the very best of prince, prince
356272
all of the songs were from back when started and some new.
4651974
It's hard to overstate how resilient Prince was in making this album. For starters, his last album and film weren't well-received from mainstream fans and critics alike. Whispers grew that Prince was a "sell-out" and that he "forgot about his black audience." Then you throw in the disbanding of The Revolution on top of creative disputes with Warner Bros.

Prince started the comeback by recording approximately 40 songs between the Dream Factory, Camille, and Crystal Ball sessions. Prince would later refine the final configuration down to the 16 songs that you see (per Warner Bros. request).

The vision and musicianship seen here is truly incredible; it's like he was thinking "This is the picture of my life that I'm going to show the world." All of its messages are just as relevant as they were in 1987: social awareness, sex, finding joy, tackling personal insecurities, seeking spiritual refuge, etc.

While it seems strange to have an album besides Purple Rain in the top spot, Sign o' the Times is easily the best album of Prince's career.
3149924
I saw a video of this song after Prince's death; This is probably one of my favorite songs by him so I downloaded it. The melody is awesome, and it makes me miss him that much more. He was such a talented musician.
1248447
What I have always loved about Prince is that he makes music like no one else. Always has & always will & thats what u get with Phase One. If there is anything 2 expect from Prince I guess that's it. Great cd. My faves so far R - Fallinlove2nite, 1000 X's & O's and I luv the song June. Long live the PRINCE.
3580947
Prince fan...  yada yada yada...  It's pretty.  It's purple.  So, of course this got purchased.  There is something immensely charming about the book.  Most of the photos are obviously staged, but they're so beautiful -- almost as if they're stills from a Baz Luhrmann documentary of Prince.  Flipping through the pages brought to mind "Pretty Man".

The CD showcases Prince's voice, his musicianship, his guitar-virtuosity.  I like this older Prince.  The Prince who connects with his audience.  The guy who doesn't seem to take himself so seriously.  The guy with an honest sense of humor who is very comfortable with himself.

The book's superficiality belies the CD's intimacy.  So, after you've turned the last page, turn down the lights, close your eyes, then imagine you're sitting on stage, sharing the keyboardist's bench.  Joy, indeed.
2431230
The problem with people like Prince, and with most other music legends; Stevie Wonder, Donna Summer, Al Green, Bob Dylan to mention a few, is this; some people are stuck back in the day when they were at their peak and thus nothing new they ever put out can ever be good in their opinion. If you put that aside, they are still making good music today, much better than most current artists. I certainly enjoyed Prince's last 3 CDs "Musicology", "3121", and "Planet earth".

This time around, Prince releases 2 CDs simultaneously, the Rockier, more guitar driven "Lotusflow3r", and the Funkier "Mplsound", showcasing two sides of the maestro. Which disc you prefer depends on what style of music you prefer. This is a review of the Prince discs only. I found the third disc (by his new protege) just ok.

"Lotusflow3r" opens with a psychedelic sounding guitar instrumental, leading into the snarling "Boom". Other songs in a similar mode are "Wall of Berlin" and "Dreamer". "The morning after" is bouncy Pop/Rock a la "Raspberry beret" or "Cinnamon girl". "Colonized mind" is a truly awesome groovy ballad with hints of Hendrix and lyrics about racism/Political intrigue/injustice. Definitely the standout. "Feel good, feel better, feel wonderful" is a slice of James Brown-slice funk, choppy and incredibly groovy. The aptly titled "Love like jazz" is a lilting Jazzy ballad. "77 Beverly Park" is a lovely instrumental with delicately plucked guitars and a smooth Jazz feel. Closing the disc is the instrumental "...Back 2 the lotus" which sounds like a jam session.

