The Gold Experience

by

Prince

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With this CD Prince declared not only was he back (well sort of, he was still called O(-+> then), but he was back with a vengance. The sounds on this CD just tear though you. It's loud and raccus and the best part is Prince is back to playing guitar! He's such a talented guitar player and it's terrific (and long overdue) to hear those talents featured once again.

The presentation of the music is set up to be like you're clicking your way through some cyber world, dipping into the various 'experiences'. A computer-like voice introduces the CD and is heard many times throughout along with keyboard punches and assorted beeps and blips. It's a great idea, but one that might ultimatley date the CD.

Fortunately the music included here will wipe out any bad taste left by the computer host. Things start off with a bang with the rocking 'P Control' and 'Endorphinmachine' before hitting the gentle groove of 'Shh'. 'We March' is a song about racism, that offers some interesting lyrics, but is probably the weakest song here. "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World' gets a much more guitar and drum based treatment than what was heard on the radio and 'Dolphin' is all about rebirth, transformation and reincarnation. 'Now' and '319' are so full of energy and immediacy, they drag you to the dancefloor and won't let go. 'Shy', 'Billy Jack Bitch' and 'I Hate U' form a trilogy of sorts. Telling the story of meeting a girl, falling for her and then the messy relationship that follws. It's raunchy, it's raw and it's pure heaven to hear! The CD closes with 'Gold' which is anthemic like 'Purple Rain' and 'The Holy River' but surpasses them in that it feels so urgent.

That's the one thing that stands out to me. This is an urgent sound. I've never heard Prince sound like this. It's a sound of such heartfelt energy that it just HAS to be heard, and it has to be heard NOW. It's an amazing experience. A GOLD experience. Don't miss out on it.

Some of the songs on this album make you wanta go hmmmm. However, if you LOVE his PURPLE BADNESS as I surely do, it is a MUST. There is a version of SHHH, previously done by Tevin Campbell and although it's not quite as soulful as his version, it's still worth having! Love The Most Beautiful Girl in the World ( who doesn't) and p control is one of those in your face kinda songs. If you have sensitivity to Prince's "I'm doing it cause I can " lyrics this one probably isn't for you. Over all, they try to gouge you for this one, be careful, you can get a good used one. If you're a collector of the still ever so funky baddest man on the planet, don't pass it up.