Prince Love Symbol Album CD

Prince & The New Power Generation: Prince, Levi Seacer Jr., Tony M., Tommy Barbarella, Kirk Johnson, Damon Dickson, Sonny Thompson, Michael Bland, Mayte.

This album followed Prince's debut with the New Power Generation, DIAMONDS AND PEARLS, and marked a turning point in the career of one of the most talented, prolific, and successful pop stars of the '80s and '90s. For many, the album introduced a new Prince whose music now encompassed rap and other contemporary radio-friendly sounds. For others, SYMBOL signaled the beginning of Prince's downward spiral into self-indulgence and lack of focus. After the album's release, Prince changed his name to the unpronounceable symbol emblazoned on the cover.

It is hard to argue with Prince's innovative, accessible, and utterly singular musical vision. While not everything on this double-length set is strong, SYMBOL offers such an abundance of material that there is sure to be something here for everyone. Dance floor booty-movers like "The Max" and "Damn U" alternate with atmospheric ballads ("Sweet Baby") Other tracks (the chaotic free-funk of "Arrogance;" the dark gospel pulse of "7") are more resistant to categorization. The hit singles "My Name Is Prince" and the irresistible James Brown-style jam (complete with JB's-ish horns) of "Sexy M.F." provide sing-along dance anthems. There is enough intensity and diversity here to prove that Prince is still a force to be reckoned with.

All songs written or co-written by Prince.

Jevetta Steele, Jearlyn, J.D., Fred (background vocals).

All songs written by Prince & The New Power Generation.

Import pressing of his 1992 album. Warner.

Recorded at Paisley Park Studios, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Producers: The New Power Generation, Keith "KC" Cohen, George Black, Prince.

Engineers: Michael Koppelman, Dave Friedlander, Ray Hahnfeldt, Brian Poer, Steve Noonan.

Personnel: Prince (vocals, guitar, keyboards, drums, background vocals); Tony M., Carmen Electra (rap vocals); Eric Leeds (saxophone); J.D. Steele, Jearlyn Steele Battle, Jevetta Steele (background vocals).

Recording information: MN; Paisley Park Studios, Minneapolis, MN.

Arrangers: New Power Generation; Prince.

Additional personnel: Carmen Electra (rap); Eric Leeds (saxophone); Mike Nelson, Kathy J., Dave Jensen, Brian Gallagher, Steve Strand (horns); Michael Kopelman (bass); Airiq Anest (programming); D.J. Graves (scratches); Jevetta Steele, Jearlyn, J.D., Fred (background vocals).

Additional personnel: Carmen Electra (rap); Eric Leeds (saxophone); Mike Nelson, Kathy J., Dave Jensen, Brian Gallagher, Steve Strand (horns); Michael Koppelman (bass); D.J. Graves (scratching); Airiq Anest (programming);

Additional personnel: Carmen Electra (rap); Eric Leeds (saxophone); Mike Nelson, Kathy J., Dave Jensen, Brian Gallagher, Steve Strand (horns); Michael Koppelman (bass); D.J. Graves (scratching); Airiq Anest (programming); Jevetta Steele, Jearlyn, J.D., Fred (background vocals).Rolling Stone (11/26/92, p.70) - 3.5 Stars - Very Good - "...he's funkier than he's been in ages...recalls the glory days of James Brown and the JB's...rarely has his protean musicality been more pleasurable..."
Spin (12/92, p.69) - Ranked #19 in Spin's list of the `20 Best Albums Of The Year' - "...the ultimate gas. Prince has finally caught up with the new jack culture..."
Spin (11/92, p.109) - Highly Recommended - "...some of Prince's buggiest doo-doo in years...["Sexy MF" is] his first party-tape must-have since "Housequake" from 1987's SIGN O' THE TIMES. And most of the rest of this record cream-sh-boogie-bops with aggressive aplomb..."
Entertainment Weekly (10/23/92, p.62) - "...Prince is funky, funkier than ever before, maybe even the funkiest musician around right now...irrepressibly catchy..." - Rating: A-
Q (1/93, p.72) - Included in Q's list of the 50 Best Albums Of 1992.
Q (12/92, p.124) - 4 Stars - Excellent - "...Prince bounces back with 75 minutes' worth of music celebrating his irrepressible libido...The New Power Generation have developed into a formidable unit...a barrage of full-blooded funk workouts...this collection is as robust as any in Prince's career..."
Village Voice (3/2/93, p.5) - Ranked #14 in the Village Voice's list of the 40 Best Albums Of 1992.
Stereo Review (1/93, p.84) - "...ranks with his most enjoyable albums..."
Vox (12/92, p.65) - 9 - Excellent - "...it's funny, funky, brilliant, kooky, sexy and cosmopolitan, all things synonymous with Prince...a work of genius..."
NME (Magazine) (11/7/92, p.38) - "...Prince's musical vision is positively hallucinogenic..."