The Rainbow Children - Prince
User Score
8.1 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 34 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 34
  3. Negative: 4 out of 34

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  1. SethB.
    Dec 3, 2001
    9
    This record is really, really good. In fairness it is a bit spritualized in it's message but even leaving that aside it's music and overall production is second to none. Not a Prince fan? Well at some point you will be if you love music, and this will be the record that takes you there.
  2. shawshank01337
    Sep 25, 2010
    10
    I have not bought much music in a while as there is not much out there worth buying. I love this disk. I love the music, and the creativity of lyrics. It's not like most disks where all of the songs sound alike. Give credit where credit is due. An just because you are not spiritual that does not diminish his creativity. Funky, jazzy, and worth buying.....
  3. EwanB.
    Feb 6, 2002
    10
    This is a daring, controversial album. It would be wasted at a party but listen to it in your own: it's deep and satisfying and gets better with each listen. The lyrics are madly inventive; "stroke you're hair a thousand times, let me see what I can find". Best Prince album in a long time. Check out 1+1+1 is 3 and "Family Name". There is no one like him
  4. RogerP.
    Jan 3, 2002
    10
    Some people will never get it
  5. MikeB.
    Jan 17, 2002
    9
    Hmmn. I think I really liked what I just listed to. Yes, I have been a hardcore prince fan for years. I remain that today, even though I have been disillusioned at times by some of his recent work. Love the groves on the TRC, but yes the lyrics don't take the great music higher. I know he has more Grammy caliber work in him, if he wants to put it out!! This might not be it but stay tuned.
  6. MarcusA.
    Dec 7, 2001
    9
    This album is fantastic.
  7. AaronB.
    Jan 27, 2002
    10
    one of the coolest albums since peppers and dark side of the moon. so it is religous but you don't rate music by your beliefs, but by how cohesive the songs are. to those interested in guitar tone this album is a mecca of sorts, half cocked wahs, weird filter effects that are somehow made useful, this man is simply a genius. an artist i have always admired but never understood, prince finally pulled me into not only being a believer but into a fan with this one!!!… Expand
  8. KimmieD
    Dec 30, 2001
    10
    Prince rocks, Always
  9. HerbM
    Feb 10, 2002
    9
    It will sound even better in 10 years...just listen to the Controversy album and hear how those beats and rythyms popped up in dance music years later. Ok the narrative is worth skipping but hey...da music is great!
  10. ChaliseG.
    Apr 13, 2002
    10
    Outstanding piece of work..People need to erase the image that they have of Prince from the past and appreciate the man for his musical creativity. He is the most versitile performer I have ever encountered and he is a true artist and musical genius.
  11. Simon
    Jan 17, 2002
    10
    As with all Princes music - the more u listen the more amazing it gets.
  12. alexandery
    Feb 3, 2008
    9
    A fantastic through-composed narrative. Sure the "story" being told may be weird at time, but as a musical experience and a piece of art, it is fantastic. From one track to the next, emotion builds and the listener gets lost in a sea of -- for lack of a better word -- Prince. Truly fantastic.
  13. JackT
    Mar 29, 2009
    10
    I can see where some people will be putoff by the religious narrative, but I love the cohesiveness of the cd and the music is great throughout. And though it is a concept album, it's one that he obvoiusly poured himself into and just totally went for it. My favorite cd (start to finish) of the past 20 years.
  14. NeilL
    Oct 25, 2002
    10
    Wow! this is prince's best music since Sign 'O The Times. the religious messages are a bit much, but easy to ignore after a few listens. the performance is outstanding, and the sound is live and full of energy. i hope he continues with the jazz-infused funk and confuses all the critics on his next album too!
  15. [Anonymous]
    Dec 31, 2001
    10
    Awesome miles would be proud
  16. justinf.
    Dec 29, 2001
    10
    awesome i need to study my music theory to keeep up.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
54 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 10
  3. Negative: 2 out of 10
  1. Q Magazine
    80
    His most consistent work since 1991's Diamonds And Pearls, although you'll need to ignore the peculiar narrative episodes in order to fully enjoy it. [Jan 2002, p.106]
  2. The A.V. Club
    30
    The Rainbow Children contains one good song, a ballad called "She Loves Me 4 Me," buried beneath layers of spiritual horseshittery.
    Read full review
  3. Uncut
    40
    The music, though lithe and limber in a jazz-fusion-funk bag, lacks melodic distinction, while the vocals are delivered in a variety of electronically treated styles that are irritating at first and increasingly so on repeated exposures. [Feb 2002, p.125]
See all critic reviews »