3121
by Prince
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Stylus Magazine
    91
    This is the Prince album we wanted Musicology to be.
  2. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    91
    It could be argued that music this masterful waives all claim to the sound of surprise--until you pay attention.
  3. Dot Music
    90
    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.
  5. AllMusic
    80
    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.
  6. Rolling Stone
    80
    As 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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  7. Drowned In Sound
    80
    Like many of his records, it's more of a collection of songs than a 'play from beginning to end' affair.
  8. Uncut
    80
    A deeply enjoyable pop-funk record. [May 2006, p.114]
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  9. Sputnikmusic
    80
    Ultimately, this is the best album The Artist Formerly Known As Squiggle could possibly have hoped to make in 2006.
  10. Amazon.com
    80
    Add 3121 to the mounting pile of evidence: Prince is the black Beck.
  11. Los Angeles Times
    75
    Uneven? No question. Entertaining? Is the rain purple?
  12. Spin
    75
    Prince’s main weakness is the urge to display his own mind-boggling talent.
  13. Billboard
    70
    A testament to the singer's versatility and musicianship.
  14. The New York Times
    70
    A friendly, happy, concise album. [20 Mar 2006]
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  15. Blender
    70
    The minimalist tracks rate among his best. [May 2006, p.109]
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  16. Village Voice
    70
    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.
  17. The A.V. Club
    67
    Oh well, a third of a terrific Prince album is better than no terrific Prince album at all.

Awards & Rankings

72
#72 Most Discussed Album of 2006
31
#31 Most Shared Album of 2006

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 84 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 69 out of 84
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 84
  3. Negative: 13 out of 84
  1. Gastropoda
    Sep 20, 2017
    10
    My introduction to Princeland. The best thing when it comes to music that happend to me ever. I thought that this album was an odd benchmarkMy introduction to Princeland. The best thing when it comes to music that happend to me ever. I thought that this album was an odd benchmark for his world, but boy my thoughts vanished when i heard the rest of his work. This is so well crafted and inspiring, the sweetest piece of work you could expect from Prince in one place.… Full Review »
  2. MikeL
    Aug 20, 2007
    7
    It took awhile to grow on me, but this is arguably Prince's best album since "The Truth" (released in 1996 with "Crystal Ball" and It took awhile to grow on me, but this is arguably Prince's best album since "The Truth" (released in 1996 with "Crystal Ball" and unfortunately OOP). Pretty solid stuff, 8 of 12 tracks are keepers. 4 just plain suck, and they're mainly the slow ones. Of the ballads, only "Satisfied" is worth returning to - it's classic, slow-burning Prince.… Full Review »
  3. MCJC
    Jul 21, 2006
    8
    great album. no touching 'Black Sweat'.
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