"Mplsound" comprises just 9 tracks but they are generally longer than those on "Lotusflow3r". The disc opens with the upbeat choppy Funk "(There'll never B) Another like me" with blistering guitars. Highly infectious! Just as groovy is "Dance 4 me". "Chocolate box" has a Pop feel and semi-spoken lyrics, while the midtempo Funk "Ol' skool company" has him singing in that Camille voice over a languid groove. "No more candy 4 U" is bouncy Pop/Rock with piano rather than guitar pushed to the fore. The rest of the album comprises ballads, standouts being "Here" (with some falsetto and a spoken bridge), "Valentina", and the piano ballad "Better with time" (and he does sound it).

Certainly not his best CD, but definitely nothing to be sneezed at either. Rock solid!
4144469
Prince is something else I love him!!! I knew when he titled this album COME we would get the real thing.. 5 stars all the way..
2406139
This could be the best song Prince ever made.  This song reminds me of my childhood.  Great song!
3888962
As prolific and diverse as Prince has always been, his genius has never been more evident or more consistently compelling than it is on "Sign O' The Times".  There are few missteps on this ambitious 2-disc set; from the pulsating beat of the title track through the thunderous "Housequake", past the frothy fun of "Starfish and Coffee" and the groove of "I Could Never Take The Place of Your Man" to the sultry "Forever In My Life" and the epic "The Cross", Prince has never been better as a songwriter or singer.  For anyone who considers themselves a pop or R&B collector, this one is a must-have.  To hear these songs in an even more dynamic way, check out the "Sign O' the Times" concert film as well - it's one of the best, most riveting live shows ever filmed.
417774
This edition/tribute was well done.  While most of the information is online, the compilation was organized, the photos crisp, and the pages clean (not cluttered).  Until biographies by those closest to Prince come out, this helps fill a void left in the hearts of many of Prince's fans who want to learn more about this enigmatic trailblazer and star.
315810
21 Nights is a dream come true for real Prince admirers, and those who were left wanting after 3121.com faded to black. The pictures are ultra luxe, just pulling the book out of its custom sleeve felt like a special experience. I was also delighted and surprised to find that the book came with a CD! The pictures are beautiful, and show Prince and company in their best light. For those of us who poured over teen heartthrob mags as kids, this is the adult version with lyrics and poetry. Be prepared for a lot of images that DON'T include Prince though, many of the twins, etc. If you feel like you are missing the connection you once had with his majesty, this will get you through until the next concert. Nothing like this exists that I am aware of, with the exception of some of the tour books - but this is a much richer collection of images.

<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/21-Nights/dp/1416554440/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">21 Nights</a>
4818888
I have absolutely loved Prince 4 as long as I could remember.  Art Official Age is completely  fantastic.  It makes me ecstatic 2 b a fan.  I am addicted 2 this new album.
385977
You've gotta love Prince!  Great album as almost all the songs you will know if you saw the movie, "Purple Rain".  A must have!!
1327056
Of course I'm a fam, and yes I am giving it two very enthusiastic thumbs up! The Man has definitely gone through it all and back again. I especially like the bluesy Satisified. If you are looking for typical Prince, then this is it. He has never disappointed his loyal friends. If you are a TRUE fam, then you know that Prince is ALWAYS ahead of the curve when it comes to music. Think about it, 1999 was 15 years ahead of its time-all of Prince's music is. So those of you who think this album is boring, buy it in about 20 years and see if it isn't right for the time.
1045704
"Some people were born dead, but i...was born alive!!" I absolutely love this album.!! He has givin' us so much and he doesn't appear to be slowing down...Prince is one of the greatest of all time.
1124219
This CD is awesome! Prince did it again and every song on this CD is a winner. Don't listen to the people that didn't like it, I don't know what that is about because the CD is classic Prince with a twist of hip and modern. I can jam off of every song and listen to this CD all day which I have since I bought it. So upset that we have lost him, but his music and spirit will live on and you can definitely hear it in each of these songs. Ignore the naysayers and if you want to get this CD you won't regret it and if you are a TRUE Prince fan you will love it as I do.
1473045
Great song selections. The King at his best. I recommend it.