1999 [Super Deluxe Edition]
by Prince
  • Record Label: Rhino
  • Release Date: Nov 29, 2019
Metascore
100

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. American Songwriter
    Dec 2, 2019
    100
    These songs—either live or in the studio– maintain the power and magnetic, manic dynamism that turned heads nearly four decades ago and they have never sounded better.
  2. Classic Rock Magazine
    Dec 10, 2019
    80
    Quality levels inevitably vary, but there are enough counterfactual detours and half-realised experiments here to excite even casual fans. [Jan 2020, p.94]
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  3. Pitchfork
    Dec 2, 2019
    100
    The rare record that has come to define its era while also existing outside of it, a masterpiece that immediately precedes the albums Prince fashioned, conspicuously, as masterpieces.
  5. Q Magazine
    Nov 27, 2019
    100
    This six-disc "Super Deluxe" edition rescues the treasure, including alternative mixes, a complete live concert and nearly two discs' worth of unheard brilliance. [Jan 2020, p.117]
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  6. Record Collector
    Dec 10, 2019
    100
    As the original album did for Prince’s artistic progression, so this super deluxe edition does for the posthumous reissue series: refine a vision, making good on all the promises of the past while pointing to a future full of possibilities. Whatever expanded edition comes next, if it builds on this it cannot fail.
  7. Rolling Stone
    Nov 27, 2019
    90
    None of the bonus songs are necessarily better than the ones that made the cut on 1999, but they show just how curious he was at the time, trying out new and different ideas, musical themes he would still be exploring in the decades that followed. ... As with the Purple Rain box set a couple years ago, this macro look at 1999 shows not just Prince’s genius but the breadth of his brilliance at the time.
  8. The New York Times
    Nov 27, 2019
    100
    The music still sounds contemporary and alive. ... Every song exults in the architectural savvy of a musician who, from the drumbeat up, seemed to know exactly how he’d be jamming with himself as he built the song. ... A handful [of the previously unreleased material] — including the absolute standout, “Purple Music” — are gems; none is a dud.
  9. The Wire
    Nov 27, 2019
    90
    The five CD expansion pack of his 1982 double LP offers a far more enticing peek behind the purple velvet curtain [than Originals]. ... The outtakes are the real draw here. ... It only leaves you wanting more. [Dec 2019, p.66]
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User Reviews

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User Score
5.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 76 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 76
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 76
  3. Negative: 28 out of 76
  1. TaipeiJoey
    Apr 30, 2020
    5
    should this count? it's a reissue of an old album, and this site doesn't count things like Woman Worldwide, so why is this here?
  2. BONNIE184
    Dec 12, 2019
    10
    Yes it 's missing Extralovable and Lust U always, and that is a huge oversight, with them this set is an 11. Without them its still a 10! AYes it 's missing Extralovable and Lust U always, and that is a huge oversight, with them this set is an 11. Without them its still a 10! A job well done by the Estate. If you are a fan that collects unreleased material and you have already heard 75% of the vault tracks, that's on you.… Full Review »
  3. MrErw
    Dec 6, 2019
    10
    How is it possible people giving this set a negative review?? Is it the exclusion of Extraloveable and Lust U Always? Come on. This is how itHow is it possible people giving this set a negative review?? Is it the exclusion of Extraloveable and Lust U Always? Come on. This is how it should be done: with care, and a true treasure of unreleased gems.… Full Review »
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