News flash: Prince is almost 30 albums deep! Rather than try to give an accurate number for this studio album, it's probably more fitting to describe its content. Instead of the odd arrangements that made up 3121, here Prince cashes in on his established turf of pop music to carry Planet Earth. But a Prince "retread" does not equal zero progress. Old bandmates Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman join Prince on guitar and keys respectively, adding to rockers such as "Guitar" and the title cut. That's about the gist of it. But why does Prince get judged harshly for doing what's "easy" when he's churning out moving and compelling music? - forrest green III

Share this article with a friend