Art Official Age
by Prince
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 58 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 58
  3. Negative: 9 out of 58
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  1. MrErw
    Oct 1, 2014
    8
    This could very well be the best we can expect from Prince at this stage of his career. Surprisingly fresh and confident, he's undeniably 'Princey' while at the same time embracing current musical trends. Trend-setting? Not anymore, but that's ok, he's past that and how could one hold that against him?
  2. more
    Oct 14, 2014
    7
    How hard it seems for Prince (cough... cough...) to be sincere and true for a minute.
    Just like his productions, he's packed in some cheap plastic condom, far from the real thing.
  3. MellowLikeYello
    Oct 2, 2014
    8
    Definitely the most consistent long play since 'Musicology'. There are actual songs here, not just jam ideas. As usual it takes about three times through it to really get the feel of whether its good or not, and its good. And those who deny he's relevant will have to re-think that listening to songs like 'Breakfast Can Wait' and 'Breakdown'. Those are top of game songs that define him likeDefinitely the most consistent long play since 'Musicology'. There are actual songs here, not just jam ideas. As usual it takes about three times through it to really get the feel of whether its good or not, and its good. And those who deny he's relevant will have to re-think that listening to songs like 'Breakfast Can Wait' and 'Breakdown'. Those are top of game songs that define him like nothing else can for most other artists. Does he still sell 20 million CDs? No, but who does these days? He will continue to influence other musicians with this work and that's what keeps one relevant, even if the public doesn't get that. We'll be hearing this album in other songs for years.… Expand
  4. Revenant87
    Oct 3, 2014
    9
    One of the best albums of the year, and probably Princes best in over 20. In fact, putting the rose tinted glasses to one side, i'd argue that even if this had come out during Princes 1980s creative peak it would still be considered a very solid entry. Its an extremely consistent record, "Way back home" and "Affirmation 3" are the weak links (although by no means terrible) while theOne of the best albums of the year, and probably Princes best in over 20. In fact, putting the rose tinted glasses to one side, i'd argue that even if this had come out during Princes 1980s creative peak it would still be considered a very solid entry. Its an extremely consistent record, "Way back home" and "Affirmation 3" are the weak links (although by no means terrible) while the remaining 11 songs range from good to great.… Expand
  5. Viktor85
    Aug 1, 2021
    8
    Criminally underrated, there are no weak tracks on Art Official Age. Prince was exciting til the end.

Awards & Rankings

59
#59 Most Shared Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Dec 16, 2014
    60
    Tunes and sound both stay below the Gold Standard. [Dec 2014, p.104]
  2. Mojo
    Nov 7, 2014
    60
    [A] confusing, sprawling grab-bag. [Nov 2014, p.90]
  3. Rolling Stone
    Oct 15, 2014
    70
    Prince's genius remains intact, and as confusing as ever.
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