Prince - The Rainbow Children (2001) - The Facts You DIDN'T Know

It's safe to say that Prince's first album after changing his name back to Prince was divisive amongst fans. The Rainbow Children is an extremely polarizing album - hailed by some fans as a masterpiece, criticised by others for it's religious tones and content. But what do we really know about The Rainbow Children? Join us for more facts!
Prince Facts Series (Playlist) - • Prince - The Facts!
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[@TheVioletReality]

What are your thoughts on The Rainbow Children? Masterpiece or skip? Let us know here in the comments and thanks for watching!

[@JBsRevenge]

This is actually one of my favorite albums. That tour was my first concert ever

[@44y4l4]

I was 15 when the drummer in my band recommended this album to me.. I had a totally wrong idea of who Prince was. He played this for me in his car and I was blown away. This was my official introduction to Prince and omg I feel so lucky. This album and the Aladdin DVD I wore out..

[@stereodelay6601]

The Rainbow Children is one of my favorite Prince album of all time, if not my favorite. The music is fantastic, very experimental and free of any limitations. The drums, the jazzy vibes, the guitar tone, the ring modulator. Everything fits. The cover art is stunning, the lyrics are cryptic just enough, and I love the narrative voice. I get goosebumps every time I listen to it. It’s a masterpiece.

[@brianj.8441]

This was a real gem of an album I was happy to "discover" after coming back to Prince after falling away from him and me music after a decade or so. I'm not Christian, not a JW, but the album stands on it's own, despite and/or because of it.

[@giulioboobzilla]

Dito

[@geraldgordon5278]

My favorite Prince album

[@Kstyles00]

Rainbow Children, N. E. W. S, Xpectations, and C-Note were all brilliant albums next level stuff. It reminds how people reacted to Miles Davis when he switched up the landscape of jazz. When Bitches Brew came out folks could not understand where he was going then now it’s considered a masterpiece.

[@michaelmoraga2926]

'Just like the sun, the rainbow children rise'

[@tafnapfan1]

One of his Best Albums

[@djoyner22]

One of the most amazing albums, prince ever wrote and produced. The music is phenomenal. The jazz is worthy of any jazz album you’ve ever heard. I often play it on my road trips. I love allowing my Prince playlist to be in shuffle mode, so all the songs come up, arbitrarily whenever they want to. Whenever songs from this album comes up, a big smile runs across my face with joy and adoration. Love, love, love this amazing work.

[@marcholmes5964]

I may be in the minority but I absolutely loved the Rainbow Children several of the songs to me were masterpieces in musicology and I did not get offended by the lyrics I think this album will only appeal to those fans that love this side of Prince's spirituality but all in all I do believe it was one of his better musical efforts

[@missy652]

Without a doubt, a masterpiece. Prince always was very deliberate and conscious. He knew exactly what this project would bring, know that. We definitely shared thoughts.

[@RiccardoSantato]

As a jazz musician this is one of my favourite albums! I just love the vibes it still gives me today.

[@darkbluebossa]

One of my fave albums.

[@bcarlosd]

So glad to see this series back! Looking forward to Musicology 😁

[@braviafeed]

I love this record. His last complete masterpiece.

[@barbelparcival8128]

It's one of my favorite Prince albums, the jazzy flair of it's music turns me on! To me this album offers Prince's musical expierience on a new level at this time. The sound quality is great. The cover art is also remarkable. The religious message inside is of course the "other side of the pillow"; u like it or ur like it not! Anyway, to me it's a piece of great music! A "must have"! 💜🎼🎵🎶🎸🎹💃💜☮️

[@glamslamcam]

It’s an excellent album that only Prince could make. It’s mood music so I don’t listen to it much but when I do, it’s like listening to a story coming to life. Prince was a great storyteller and i view this as another example of that storytelling. It even had a “narrator” lol. And the One Nite Alone tour that followed was one of my favorite tours that I got to attend. A very memorable era. Great video & I can’t wait for the next one!

