Musicology
by Prince
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    90
    Musicology is a thrilling, electric statement by an artist who just might be building toward another creative peak.
  2. Dot Music
    90
    It’s a phenomenal album. And best of all, it’s unmistakably Prince.
  3. E! Online
    83
    With Musicology, the doctor of sexual funk puts the self-indulgence on hold and digs back into the enticing grooves and towering melodies of his glory years.
  5. Drowned In Sound
    80
    As a whole, it’s a 3 [out of 5], but the first two tracks are worth the extra point.
  6. The Guardian
    80
    Musicology strongly suggests Prince has finally roused himself from a decade-long self-indulgent torpor.
  7. 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.
  8. Q Magazine
    80
    His best work in many a long year. [Jun 2004, p.105]
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  9. Rolling Stone
    80
    As appealing, focused and straight-up satisfying an album as Prince has made since who can remember when.
  10. Logo
    80
    A collection of frisky funk, slinky soul, raucous R&B and heated rock ‘n’ roll based on real songs, rather than the doodles and sketches that have recently become the norm.
  11. AllMusic
    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.
  12. Amazon.com
    80
    The Purple One has reconnected with that deep vein of funk after experimenting with his splendid and messy excesses since the cusp of the nineties, and turned out his best album since 1987's "Sign of the Times."
  13. Village Voice
    80
    Musicology is noticeably spare and controlled. This development gratifies its admirers, and rightly so.
  14. Playlouder
    70
    At least 'Musicology' reunites us with that trademark Prince sound, that regal sparkle that’s influenced many and been matched by none.
  15. Billboard
    70
    While this album does not break new ground, it focuses on a fun and playful Prince whose turn of phrase and instrumental dexterity call to mind why we embraced him in the first place--and still do.
  16. PopMatters
    70
    It's so obvious that he's having fun again, and that infectious feeling is what comes through loud and clear throughout the entire album.
  17. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    The retro-leaning Musicology... sounds as if Prince is less interested in fighting Mr. Man than in giving in to him. [30 Apr 2004, p.160]
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Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Most Shared Album of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 40 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 40
  3. Negative: 9 out of 40
  1. JoeG
    Mar 21, 2006
    5
    Average at best. There are some boring stretches here, some lite jazz noodling, and the songwriting isn't the greatest, but this is Average at best. There are some boring stretches here, some lite jazz noodling, and the songwriting isn't the greatest, but this is probably his best album since 1996. That's not saying much, but at least it's well-produced, usually well-played (there may be noodling, but there's some great guitar here and there), well-sung...some of this feels pretty conventional, almost meat & potatoes, but it still has its charm, and Prince's sense of humor shines through a couple of songs.… Full Review »
  2. AndrewM
    Oct 6, 2005
    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. 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!!… Full Review »
  3. JasonC
    Apr 9, 2005
    6
    Doesn't live up to the hype, but it's not bad. A decent Prince album, like "Diamonds & Pearls" or "Controversy," but not a great Doesn't live up to the hype, but it's not bad. A decent Prince album, like "Diamonds & Pearls" or "Controversy," but not a great one. There are a few boring tracks, and even though most of the tracks are good, they feel a bit too safe, like Prince is going back to old, proven formulas - he does them well, though. The title track, "Illusion, Coma...," "Life 'O' The Party," "Cinnamon Girl," "On The Couch," and "Reflection" are solid, the best tracks. Worth getting if you're Prince fan, but still over-hyped.… Full Review »
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