Musicology - Prince
Musicology Image
Metascore
72 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 22 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Summary: The 45-year-old former squiggle makes a return to form with his first release in three years.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Dot Music
    90
    It’s a phenomenal album. And best of all, it’s unmistakably Prince.
  2. All Music Guide
    80
    Make no mistake, this isn't the second coming of Purple Rain or Sign 'o' the Times or even Parade -- in other words, it's not a masterpiece, more like a more confident and consistent Diamonds and Pearls without the hip-hop fixation -- but it's a strong album, one that impresses on the first listen and gets better with repeated plays.
  3. Launch.com
    80
    These dozen songs, which swing with the organic, old-school funk Prince began embracing in the late-’80s, also avoid his ‘90s excesses, combining rock and soul as effortlessly and succinctly as he ever has.
  4. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    Ultimately, 'Musicology' is a kind of flawed redemption, neither inspired enough to be a true classic, nor insipid enough to make it unworthy of your attention.

See all 24 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 2 out of 17
  1. Mak16Mak
    10
    Icreadibel! Prince Is Back! lwts celabrate!
  2. AndrewM
    8
    Musicology is pure funk from the soul. I can listen to this CD over and over again, and it still rates up there with anything I listen to. And I listen to a wide variety. True though, its highest point is by far the title track. Now can make songs this immortal anymore, for me its one of the greatest songs there is. True!! Nuff Said!!… Expand
  3. StephenS
    7
    I cut my musical teeth on "Dirty Mind" "Controversy", and "1999". Prince taught me to expect the perfectly timed hook in a song and to listen for ornamental flourishes in even the silliest of circumstances. I still consider him a musical genius. "Musicology" is a refreshing treat, a funked-up throwback to his early sounds. However, none of these songs have me hooked the way "Head" did, or "Uptown", or even "International Lover". The production is spare, the grooves are tight, but I probably won't be listening to this one six months from now.… Expand
  4. scotts
    3
    It is insulting to even charge people for a cd like this....Really really horrible.

See all 17 User Reviews

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