Prince Album: “Rainbow Children”

Description :

Personnel: Prince (vocals, various instruments, percussion, sound effects); Najee (soprano saxophone, flute); Hornheadz (horns); Larry Graham, Jr. (bass); John Blackwell (drums); Milenia, Kip Blackshire, Mr. Hayes, Femi Jiya (background vocals). <p>Recorded at Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, Minnesota. <p>In the much-anticipated follow-up to 1999's RAVE UN 2 THE JOY FANTASTIC, Prince (who's now reclaimed his name) presents fans with RAINBOW CHILDREN. Dubbed in marketing campaigns as "controversial, " the album suggests a common lyrical theme of a utopian world inhabited by "rainbow children," first introduced in the jazzy benediction of the title track. The musical undercurrent connecting the 14 cuts is a decidedly more laid-back approach compared with past efforts. The interlude "Wedding Feast" may leave some scratching their heads; the vocally theatrical track sounds as if it could be part of a larger concept piece His Royal Badness plans to unveil in the near future. "She Loves Me 4 Me" is all that you would expect from a romantic Prince ballad. No stranger to social commentary, "Family Name" finds the Purple One taking a radical look at race and the hypocrisy of "racial purity." There's no shortage of funk here; especially in "The Everlasting Now" and Prince's most obvious tribute to James Brown, "The Work Pt. 1." More focused than the overflowing sets of EMANCIPATION and CRYSTAL BALL, RAINBOW CHILDREN sets a new standard for what Princeheads can expect in this newest phase of his musical evolution.

This album is definately hot. Prince has again stretched the boundaries of his music. It is definately a liberation CD. With John Blackwell, the Magnificent on Drums and Sir Larry Graham on bass; the rhythm section will take you home. At the same time you feel the Fusion of later Miles. Prince has laid it down, no one can touch him. Don't get too close he's on fire. Check the title track "Rainbow Children" and "Family Name" this cat is off the charts. You realize Prince was born from the union of funk and rock, and is back to claim his throne.

This is Prince's jazz album. Filled with jazz-funk extended jams all over the place, this really shows how good of a musician Prince is (and John Blackwell, on drums...WOW). I'm not a big fan of artists cluttering their music with religion, but the music overshadows everything else. Anyone interested in jazz-funk fusion or just wishing Prince would put something out worth buying, should get this. The most live, jazzy, and organic sound Prince has ever produced. The spoken word thing gets a bit old, but I've just been fast-forwarding to the songs. This album is in the style of Eryka Badu's last album, D'Angelo and in some places, vintage Santana. I never thought I'd ever say this again, but...I recommend this Prince cd.

This album is something that can change the face of music at any given time or genre. Prince displayed a solidity in the depths of music. The Rainbow Children now have a personality that cannot be duplicated once Prince dubbed it a title. "Muse to the Pharoah" was an extrodinary forum of simplicity with just keys, bass, and drums but his harmonies gave it an orchestra like sound. "1+1+1=3" is a spacious funk that kills the standard format with a rebellious flow that leaves funk-a-likes in the dust. Prince is a seasoned artist with the ability to do what he wants to do and make it sound extraordinary, hence The Rainbow Children.

Let's face it. Prince is the most creative artist of all time. He never ceases to amaze me. I never criticize music of any kind, because I am not a musician. In my opinion, NO ONE has any right to criticize someone's else's work. However, I couldn't help it with this release! This is the most funky, creative, and touching album Prince has EVER released! The entire album is one HUGE trip! It is also the most spiritual album he has ever released, and for this, I truly adore the whole concept of the album. Prince is really sending out a positive message on this album, and EVERY song screams it! Prince has NEVER dissapointed me with any of his work, anyway.

This is Prince's best album since Emancipation. He completely ignores the mainstream tosh coming out and hits us with freshly made funk with a touch of psychedelic jazz. He simply is stressing his believes and as far as I know he is actually a Jehova's Witness. But the lyrics and music blend together in a refreshing way. The highlights are 'The Rainbow Children', 'The Work pt 1'- which is a homage to James Brown, '1+1+1 is 3'- a mixture of a modern 'Erotic City' with classic George Clinton funk, 'She Loves Me 4 Me'- a relative of 'Adore' and 'Insatiable' and the last 3 tracks close a mind blowing but thought-provoking album. But it only gets four stars because the low voice is irritating. It's a shame that it is not well recognised outside the underground circuit.