release from Warner Bros (hence the album title). Now be warned, after speaking with various Prince fans that prefer his 80 s style music, many fans were unimpressed by the 3 hours of so called mediocrity . In a sense, it can be understood because you won t find the unforgettable guitar solos or drum machine heavy synthesizer licks on every track. Instead, you receive polished, well produced tracks of astounding variety.

The first CD is a mix of feelings and vibes that begins with "The Jam of the Year". One of the few singles released from the album, Somebody s Somebody draws a lonely and relaxing melody. Later, "Courtin' Time" swings lively NPG horns into your ear and "I Can't Make You Love Me" caresses your heart with beautiful saxophone play. The Artist continues to flex his musical talent by crafting a Santana-like song called Damned If I Do . It starts out sounding like an electric guitar flooded track and mid-way it slides into a lighthearted groove filled with latino style horns, piano, and The Artist s own guitar stylings. It is an outstanding display of how well he has mastered and melded so many different styles of music.

The second CD is sultry, sexy, and soulful. It almost seemed as if the whole album was dedicated to his new bride Mayte (now divorced). One of the songs even features his lost child s heartbeat. It is a masterful program of songs that flow into each other and set quite the romantic mood. Emale is a catchy song as well that parts the love song mood with a smooth medium paced beat. Kind of thrown in the midst of the flurry of love songs is the synthesized funk track Joint 2 Joint . "Saviour" is fresh and powerful wave of passion that hits a high note with a multitude of crescendos and even some memorable guitar play. There is even a soul soothing and relaxing instrumental, The Plan from the fully instrumental album Kamasutra by the NPG Orchestra and The Artist .

Unfortunately, little can be said of the 3rd CD. The first few titles are techno/dance and liven the mood. New World seems to go hand in hand with his whole New Power Generation theme hence his coined phrase Love 4 One Another . Sleep Around is a great song that displays the skill of the NPG Horns group. The rest of the CD seems to dwindle down through poor attempts at rap and a lackluster remake to a finale of "Emancipation", which is a decent track.

All in all, it is another timeless and absolute must have for any Prince fan. Whether it is liked in pieces or loved as a whole, a true fan would NEVER pass up on 3 hours of music from The Artist (who is now called Prince again).

Love 4 one another :)