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It could be argued that music this masterful waives all claim to the sound of surprise--until you pay attention.
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But while "3121" might suggest that, at 47, Prince isn't looking to change the face of music anymore, he's clearly still more than capable of delivering classic Prince albums.
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Like many of his records, it's more of a collection of songs than a 'play from beginning to end' affair.
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Uneven? No question. Entertaining? Is the rain purple?
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Maybe he's no longer breaking new ground, but his eccentricities are now an attribute, not a curse, which goes a long way in making his trademark blend of funk, pop, soul, and rock sound nearly as dazzling as it did at his popular and creative peak in the '80s.
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Ultimately, this is the best album The Artist Formerly Known As Squiggle could possibly have hoped to make in 2006.
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This is the Prince album we wanted Musicology to be.
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Prince’s main weakness is the urge to display his own mind-boggling talent.
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Add 3121 to the mounting pile of evidence: Prince is the black Beck.
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A testament to the singer's versatility and musicianship.
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The best thing about 3121 is the opportunity it affords its maverick creator to school the children by recontextualizing historically resonant pop riffs and icons.
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Oh well, a third of a terrific Prince album is better than no terrific Prince album at all.
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UncutA deeply enjoyable pop-funk record. [May 2006, p.114]
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Rolling StoneAs on Musicology, the beats get pretty wicked here... But while 3121 is no funkier than Musicology, it does emphasize speedier tempos and, two nods to Zapp aside, more conventional sonics. [6 Apr 2006, p.60]
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BlenderThe minimalist tracks rate among his best. [May 2006, p.109]
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The New York TimesA friendly, happy, concise album. [20 Mar 2006]
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 69 out of 84
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Mixed: 2 out of 84
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Negative: 13 out of 84
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Sep 20, 2017
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MikeLAug 20, 2007
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MCJCJul 21, 2006great album. no touching 'Black Sweat'.