The Rainbow Children

by

Prince

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Pros: Prince makes a spiritual and political statement without ignoring the music quality

Cons: Formatted just like "LoveSexy"; Entire CD is one track

(...)

In cyber promotions both on the NPGMusicClub site and elsewhere, the album was deemed "controversial". Being a newly converted Jehova’s Witness, Prince seems to have decided the make "The Rainbow Children" his showcase of his spiritual and political opinion. Therefore, if one were to disagree with any of his views, they would most likely dislike the album or particular song. Though this singles out those of his fans that aren’t spiritual in any sense of the word, Prince felt it his duty to make a statement. Surprisingly, the music on the album seemed to be his FIRST priority when making the album while the lyrics were a close second. Prince uses appealing genres of jazz, swing, rock, and funk to tell a story or provide a musical message of sorts. Despite the deep and hard to understand vocal alterations done on the interludes, each song is melded together so well that one might forget the whole hour plus album is not divided into tracks at all. As stated on some cyber promotions online, "The Rainbow Children" was meant to be experienced as a whole work rather than 15 or 16 pieces of music parted by occasional preachy interludes. Prince shows why he has been considered a musical genius for so long with this album. Each transition from song to song it smoothed out with a well placed instrumental or spoken word that directly links to the next song. He adds beautifully melted smooth grooves and funk driven toe tappers that will have fans of all ages talking about this album for years. Accompanying him is his trusted band called the New Power Generation including standouts Rhonda Smith on bass, John Blackwell on drums (amazing drum work on "Everywhere" track), and even jazz great Najee (flute and sax).

- "Rainbow Children" - a jazzy throw-back song with a soothing instrumental interlude just after

- "Muse 2 the Pharaoh" - a light hearted track spiced with a lot of spiritual meaning

- "Digital Garden" – an enchanting and hypnotic track laced with Prince’s unique guitar play

- "The Work — Pt. 1" – a funky dedication to James Brown with spiritual undertones

- "Everywhere" – a surprisingly uplifting track with powerful hornplay and choir-like vocals

- "The Sensual Everafter" – another soothing instrumental that calms your soul

- "Mellow" – just like the name of the track

- "1+1+1 Is 3" – a funk driven freestyle track with dynamic play on the keys

- "Deconstruction"

- "Wedding Feast" (interlude)

- "She Loves Me 4 Me" – a sedated love song

- "Family Name" – a declaration of spirituality and political views to a strong-willed track

- "The Everlasting Now" – a delightfully long declaration of Prince’s transition to his current faith; a funky jam session of instrument play and cuts from crowds screaming "We want Prince".

- "Last December" – the newest version of "Purple Rain", "The Cross", and "Holy River". Great guitar-play with a reoccurring them of "love4oneanother" and "becoming one"

I was so far, so pleased with 'Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic' that, thinking that Prince had returned from the odd place he'd been, I bought this CD the first week it was out.

I popped it in my tray. Listened, cringing most of the time, to track 1 and 2. I almost made it through track 3 and gave up. The CD was replaced in its beautiful packaging and placed on the rack.

In the meantime, the 'Symbol' CD, Rave... & Grafitti Bridge found their playtime along with 1999 and Sign O' the Times.

A year later, I pulled Rainbow Children out and tried again. 1... 2... It had to go.

Mind you, Prince will drive you mad. He can be the most amazing muscian -- crafting a piece of Pop magic or taking his turn at a genre that makes it his own -- like the jazzy "Strollin'" or the rocking "America". How could the same person responsible for "Man-O-War" and "...Never Take the Place of Your Man" be so inept at putting lyrics to some of the most incredible music that he'd ever composed?

I couldn't throw it away, though, and "Rainbow Children" continued to languish unplayed, unrespected.

The day after I got home from witnessing Prince take over The Staples Center with his Musicology, I pulled out The Rainbow Children again and FORCED myself to listen to it all the way through. Good God, the lyrics are mostly bad; but, after I managed to block out the deep voice that he felt compelled to mar some of the tracks with, I found that I really enjoyed the listen.

Ignore the lyrics; embrace the music. Prince is the most talented musician of, like, all time. Got that? Musician!