[@aaronscott5882]

From start to finish, a well-crafted album in every way!

[@thedawnexperience8795]

I was fortunate and blessed to be at that celebration when P gave us a listening session plus Q&A. Personally my mind was open to what he was saying and I did not feel excluded whatsoever.. you can either agree or disagree... but still enjoy the music and artistry. Rave un2/in2 the joy fantastic was P trying to please Clive Davis. The Rainbow Children was P back to pleasing himself. Loved it when I first heard it before general release and is one of my top 10 all time favourite Prince albums.

[@thejoojooman6538]

The Rainbow Children is an absolutely phenomenal piece of work. Millennia had an album, it wasn't very good. They were also on U Make My Sun Shine.

[@PRATERVXEX]

Not a religious guy anymore but this album was a big reason I studied with JW for a bit. The Live At The Aladdin DVD performances of these songs are incredible. RIP Prince and drummer at the time John Blackwell.

[@craigwilson3711]

This is a masterpiece. It's so cohesive and enjoyable from start to finish. The band at the time was super tight and the tour was definitely one of the best he ever did .

[@easylikesat]

I LOVE the music of this album. I listen to it all the time. I wrote this somewhere else before, I tend to love music more than lyrics, so in many cases I'm able to ignore the message of the lyrics. They are just another instrument in the mix like another set of horns. That being said this is some of the strongest music Prince ever wrote. The instrumentation and the voices just puts me in my feels. There are songs like "Everywhere" that when I hear them I immediately have to listen to it again. This is one of those albums I do also tend to listen to as one piece. Rarely do I need to hear just one song.

[@funkysnoodles5101]

One of my favourite Prince lp’s, 4 me it’s an absolute masterpiece ❤️

[@hopecook2919]

Prince 👑💜 You're truly missed. 🕺🎸🎹🎺🎻🪕🥁🪘🪗🎤🎧🎙️He is incredible, voice, and ability to play many different instruments. Rest in Peace Beautiful One 💜 rest now 👑

[@swbluedog]

I love this album, the music and story are beautiful and very interesting!

[@Penguindude1]

My mom is a huge Prince fan, had a lot of his albums, and still has them to this day. This is the only Prince album she ever sold, because she did not like it that much.

[@edliversidge1183]

Nice video. I personally love The Rainbow Children. It felt like it belonged to just a few of us at the time. I love it when an artist makes something for artistic reasons rather than making something they think will sell. Nice that you referenced the juxtaposition with Rave.

[@Minister_ronbrown]

I loved the fact that Prince went towards Jazz, where other artists avoid the sound. His concert with this album was the first that I took my mother to see. She was impressed to find out that Prince was not some gimmick act, but an artist that respects his music and the history of music. She then went with me t the Musicology concert, and once again he shows respect for music in general. Playing acoustic guitar on a surround stage, and songs referencing artists from older generations with his tight little tweaks on them. The Rainbow Children opened the door for many to research their belief system, and listen to a Jazz sound from an artist they never felt had that capability, even though it is obvious in his sound over the years. For Prince not to have done this album would have robbed him of his openness to express what he feels, and left many of us without that wondering of, "can't this guy do?" Its not an everyday listener, but it will go down as another classic adventure that Prince gave us an opportunity to use as an escape. Thank you Prince.

[@DrPantsMusic]

Musically, this was the most compelling thing he had done since Chaos & Disorder in 1996. I still think Rave & New Power Soul are his two weakest albums, so despite its lyrical content, this album was an incredible breath of fresh air for me. I sometimes wish he had just stayed completely non-commercial for the rest of his career.

