Since it's been on heavy rotation on MTV and the radio lately, Prince's song "Black Sweat" has been a constant earworm for me. Considering how infectious this song is, I decided it might be worth checking out his latest studio endeavor, 3121.
In his follow-up to 2004's Musicology, Prince released this pleasurably, neo-funk album. I say neo-funk because 3121 channels the best of 70s funk, pours in the hair-teasing attitude of the 80s, mixes in the sensuality and theatricality of Purple Rain but with the dash of instrumentation that only the new millennium can offer. It's the logical continuation of his musical legacy.
A musician less skilled than Prince wouldn't have been able to pull off this eclectic mix quite as well. Perhaps it's because Prince has a solid grasp on old and new music, knowing the balance between acoustic and electronic, the psychedelic and the mellow.
The album begins with the weirdest, most psychedelic track "3121," where he invites you to his L.A. pad of purple-splendor because "That's where the party b / 3121." With the promise of the chance to "drink champagne from a glass with chocolate handles" while listening to a computerized Prince voice, how could I refuse? Just ignore the unexpected and slightly cheesy last line "It's goin' down, people / Like the wall of Berlin" and everything is off to a good start.
Another point of strangeness is his slow love songs. Some of these songs are more successful than others. "Te Amo Corazón," already released as a single, has a subdued jazz and tango style that is admirable but gets old easily. Listen to the first minute of it and you've pretty much heard all the song has to offer. On other songs, the lyrics leave you puzzled. In "Incense and Candles" Prince tries to seduce you into his room for something you can't handle but then tells you "I know u want 2 take off all Ur clothes / But please don't do it." Which is it, Prince? Why the flip-flopping? Does it have something to do with your promise to tone down the hyper-sexuality from several years back?
Whatever it is, he makes up for this hang-up with the unexpected jewel of a slow-jam "Satisfied." The song reminds me of an old Teddy Pendergrass or Al Green song where all he wants to do is "get you satisfied." Instead he demands first that "It's time 2 send Ur company home and turn off Ur cellphone" a lá Pendergrass' demands to "turn off the lights." The song is elegantly crafted into that subtle richness of golden R&B.
Prince really shines on songs that allow for flexibility in instrumentation, intensity and yelling. "Fury" is a fiery number that leaves room for killer guitar solos -- recently shown when he played it on Saturday Night Live. The album version is more restrained than the scorching hot version he played on SNL, but it's exciting to think what else he could do with the number during live performances.
Despite his experimentation, Prince manages to still be Prince. "Black Sweat" recalls the heavenly falsetto and flirty vocal delivery of "Kiss." "Lolita" is a sure pleaser that invites the audience participation of "1999" with a hint of that Morris Day-vibe from the movie Purple Rain.
Essentially, 3121 showcases the most infamous incarnation of Prince on steroids. If I hadn't bought a Prince album since Purple Rain and then bought 3121, I wouldn't have missed out on a thing -- it seems like a logical progression.
In the end, Prince has me sold. He ends the album with another banging track worthy of live performance called "Get On the Boat" that evokes James Brown soul, recruiting Sheila E. on drums and Maceo on the horn. With an album like this, when Prince asks, "Don't U wanna come? 3121." I answer with an emphatic yes.
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