(Symbol) [PA] - Prince (CD 1992)

How many artists do you know of that still have something to say once their album output drifts into the double digits. Particularly in this age of disposable music, who thinks Britney Spears will last 10 albums? Yeah, I thought so. Minneapolis native Prince has made interesting (and mostly, good-to-excellent) albums through 28 years and as many albums. With a style drawn from years of listening to diverse bands like Santana and Sly

So how do you review a record when you can't even say the name of the thing? Who names a record a symbol anyway? Then again, who makes that same symbol their own name a year later? Prince does. I bought this record on my 20th birthday, but it was days before I got to sit down and really listen to it. Around this time my future wife and I were looking for an apartment and moving in together, so I was a little busy. But when I finally did get to sit through the record start to finish, I loved it. Still do. Not every song is great, there's still way too many raps on here. The first song--and...

The problem with long concept albums is that few artists are able to deliver 14 and more top-notch songs at a stretch. In spite of that every decade has seen those who had aspired. We all remember those who did great (Led Zeppelin s Physical Graffiti, Bruce s The River, Prince s Sign O the Times), we equally remember the ones that made us want to stop our ears (Genesis The Lamb lies down on Broadway - brrrr!). However, most of concept albums in the history of popular music, now decorating your local music store shelves, are just good, with certain ups and inevitable downs, and for the most...

Prince came on the scene in the late 70 s and brought with him his unique blend of music. Prince is best known for taking ballads and infusing his own flavor of funk into the grooves. In the early 80 s he was all the rage with Purple Rain. After some contractual disputes with his label at the time Prince recreated himself again and released music under a new name, an unpronounceable symbol. That was the in the early 90 s and Prince has since been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. An interesting personality, to say the least, Prince has produced some amazing tunes. Prince and the...