Perhaps it’s not surprising for Prince to remind us of his musical style following a few barren recording years. I’ve seen several reviews which appear to criticise the fact that some of the songs here could have been on past recordings, and that there is little new. I disagree because every artist has his/her style, and this new album builds on that style with material that is funkier and occasionally more soulful.

Opening track Musicology (with video) is a quick-fire, super-funky dance riot and is prime-cut Prince, which means that razor sharp beats replace melody. There’s another reminder of what this guy is all about on the next more languid track, Illusion, Coma, Pimp & Circumstance. Not great. But then along comes the pure R&B of the quite beautiful Million Days. There’s a sorrowful ambience to the song with wonderful backing vocals and, surprise, surprise, a strong melody.

It’s the slower, moodier R&B tracks where Prince excels here and there’s no better example than the contemplative, glacial Call My Name. The instrumental backdrop is dominated by piano notes and there’s the characteristic backing vocal to help things along. In the final segment of the album On The Couch is also up there with the best songs here with its flashes of brass, jagged beat and another set of telling keyboard passages. Dear Mr Man is a stuttered tune that barely raises its pace above crawling level and has a distinct Gospel vibe. The album closes on another strong soul/R&B number called Reflection with plentiful flashes of brass and more excellent backing vocals.

Prince fans will love this record because it represents what he does. For me it lacks the killer melodies so dominant in songs he has written for other artists, however, overall it’s a welcome comeback and perhaps a sign of even better things still to come.

3.5/5