Originals
by Prince
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 41 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 41
  3. Negative: 3 out of 41
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  1. All_ButTrU4
    May 1, 2022
    8
    Nothing but bops. A testament to his multifaceted pop sensibilities. This collection of songs either intended for others or from scrapped releases is just the tip of the iceberg.
  2. MarshallCavalli
    Aug 15, 2019
    8
    This is an outstanding album that shows how amazing of a writer that Prince truly was. Not only that, you actually get to hear him perform songs that are really good and are enjoyable as well. Overall this album is great.
  3. Jevus
    Jun 25, 2019
    8
    I've always thought that Prince's best era is from 1979 to 1992 and with these songs that he gave to other artists, I realize that. If the majority were not a hit, those that were, their popular versions are at the height of how I record them Prince. Many were new to me and it shows the genius he was at that time and that the demons in his head were atrophying that genius he had. All areI've always thought that Prince's best era is from 1979 to 1992 and with these songs that he gave to other artists, I realize that. If the majority were not a hit, those that were, their popular versions are at the height of how I record them Prince. Many were new to me and it shows the genius he was at that time and that the demons in his head were atrophying that genius he had. All are very good except "Holly Rock". "Sex Shooter" is my favorite along with "Manic Monday" and "Jungle Love". I hope they continue to get more songs that I leave in their vault that they did during the 80's.… Expand
  4. adamcsor
    Jun 13, 2019
    6
    An entertaining but ultimately inessential listen. Feels a bit like reading someone's rough draft without their consent.
  5. micahmann
    Jun 13, 2019
    9
    Terrific work from the Prince Estate to collect and bundle this unique album of material initially meant only to be a guide for others artists to follow. These “demos” by Prince are evidently better than most artist’s actual finished product. Lots of gems the general public is very familiar with. “Manic Monday” “The Glamorous Life” and “Jungle Love” for example. “Nothing Compares 2 U”Terrific work from the Prince Estate to collect and bundle this unique album of material initially meant only to be a guide for others artists to follow. These “demos” by Prince are evidently better than most artist’s actual finished product. Lots of gems the general public is very familiar with. “Manic Monday” “The Glamorous Life” and “Jungle Love” for example. “Nothing Compares 2 U” originated the idea for this collection. But some amazing standouts include lesser known diamonds in the rough “Make-Up” “Baby, You’re a Trip” and “100 MPH”. We can only hope that Vol. 2 will see the light of day sooner rather than later.… Expand
  6. thexmancometh
    Jun 8, 2019
    10
    Sadly, Prince's departure is brought to mind with this release. The music, however, is amazing. You're My Love is a very special stand out for me. Prince singing in the lower registry will be new to the casual fan but a welcome treat for all. The feeling he conveys in this song, given to Kenny Rogers who had El De'Barge help out on backing vocals, comes painfully through the speakers.Sadly, Prince's departure is brought to mind with this release. The music, however, is amazing. You're My Love is a very special stand out for me. Prince singing in the lower registry will be new to the casual fan but a welcome treat for all. The feeling he conveys in this song, given to Kenny Rogers who had El De'Barge help out on backing vocals, comes painfully through the speakers.

    Simply put, Prince is a genius. That has not changed.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Under The Radar
    Jul 16, 2019
    55
    For big Prince fans, Originals will be an essential peek into his methods as a musical mentor. For anyone else, it's a curiosity worth checking out but certainly not recommending over any of the dozen-plus better records he released during his lifetime.
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  2. Chicago Tribune
    Jun 28, 2019
    88
    There are a couple of less-inspired contributions, notably the glossy country-pop “You’re My Love,” which Kenny Rogers recorded in 1986. But the overriding impression is wonderment: Prince was on such a roll that he was giving away tracks that could’ve provided the backbone for at least another terrific album of his own during this era, music that ranges from the funk mischief of “Jungle Love” to the falsetto tenderness of “Baby, You’re a Trip.”
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  3. Record Collector
    Jun 27, 2019
    80
    With its cohesive vision, it also proves that, properly curated, the material in Prince’s Vault contains a body of work that would rival Dylan’s Bootleg Series for both quality control and cultural importance. The next volume can’t come quick enough.
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