[@bexetera]

In reference to your final paragraph, Prince echoes your sentiment in 'Undisputed', from the Rave album, where he says "Heavy rotation Never made my world go 'round Commercialization, commercialization of the music Is what brought it down" ✨💜✨

[@taffysaur]

I agree about Rave, but I adore New Power Soul. It’s one of my favourite albums. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@sethpause]

@@bexetera undisputed was like one of maybe two great songs on rave. It really was a super week album a

[@michaelmoraga2926]

The music!!!! 💜 Some great songs.... I recommend throwing down The Work, 1+1+1 Is 3, Mellow, Family Name, and The Everlasting Now in Prince playlists. Love the song The Rainbow Children. The live performance of The Everlasting Now on French TV is one of my favorite TV performances... 💜

[@robgoodman7303]

Musically... what a rich detailed album! The musicianship was top notch and a creative breath of fresh air! Lyrically... this is a tough listen for me. This felt like the point where he was giving fans an ultimatum "Ur with me or Ur with the Banished Ones", with no room for discussion. Ideologically a lot of what is preached on this album doesn't sit with me, so I have to focus solely on the music. And that's hard because I can't NOT listen to his lyrics. But... the fact he was documenting his journey, that is quite interesting in itself. But from that point on for some time I felt like I was no longer invited to the Uptown party for eeeverybody. A line was drawn and I was now an outsider. A non-"fam". Even though I always listened and still do.

[@bootney66]

I'm a Prince fam and a huge jazz fan, so this album is special to me. Sure, it's preachy but the music is spectacular. I will say that I tend to listen to it (all the way through), then put it away for an extended period. However, it will always be a part of my collection 💜

[@waynewalker1503]

This is one of my favorite albums, it wasn't at first but I went back to it and listened with a different set of ears and now I love it. ❤️

[@chrishatfield4789]

When I first bought The Rainbow Children and listened to it once and did not get it. I put it away and did not listen to it for a few years. Fast-forward about two years and I played it again and I fell in love with it. TRC is a controversial release and it is one of his masterpieces. TRC marked the beginning of his next phase and a solid decade of great music.

[@raydominguez69]

I listen to this album as if it's one song. The musicianship and organic feeling of it is unlike anything I've ever heard to this date. In my opinion this album with all the changes, tempos, bridges, instruments and voices redefines the definition of music. In my opinion , very few musicians would attempt such an amazing feat (challenge) of creating such an album. It's a brilliant masterpiece.

[@paweltopczewski6965]

One of his greatest album. And that ONA tour Epic … one of his great guitar work

[@SpedTchr335]

TRC is my favorite Prince album... 💜🎶 My cat's name is Rainbow. I often play it from beginning to end, but a few songs have made it to a playlist of favorite Prince songs: "The Work pt. 1", "1+1+1=3", and "The Everlasting Now".

[@arielbarazani8964]

I was there at the celebration and was there when Kevin Smith was filming. I’m Jewish and from Israel and I had no problem with the album. It is preachy, yes, but this is Prince letting out what he was feeling or thinking at the time, just like every other album of his. He was honest, which is one of the reasons I’m drawn to him and love him. For the most part of the conversation at PP he was talking about the state of music, music industry and radio. I always pay attention to the music and vocals more than lyrics, at least at first, just because English is not my native tongue and it may take me a while to actually understand the lyrics. I think this admin is great. My only beef with this album would actually be the mastering. It is extremely compressed which limits the dynamics quite a bit and that bothers me.

[@foxeebrowne]

The Rainbow Children is one of my favorites! ❤️

[@beehug7]

Thank you VR! Missed you! Grateful to have you back.

[@ThinkingOutLoud2012]

I love this album. The production was amazing. I always listened to this album with the thought that he was working through his new faith. Almost like he was still figuring it out, ya know? Over the years after I felt more this way given that he didn't approach anything this in the same manner going forward. But I can definitely see how for some its a completely love it OR completely hate it type thing. 💜

[@TraderStef]

Muse to the Pharaoh 💖

[@jordanthegill2069]

I still remember getting this from Best Buy. Wish I could here it for the first time again.. thanks for all you r work on this channel.

[@rondacope]

I hated it at first, but grew to appreciate it over the years. Now, I love it, and often play it in its entirety.

