Prince: 3121 the Funk for 2006

Words: Jay Thomas Shutter: Afshin

3121 is Prince's new album.

When the news hit this spring that the Purple One had signed another major label distribution deal, I got a sinking feeling in my stomach. Had Prince signed with another multinational label that would promise the world and then not deliver? Let's face it, at one time Prince had to change his name to TAFKAP—The Artist Formerly Known as Prince, just to get Warner Brothers Records Inc. to the table to not only talk but for him to secure his masters back. Similar to his recent label transactions, 3121 looked as though it may be another Emancipation (EMI) or Rave unto the Joy Fantastic (Arista/BMG), two incredible albums that did not receive the proper marketing, promotion, radio support or attention they deserved. I was wrong.  

3121 is the first album from Prince to debut at #1 on the Billboard album charts in his 30-year-plus career. He has retooled the NPG (New Power Generation) band with special appearances from Sheila E, Wendy and Lisa of the Revolution, and he blew away the Brit Awards earlier this year with a 20-minute barrage of beats, funk and soul! 

If you have yet to score yourself a copy from one of your fine music retailers or pay download sites, then let us at Klublife take you inside this gem of an album, track by track, so you can see what the new funk for 2006 really is…3121! 

Prince, promoting his new album 3121.

"3121"—The first track slides a slap of funk in your face with Prince taking us all on a journey into 3121 typical of some of his previous albums such as Crystal Ball (track of the same name) and Emancipation's "Jam of the Year." Even though it does echo some previous grooves and licks on bass, "this is where the party be," just as Prince states before he kills it on guitar as he only can. For an opening cut, this track shows that the Purple man himself is back in full effect and he's back with the funk as only he can deliver.  

"Lolita"—This is your summer track: top down, driving down the road to the beach, mall or wherever. Funk fueled pop with a hint of old school and the classic Prince we've all come to love with a hint of "Diamonds and Pearls" and "Lovesexy". Lyrically you can see this lighting up any stage with the NPG killing it like they did recently on the Musicology and One Night Alone tours. 

"Te Amo Corazon"—Pre-released before the album dropped, it's another "Most Beautiful Girl In The World" flavour with a splash of latin loving all over the place. The video was directed by none other than the sexy and beautiful Salma Hayek and it showcases Prince in Africa with incredible cinematography and, as per usual, a style only Prince can deliver.  

"Black Sweat"—If you remember Sign of the Times' "Hot Thing" you will know where all these 'stars' of today have ripped off Prince. Well, he's back and…oh yeah…he did it again! I can’t wait to hear the ripoff's we're going to hear now from all these flavours of the week after this kills the charts this summer. Look for multiple remixes official and un-officially released this summer.  

"Incense & Candles"—The incredibly talented Tamar graces the duet that Prince has further enhanced with a vocoder, and then tears it up with a little drum roll to bring the soul and funk together seamlessly.

"Love"—An incredible blend of new and old bring the funk up on this one, and again, Tamar drops in some backing vocals. Reminiscent of "Crystal Ball" and "Graffiti Bridge "with a hint of "Lovesexy" and "Diamonds and Pearls," "Love" has a very infectious chorus and makes you want to sing along when you least expect it. 

"Satisfied"—Typical "lights down low" song and if you've ever been fortunate to see Prince live when he does the piano alone-on-a-stage bit, this is where the ladies go weak and every man has to hold up his lady. There is one of this style of classic jam on all Prince releases, especially with the horns on the one hand, while keeping the soulful element.

"Fury"—"Purple Rain" and "Gold," are just two tracks you may have heard that have the grind Prince brings on the guitar on this slamming number. This is the next single off the album and if you were able to catch the SNL performance back in February of this spring, you will see that Prince isn't getting older, just smoother, and he still carries the funk! 

"The Word"—Blending the beats from "Walk Don't Walk" off of his Diamonds and Pearls album, Prince blends some religious lyrics while tweaking some David Bowie "Black Tie White Noise"-style horns. Prince also drops in some '80s-style edits and backing tracks.  

"Beautiful, Loved & Blessed"—Tamar takes this song to the next level while Prince offers the usual support, and even takes a back seat to let Tamar shine. Her debut album of the same name drops on May 2nd.

"The Dance"—Seems to draw from Christopher Tracy's parade and the whole "Around the World in a Day" meets "Parade" meets "Money Don't Matter Tonight"-he borrows a lot from previous songs and albums. This is the one track that stands out for his usual Prince "let me take you over here" vibes.   

"Get on The Boat"—Very much in the vein of his 2001 Rainbow Children album and tour that should have received more attention than it did receive. Sheila E drops in on various drops with Maceo Parker, leaves you wanting more and wondering: when does the tour start?

Prince promoting his new album, 3121.

Prince has been ripping up the charts since 1979, when he dropped his first album Prince For You. Through his 50 albums to date, he has only now in 2006 scored a debut #1 album with 3121, available in stores now, and,  funnily enough, distributed by a major label, Universal Records. What's also interesting is his return to work with members of the Revolution Wendy and Lisa, as well as Sheila E to name a few—Prince has reclaimed his pop sensibilities with a fresh dose of the funk! If you want to dig deeper into the Prince or NPG experience, log onto www.npgmusicclub.com for exclusive 3121 swag and all the late-breaking news from the Purple One himself!

The album cover for Prince's new CD, 3121.