Prince
Planet Earth
(Sony-BMG)
Sure, it's good to be King. But it must be kinda nice to be Prince these days too.
After spending much of the '90s in a creative slump, His Royal Purpleness has been on a roll for most of this millennium. His last couple of discs -- 2004's ambitious Musicology and last year's groovy 3121 -- have been more focused and accessible.
His 2007 Super Bowl appearance was one of the most-watched halftime shows in history. And his latest concert tour -- which includes a 21-night residency in a London arena -- is one of the summer's hottest tickets.
The pint-sized Minneapolis mogul's hot streak continues with the remarkable Planet Earth. This lean 10-pack brings us Prince at the top of his game, delivering a tight, sharp and sexy set of funk, soul, pop, rock and jazz that's free of pointless self-indulgence, crazy concepts or ill-advised experiments.
OK, it doesn't reach the same dizzying heights as Purple Rain. But now and then, it does party like it's 1999 again. Basically, it's his best album since the good old days.
Looks like it's pretty good to be a Prince fan right now too.
Planet Earth 5:51
If anybody loves to start slow and build to a climax, it's Prince.
Here, that means opening with a solo acoustic piano lament, gradually
moving into a slowburning soul-power ballad, shifting into some horny
jazz-pop moves -- and bringing it home with a fiery, gushing solo. All
that's missing at the end is a cigarette.
Guitar 3:45
"I love you baby," claims Prince. "Just not like I love my guitar." Once you hear the chiming U2-meets-The Killers licks of this slinky funk-rock workout, you'll understand why.
Somewhere Here on Earth 5:45
Brushed drums, a delicate piano, silky strings and a smoky sax set a classy boudoir-jazz mood, as Prince puts down his beloved axe long enough to seduce you with that girly falsetto of his.
The One U Wanna C 4:29
Changing gears yet again, Prince tosses off a lighthearted, catchy pop ditty underpinned by a funky bassline and topped with twangy, countryish guitar hooks.
Future Baby Mama 4:47
Less than five minutes after his last seduction, the man is ready to go again -- this time with the aid of some supple R&B, plenty of keyboards and a Barry White-style monologue. Oh, baby ...
Mr. Goodnight 4:26
Prince gets his rap on over a gentle, lazy funk groove. Not a standout next to some of the more outgoing cuts, but a nice little number nonetheless.
All the Midnights in the World 2:21
If you're in the mood for a quick hit of sunny, California-flecked piano pop, you're in luck.
Chelsea Rodgers 5:41
The pop Svengali pays tribute to his latest female muse/protege/whatever with a butt-shaking blast of old-school disco-funk. Love the squishy synths, punchy brass and rubber-band bass.
Lion of Judah 4:10
The mood swings back down as Prince fuses some jangly guitar and yearning vocals into a dark little pop-rocker. Nicely restrained.
Resolution 3:40
A closing ballad? Nope. Instead, Prince goes out on a happier note with this buoyant slice of bouncy, lightly psychedelic guitar-pop.
