As an aging megastar, Prince is taking measured steps towards a new phase in his professional life. Plectrumelectrum is him acting as player-coach, familiarizing himself as a behind-the-scenes guy while still being able to break ankles on the court, a lead by example approach that’s ripe with potential. It’s a subtle play, but one that jumps right out of the gate at a 100-mph. There’s no let up, a seamless exhibition in functionality and style.
In just 12 songs Prince & 3rdeyegirl are able to corral a multitude of genres – from funk and R&B to arena rock and folk. It’s anthemic and laced with the type of plush things that Prince is famous for, a vision of his third eye. Still, it doesn’t get too heady, which is good as it sets its targets in on a more nurturing sound. Like how a farmer tills the soil in preparation for a new crop. It may not get as much attention as his solo project, but it’s an exciting glimpse into just how limitless the Prince sound is.
‘Wow‘
No tricks, no gimmicks, no overstated intros. Just a quick drum roll and they’re off. As a unit they approach it like gangbusters, slashing and burning the earth with fiery guitar licks and explosive breaks. At the center of the raging inferno is Prince who can’t help but yield his electric allure:
‘Pretzelbodylogic‘
Psychedelic and sultry with Prince at the forefront sexing up every note. It’s got Funkadelic written all over it as the chorus embraces psych rock and funk as one. The sound is dense and there’s nowhere to hide, so the way they look at it is why worry when there’s all this love that needs making:
‘Aintturninaround‘
Moving at breakneck speed means not slowing down for anyone, which also means that turning around is completely out of the picture. There’s knowledge being dropped here, a history lesson that stretches beyond the books. For the trip they offer up a hefty dose of guitar that’s fuzzier than a Georgia peach:
‘Whitecaps‘
Just like the tide there’s an ebb and flow to life. With enough experience it’s simply an understood subject. The mood takes a slight detour and for the first time slows down just long enough to express a simple but all too important truth. It’s silky and warm, and a good mark for the halfway point:
‘Fixyourlifeup‘
For as far out as the sound is the message is actually very simple: self empowerment, progress and a whole lot of lovin’ along the way. It’s a reminder that no matter what the media says you’re still the master of your domain. To unlock that potential, all you have to do is unplug and take a look inside:
‘Boytrouble‘
Slap happy bass with enough pop to make Coca-Cola jealous. There’s a nice Princess Superstar vibe in there, which gives it just the type of sass it needs to be a winner. The cheeky call-and-response chorus is cute, and while Prince isn’t at the forefront his fingerprints can be found all over it:
‘Stopthistrain‘
Dream pop that has a broad universal appeal. It’s tragic and innocent like if John Hughes directed a Mariah Carey video with Foster Sylvers as the musical inspiration. Prince’s vocals are placed in there proper giving it a distinct, undeniably soulful groove. A straight R&B jam, buttery and smooth:
‘Anotherlove‘
When Prince cries watch out, wherever his tears fall the earth will crack open into oblivion. Flowers wilt and unicorns will explode. But from chaos a new man emerges uplifted by a chorus of choppy riffs, dusty breaks and bulbous basslines. His message is resolution, but before that a bit of angry venting:
‘Tictactoe‘
Lighthearted and whimsical like it were torn from the pages of a long lost fairy tale. It’s folskier and more down to earth, and the message itself is so simple a child could understand it. But even then there’s a feel that it’s not reaching the people that it needs to, that it’s falling upon deaf ears:
‘Marz‘
Prince playing with a few different genres and conquering them each one by one. It’s not exactly punk or rock, it’s a blend of both, crafted by the hands of a master mixologist. It’s a stand up and be heard jam – one that demands that we focus our attention on the kids. Yes, Prince loves the kids.
