Prince
Emancipation

THE REVIEW

For a novice wanting to review any of Prince's works, opting for "Emancipation" can prove to be a poor choice, or worse, an unnecessary form of presumption.

However, since a review of this triple CD was missing, I have taken it upon myself, even if only because, as a new adept, this was the first work of the genius to land in my player (naturally, the others followed, which have been extensively written about and commented on).

It should be noted that the flight of the triple spacecraft was directed toward my room by diligent retailers who providentially put it on special price awaiting someone to seize the opportunity. A very tentative purchase indeed. Besides this, I must say that the first approach was not the most enthusiastic, 36 songs with 3 different souls have been written: the first CD for feet, the second for the heart, the third for the mind. Read also 1=funk, 2=ballads; 3=computer. Too much material indeed for my virgin ears. But perhaps this musical virginity was a good thing, as Prince's universally uncontested fame led to continuous listening, which allowed me to become particularly attached to this triple even after listening to and loving later Prince masterpieces.

Even today, nothing deters me from the belief that I adore Prince simply because he is Prince; my funk/soul musical culture remains slim, drastically reducing the precision of analysis "on the piece."

What I can say is that within the box set are at least a dozen masterpieces: Jam Of The Year, Betcha By Golly Wow, Soul Sanctuary, New World, to name a few. Just as there are relatively harmless pieces and, I dare say, others rather unattractive: Courtin' Time, Mr Happy. Surely, the most successful album is the second, homogeneous and emotional (Curious Child and One Kiss at a Time above all). Ultimately, the product itself deserves three stars, and I believe few fans will object. For the fourth star, a parenthesis and perhaps a debate need to be opened.

I read that Prince's prolificity is often criticized in favor of a more extended timeline and, hopefully, guarantor of more "penetrating" works. I don’t know... I mean are we convinced that a work that is neglectable to some is also so for others? When I look at the list of preferences, fans of Mr. Nelson distinguish themselves among those who adore the "Revolution" phase, those who stop at "SOTT" and frown upon "LOVESEXY" (which personally far surpasses purple rain), and those who throw away everything "3121" and "Planet Earth."

It is very difficult to tell Prince to stop and I certainly won't be the one wishing for that. Perhaps, unknowingly, Prince knows that his works captivate ANYWAY, regardless of comparisons to his Musts of the '80s, and that there will always be someone who will have rejoiced at the publication even of the most blatantly neglected album.

Indeed, I am sure he knows... wasn't it he who sang "Joy" in "repetition"?