[@WayneMorrison1069]

Always love and support your uploads. I do own a copy of this project as a die hard friend, but in the least not my favorite. Loved the artwork, and the musicianship, but nothing else resonated. Will probably give it another listen now that you sparked my memory. You know how, sometimes it snows in April, we get things kind of late. 😉

[@edliversidge1183]

Oh also I forgot mention that as time has gone by I’ve listened to things that it seems obvious was influencing Prince at the time. Bitches Brew by Miles Davis (opening track) and there was a Funkadelic track also that had Rainbow Children vibes

[@edliversidge1183]

… Standing On The Verge of Getting On album…

[@kristopherdavidson2097]

Re-listened to it a few months ago after 20 years of it sitting on my shelf. I instantly recognised some more commercial songs like "She Loves Me 4 Me" and "The Work" but really enjoyed the whole of it, especially the spontaneous feel of it. I definitely prefer it to Musicology & Rave and think The Rainbow Children is a very decent album.

[@jochembootsma2563]

On any given day I would say this is his best work! So inspired.

[@octothorpe12]

I really like this album, but it took me awhile for it to 'click'. So good.

[@robsiemerink2045]

I love this Album. It's the most pure and jazzy and funky and different album he made since the early eighties. I don't care about the message as an atheist. The music itself is mesmerizing. Typical Prince 💜

[@randy5880]

It was a good tour also. He was very open that year. Even open sound checks for NPGMusic Club members

[@garyt7855]

I like it, and have on both the CD and vinyl. I even attended the show in Chicago, when the album was released. He performed songs from the album, as well as his other material. Awesome show.

[@bybd]

LOVED this record & his commitment to himself & his music in real time. Still do. CLASSIC album cover as well

[@chrislawuk]

another fantastic TVR video. Love hearing your considered, balanced yet passionate analysis of Prince's various funky shenanigans. I remember going in to college to download the NPG Music Club release of TRC, being all pissy that the downloads were taking forever and then literally feeling SO BAD because I fell asleep during the first couple of tracks. However, with time I grew to love it musically, and even lyrically I think I saw "what you were going for there" P. heh. At the same time I understand why many people couldn't jive with it at the time or now even. But seriously, I can't believe I never put 1+1+1 together about the death of his parents around this time and his conversion to JW. Thank you Casey for always filling in the gaps even in what I consider my fairly in depth knowledge of Prince's various genius brush strokes on the canvas of our lives. I really hope one day we get to kick it in person, hell this country is small enough we should be able to make it work haha. Ok last points: I do think that D'Angelo's Voodoo shook Prince in all the best ways (as it did me, I consider it to be a truly perfect album and recording). I think he even commented something to that effect around the Celebration (actually wasn't D actually AT the celebration? I may be mixing up the years there). I think the sound of TRC is an obvious response to Voodoo's uniquely gorgeously analogue sound - there's a reason Russell Elevado et al won a Grammy for the recording of it alone. I think Elevado went onto gearslutz.com to talk about the in depth recording process. Oh no now I remember, Prince explicitly references D'Angelo in Undisputed haha. In a non-dissy almost-a-diss sort of way. Ok I'll shut up now, except to say I only got to see Prince live once, and it was on the One Nite Alone tour in Manchester. It was funny you know, I was in a daze the entire time, just trying to soak up every piece of sensory input that I possibly could to savour for the coming rest-of-my-life (today, today ,today, is the first day.... lol). In some ways I am still processing the majesty that I bore witness to that night. Ok time to go and binge some more TvR... Once again thanks again (again?). Again ... one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one one ONE

[@TheVioletReality]

Thank you Chris, so glad you enjoyed it! And yes, we should definitely hang sometime! Thank you so much for such a lovely comment and your support. Many more videos to come! 💜

[@Newsystem10]

Good point, it's one album like Lovesexy. I prefer to listen to the tracks live on One Nite Alone.

