New Power Soul (NPG) - Prince (CD 1998)

I'll admit it: I hated this album when I first bought it. I shelved it after one listening and left it there for three years. I just pulled it out to give it another chance, and I'm glad I did. This album is not nearly as bad as its made out to be. There are some good jams here, and even at his worst, Prince is still better than most artists on the radio today.

I particularly like track number 4, "When You Love Somebody." There is some great horn work in it. Other good tracks include the opener "New Power Soul" and weird "Freaks on the Side." Be sure to leave the CD in the player for hidden track #49, the disturbing "Wasted Kisses."

I've read reviews that call this album indulgent. This album is no where near as indulgent as the 4-disc set that should have been only two, "Crystal Ball." Compared to Prince's other albums, I find this album more consistent than the Symbol album (which was widely uneven and now sounds dated). It's also overall a much better album than the bland and boring "Come."

Not everyone will like this album. It's pretty much a album for us die-hards, but IF you are a Prince fan, and IF you are in the mood for some funk, then I recommend this album.