Plectrumelectrum / Art Official Age

It's been a while since "the Artist" returned to the music spectrum with something as commercial as this latest full-length album project. Content to release randomly obscure compilations and singles, often through the most unorthodox means, Prince proves he's earned his status as a music icon and is still very much relevant in "Art Official Age."

Engaging in contemporary synth vibes and beats, the original master of funk isn't compromising on the organic sense of instrumentation that solidified his popularity --�and, I dare say, reignited his career in the early '90s. With Prince always looking inward and revelatory in his perspective, these new tracks explore varying themes on celebrity, art and culture, peppered modestly with all the sex that's long been part of his persona.

In the track "Clouds," Prince opens himself up the possibility that he's been in some sort of hyper-sleep for the last several decades. "In this brand new age... we do everything in a hurry. Everybody stars --�reality's so blurry." He's awake in world of costly loses where notoriety is frivolously doled out to the highest bidder. The track is expertly reminiscent of what has always been Prince's signature sound.

The followup track, "Breakdown," has all the drama that fans have come to associate with Prince's funk-powered ballads. "What It Feels Like" has all the enthusiasm you'd come to expect from the artist who originally worked to bring sexy back. Employing modern-age sounds to modernize his sound, these tracks feel as if the technology caught up to Prince, and not the other way around. Though "Art Official Age" is lacking its own "When Doves Cry," amid the diamonds you'll score a few pearls, there's enough on this compilation that will still remind you of the days we'd all "get crazy!"

On the collaboration with the all-girl band 3RDEYEGIRL the album "Plectrumelectrum," simultaneously released as a complement to his other effort, feels like the "Act II" of a 2-disc set. It breathes a lot more grungy and rock-infused with an edge, like Prince as he "revolutionized," though the lyrics are pop-delicious. The ingenuity is a lot more electro-acoustic sounding.

That's (grimacing) obvious on tracks like "Pretzelbodylogic" and "Aintturninround." The narrative isn't as jovial, sexy, or as ironic as you'd want it to be, but the guitar riffs --�oh they are in there! The obviously ferocious musicality on display is orgasmic to say the least --�even if it just sounds like a lot of noise.

Experimental at times (check out the title track), fluid and graceful at others (stand-out track "Tictactoe"), this second act from Prince isn't necessary worth sticking around for. One suggestion would be a double helping of the "Official" which is much more "ART-full."

"Art Official Age" / "Plectrumelectrum" from Prince and featuring 3RDEYEGIRL are available now on most digital download platforms and on CD
from NPG Records