PRINCE defined the gold standard (and can it for the most part even themselves comply)

After some rather mixed works, including albums that have appeared only in the United States ("Lotus Flower") and the magazine supplement "20th" and some Internet-songs, there is finally back regularly available music by PRINCE. Two albums appear simultaneously. On the one hand "PlectrumElectrum" with his current touring band 3RDEYEGIRL (Guitar Rock) and this electronic and R & B-oriented work. PRINCE acts here modern yet timeless as long gone and there is much to discover.

The album starts off quite succeeded with "Art Official Cage", even if the Eurodancepop rhythm sounds a little simplistic.

The ad published in advance "Clouds" (with guest vocals by Lianne La Havas) is a catchy R & B song with hit potential.

It follows with "Breakdown" a classic ballad PRINCE, reminiscent of "Adore" (1987). For some songs PRINCE lovers of this kind are his best, I think they tend always something bombastic.

And then with "The Gold Standard" of the song, which I of PRINCE (yeah, right, from life itself) have been waiting for years, a P-Funk-inspired funk anthem with echoes of "The Black Album". Very, very fine. I am already hopped to through the living room. My highlight of the album!

With "U Know" and "Breakfast Can Wait" two fairly successful midtempo R & B songs follow with relaxed beats and sexy vocals.

After that, the rather boring ballad, "This Could Be Us".

"What It Feels Like" is clearly successful, a more pop, more relaxed song he sings in a duet with his ex-girlfriend Andy Allo.

With "Way Back Home" is there to hear another beautiful midtempo Pop / Soul Song.

"Roll Radio" can be found here in a mixture of rock and electro song. The rock version of "PlectrumElectrum" seems successful, but this remix does have its charm and fun.

The conclusion is "Time", a ballad with slow beat, which sounds quite nice but has come a bit too long.

So overall a fairly self-contained work with many highlights and a few weak points, especially in the ballads, but ultimately are still quite acceptable. "The Gold Standard" for me, makes all the difference, so that there are less than 5 points.

Oh yes - I do not have the cover Paul Ehrlich Institute. There is already at the breaking point for the ugliness and the originality of sunglasses with three glasses (a well for his 3rd Eye) holds, in my opinion, within limits.