[@aTADtoofar]

I really love this album, and its music. However, at the time it was clear that Prince wasn't reflecting/defining the age commercially or independently in the circles I moved in, so this became not only a deeply personal album of his, but one mostly enjoyed personally, mostly appreciated alone, by myself.

[@cliffbeavers6158]

I saw him on this tour and it was amazing.

[@domarq]

I purchased this CD in 2001; as soon as it was released. Prince's name is from his parents' ( and Andre Cymone's father ) jazz band, "Prince Rogers". So, "The Rainbow Children" was simply Prince returning to his jazz musical roots. A younger Prince strategically marketed himself as a "non [musically] 'black' artist'' .....to appeal to the segregated (majority) white audiences and their segregated radio stations. But, the older Prince stopped trying to appeal to this demographic. Although I've been spiritually agnostic, for 22 years.....I have a Pentecostal Christian background. So, the themes of "The Rainbow Children" weren't foreign, to someone like myself ( or millions of other Black folks, with a religious upbringing). I still have "Muse 2 the Pharaoh", "Mellow" and "Last December" on my ipod playlist (for nearly 10 years). Prince can't wear thongs and ass-less pants, forever!! He can't sing about vagina, forever. Madonna's attention-seeking antics at 60+ years old is an example of an artist who doesn't evolve.....and BECOMES A JOKE. She had a great evolution with "Ray of LIght (1998)" and "American Life (2003)". But she destroyed this growth....regressing into her old, early 1990's "sexual debauchery". As soon as Prince began declaring Jesus Christ as his savior in his 1998 Tavis Smiley interview......and also announcing, "There is no other king. Only Jesus Christ!" during his live New Year's Eve performance (12.31.1999) of "Purple Rain"....."The Rainbow Children" was the obvious next step. Compounded with him dealing with the tragedy of Mayte's miscarriages.....the death of his son, Amir....and the death of his parents.

[@paulaidenmusic]

Masterpiece from start to finish. I think the fact that I’m not a believer might make it easier to be cool with the lyrics, it’s all a fantasy, just amazing music 🎶

[@dannytickner3040]

Great video as always, great to have you back. I remember ordering this from an internet’post’ in my local Virgin record shop in the UK as nobody was stocking it near me. So that was an experience of its own and something we all do easily 20+ years later. I respect the musicianship and pure funk/groove of the album but the religious message was lost on me personally. Like you it’s all or nothing as I tend to listen to the whole album rather than odd song. Fantastic album when you’re in the mood for it and the ONA shows at Hammersmith were incredible. Oh yeah when is that best of O(+> coming out? 😉💜👍🏼

[@boondoggle4820]

I remember that I was working part time at Best Buy at the time and this album just showed up on the shelves with little to know promotion. I bought it and was impressed and pleasantly surprised.

[@MusicandMonsters]

I love this album even though I find some of the lyrics troubling. I remember hearing it streamed in full, and I loved it instantly. The "Darth Vader" voice doesn't bother me, as I'm used to Prince doing unusual things with his voice with electronics.

[@leedogthedestroyer]

I have been a admirer of Prince's music since the beginning "For You" album. I must say when I first heard RC I was shocked by the direction. Prince had threw some religious overtones in past projects before but not an entire album so that shocked me. When I met him he was extremely curious about what I believed religiously. He didn't want to give me his personal views because he said it may influence me. Then that makes me wonder what RC was all about, was this his way of expressing his views? Musically the album is on point and I also love the live version. But I must say its not one of my favorites and I don't drop one of those gems into a playlist. I am the same way with Love Sexy. I listen to them both as a whole. Rest in Heaven Prince. Keep them coming Violet Reality..love it

[@aaronj.brooks1977]

Looks like I’m going to have to find and get this album

[@coqui1550]

This is an underrated album. It grows on you. It's very different from other albums. 💜🟣🟪

[@billiondollarman3847]

Larry Graham a influence on him during this period cannot be underestimated ! 0--[-->

[@MarroniMusic]

Definitely one of my fave Prince albums. An easy top five!

