PLECTRUMELECTRUM
Even though *ART OFFICIAL AGE* and *PLECTRUMELECTRUM* were released simultaneously in 2014, the two couldn’t be more different. While the former is loaded with crowdpleasers, this one—his first and only with backing band 3RDEYEGIRL—takes all the risks. Its gritty guitar solos (\"ANOTHERLOVE”) and riotous energy (“MARZ”) make for a set of expansive, wonderfully off-kilter instrumental workouts. But they’re not without restraint. Close your eyes and see him wink during “PRETZELBODYLOGIC,” a cheeky ode to the rock-star lifestyle: “Limo on tarmac/Ready to ride/Cutie-pie driver said, ‘Get inside!’”
Prince is back on Warner Brothers more than two decades after his bitter departure from the label, and he has two new albums in tow: one solo record, and one credited to his all-female backing band 3rdEyeGirl.
There are only two camps of people in this world: Prince apologists and Prince fault-finders. With the arrival of Prince’s new albums, Art Official Age and Plectrum Electrum, both sides are calling on their members to fall in line. As the reviews start pouring in, there will likely be loyalists who claim these albums…
The Purple One has gifted us not one, but two LPs this year, both on the very label “The Artist Formerly Known As”…
Not one but two new albums on the same day? Why, Prince, you are spoiling us! Or are you? writes <strong>Alexis Petridis</strong>
This collaborative album with 3rdEyeGirl shows that Prince is still having a lot of fun, says Neil McCormick