37 years of making albums with a lustful desire for perfection and a keen sense of genius for sound, as well as presentation, has made Prince an enigma in the music industry. It was 37 years of purple reign, untouchable outfits that embraced androgyny, controversial statements through in-depth songs and a continuing impulse to intertwine his intense love for romance, sex, religion and God that made Prince every essence of what his name means… Royalty.
It is the undeniable passion Prince has for an artistic vision in music and his ear for creativity that set him on a measure that is far out of this world. One thing has stood for certain throughout the years Prince has been making music: His ability to still create albums that leave even the most seasoned Prince fan in awe of his talents and most of all surrendered at his very feet… Adding to his captivation as an artist.
In mentioning Prince and his intoxicating music, with the release of his latest album, “HITnRUN: Phase 2″ Prince makes it clear that even with so many years of making albums and recording songs that contribute to his legendary, he is only adding to his incomparable 38 (now 39) studio-album treasure-trove.
The main subject of greatness here is “HITnRUN: Phase 2″. The first word that came to my mind after listening to this album in its entirety was “electric”. Electric as in: Being able to take various complexities and themes in hand with ideas and concepts then channeling them into songs that resonated with us… The music lovers and listeners. Some previously released songs were featured in the album with remixed flairs. Others were left to bask in their glory. A beautifully executed way of presenting older material as well as the new.
It was “Baltimore” that warmed our hearts with the idea of achieving peace, but awakened us to awareness of the ongoing brutalities within our world. It was “Groovy Potential” that made us want to dance endlessly and live within the precious moments of a song. The way this album was composed made it seem as though Prince was not only watching, but listening too. That’s the beauty of Prince as well: His observant nature makes for great influence in his songs. “Xtraloveable (Reloaded)” and “Stare” also were absolute favorites of mine and it was this trip down memory lane that made this body of music stand out to me. It was still Prince… The same, Funk-stricken, socially and emotionally conscious, brilliant man, only this time, a little older and a little more cryptic with his messages and his meanings… But there was nothing to complain about.
The newer songs, however, that furthermore stole my heart were meticulously composed and beautifully arranged. “Look At Me, Look At U”, “When She Comes”, “Black Muse”… They all roared Prince’s musical excellence, reinstalling to those who forgot that he is still His Royal Badness. But… There was one song specifically out of the six that ignited my everlasting love and admiration for Prince, the musician as well as the man…
“Revelation”. This is the song that melted my frostbitten heart. This is the song that took my breath away so effortlessly. It’s the feelings of enticement and allurement that took me to places I’d never known, only to bring me back down to a cold, unfair world after it had finished playing. The haunting saxophone and the velvet smooth vocals Prince sang only added to the rawness of “Revelation”. There comes an inevitable time when a new Prince song comes out and it gives you the reasons why he is such an incredible musician. The lyrics of this song were utterly eloquent and deeply expressive. The connection of a biblical theme with the notion of pure sensuality made this song burn for an eternity without regret. This song left me in awe of Prince. As if I couldn’t fall in love with him any more than I have, right?
To bring this whole review together, I must say one thing: There is nothing that can stop Prince. It is 2015 and Prince is making music that is still touching souls and capturing hearts. This album was IT for me. I couldn’t have imagined it to be any better than it already is. And for the people who don’t like this album, cool, you have an opinion… But I stand strongly in my belief that this is some of Prince’s best work within the past 10, maybe even 15 years. My love for “HITnRUN: Phase 2″ was unexpected, but I am embracing every bit of it because good music should never be overlooked, underrated or go to waste.
Thank you, Prince. We love you.
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