[@cdman40]

I'd love to see a video on The N.E.W.S Album while not in my top 10 a very underrated instrumental Album.

[@Lance37a]

Welcome back

[@blackbaron0]

I think this is one of the great albums from Prince. You can feel from the very first bars that this is truly inspired and involving. John Blackwell's drumming is masterful. And yes it sounds great too. if your not a fan of the lyrics, well that is fine. I've always been more of a tunes person anyway, and this is full of great ones.

[@tonylbenson]

I’d love an instrumental version of this album…

[@nakairoberson3057]

There was a music special on BET hosted by Tavis Smiley for this album that I believe aired at midnight, that I watched. I ended up buying the album because of it. It was the first Prince album I bought at 13 or 14 years old and many months later i started delving into his music catalog.

[@tonylbenson]

The interweb says the Netflix docuseries will be released in July 2023… can’t wait.

[@Mr.Dingo7118]

Lots of great information. Tku. 💜

[@melvinrushii153]

One of my top two Prince albums in his entire discography

[@toamja03]

I love the rainbow children album!

[@theerainbochild]

I love the rainbow children, in fact this is the only album I could listen to after his passing. The only one that my heart could take, the others would make me cry. RIP PRINCE 💜

[@iamheeeem]

The album was genius. Saw the ONA tour in New Orleans at the Saenger Theater. Was part of his NPG Music club. Sat in on a Q&A session. He even let those who could play music jam with him. Sadly he lost everyone dear to him. Father,mother and son.

[@theprolificnetwork4670]

Everywhere & the Sensual ever after stay on my playlist

[@theprolificnetwork4670]

She loves me for me as well.

[@dorothyedwards7225]

Happy New Year 2023. Thank you Casey for this video on this album. I was always curious and confused about this album. I bought this sometime after it came out. I had only briefly listened to it. The music and style I wasn't used to, so I shelved it. Since I didn't listen to it I didn't hear the lyrics. My son some time ago listened to it and liked it, but didn't forward any detailed comments. I suppose he liked the instrumental. I'll have to ask him. I look forward to sharing this video with him. One day in the right space and time I look forward to listening to it. I found it very interesting he had a group discussion, too bad he didn't speak of his input, opinions, and stance. It's disheartening that some people were, I guess, disheartened by it. Thank you.

[@williammcpherson9953]

Hey! You did a great job putting this piece together. I agree with with every word you spoke...and I normally pick at most of prince tellers. . well good job to you. Thanx.

[@timsawyer1026]

thanks for the amazing content!

[@Polygroove1]

Here’s an interesting fact: go back and listen to the song Rainbow Children and you will CLEARLY hear that he had an uncredited feature on the song. None other than Andre 3000. Andre’ of course was a huge fan and heavily influenced by Prince even so far as to induct him into the Rock In Roll Hall Of Fame with his group OutKast. Andre’ has done uncredited features numerous times over the years. He has an uncredited feature in a George Clinton (P-Funk) song from a few years back. Take another listen with fresh ears on what a Prince and Andre 3000 duet would sound like….😊

[@jus]

I love this album. Such a trip Random times back then. I remember there was a commercial for this album you could buy via a 1800 number

[@luisd7636]

I loved this album since the 1st time I heard it. several of the tracks are some of his funkiest songs.

[@jomocreed2653]

The Rainbow Children is definitely top 5..great album

[@darkghoulrecords]

I love this album!

[@MrJSkeam]

Startin the new year off right 😁😁😁👋🏿👋🏿👋🏿 missed you guys...

[@JuJuOfTheBees]

Yay, love this series.

[@darkbluebossa]

6:34 Casey, its not only you. I only can listen to it as a whole, with earphones and paying attention. Its an experience to me

[@jbaranowski1990]

His last masterpiece. Period.

[@zroy9263]

The Rainbow Children was a masterpiece by PRINCE period! This was an album that HE dedicated to himself as a pure musical genius, and to his students, that is dedicated to his art! It's also very special to me because of the powerful, deep, emotional, and inspirational song Family Name. This is a song that is dedicated to ALL true Semitic people that are Children of the victims of the horrible transatlantic slave trade. It's a song about Asiatic people being stripped of their names, God, languages, dignity, families, culture, religions, and true identity. The slave trade and colonization were truly the Black people's holocaust! And we should never forget it! Otherwise, it will happen again. It touched my soul deeply, to hear my musical hero PRINCE talking about our history. The music on this album is absolutely stellar in all forms. It's jazz, funk, and soul music at its best, by the quintessential musical genius of the Modern Era. You will hear elements of James Brown, Miles Davis, Curtis Mayfield, and George Clinton. Of course, it's still ALL PRINCE! This is an album for mature listeners, that are inspired by American roots music! I highly recommend this album to all true deep thinking music intellectuals.

[@johnnyglee]

This album is one of my favorites . The voice thing I could do without I wish they would release a version without that voice thing. The music is fantastic and it feels good.

[@coreyjiggetts7014]

IMHO, this album is definitely not a skip over or throwaway project. While I stop short of declaring it a masterpiece, it's a highlight for the level of musicality and for the thought provoking lyrical content that challenges the belief system of most. I personally didn't find offense in the lyrics nor was I put off by them. In the moment and in retrospect I respected that it was a deeply personal project wherein Prince pulled back some layers and laid bare his spiritual and sociopolitical leanings leaving the listener to explore deeper the same for themselves. There are some standout tracks here that could have worked a singles, but my impression is that Prince didn't do so on purpose to compel the listener to absorb all facets of the message he was sending here. There are some funk gems as well as some intoxicating grooves on this album. My favs include Muse 2 The Pharaoh, Digital Garden, 1+1+1 is 3 & The Everlasting Now, that latter flat out one of Prince's funkiest tracks that's an easy bookend to other aspects of his catalog (America and Chelsea Rogers come to mind as an example). All in all, I think no Prince collection is complete without it.

[@michaelkearney-mm6yn]

I like your approach to considering this album, given a dearth of facts around it and of the questions around it, well the clues are in its presentation as low key. Indeed, it was the first Prince record since Controversy which reached me as the item itself, not advance word about it. In the context of his new jazzy band, a mature development of the Parade tour style which would edge its way back into a soulful rather than psychedelic funk with Musicology and onward, it's a new century approach, new man, new faith, new interests. And, as you say, a proper album of the old school that is a journey to take. That is why we dont play it often why he didnt promote it like the others. It's got real girth and when you want it, it's got it. I think Last December and She Loves Me for Me are two of his major gems but as you say, pull them out as tracks and it's like you have somebody's foot without the body. As for what the album's about and all that discussion, I am lucky that when ut came to me I was offline and so was not privy to all the chatter. It had nothing I'd have noticed that was any more or less intriguing than any other of Prince's thematics, just that it was a new one. One thing I can say about this record above all else is that people who thought 'Yeah, great musician but I don't like pop music' were totally turned on to him with this. Time after time, converted. It's juicy.

[@JohnAnderson42]

Do livestreams! I love the sound of the album and most of the songs... it is a little preachy but It is so good.

[@RBHADD]

The one I go back to most since..

[@MichaelGilboe]

I was both fans. When it first came out, I was puzzled, and mostly did not like it. But I revisited it when the estate released the vinyl (so... 20 years older...) and I LOVED it. I don't know what I was thinking other than my musical tasted evolved to understand it more. But it is indeed one of my favorites now. Indeed, many of my favorite songs by Prince grew on me from not liking them much at the beginning. When I first heard "Gett Off" I thought he went mad. It is definately in my top 5 now, and clearly was a huge influence on hip-hop to come.

[@frankhardenbol9998]

great album and recording one of the best ever. Sound quality is insane!!