Standout tracks: Controversy, Do Me, Baby, Jack U Off
This is, essentially, where it all started for me with Prince. I saw the music video for the second track from this album (Sexuality) on HBO's Video Jukebox and I was immediately hooked. "Who is this shirtless madman of funk?" I doubtless didn't think. But I would soon enough. 1999 was right around the corner.
This album is the bees knees, people. Top drawer. High end. The good stuff. The only track that comes close to missing the mark is the admittedly offbeat Annie Christian, but there is just as much I like about the track as I dislike. But let's talk about the rest.
The title track is killer and a perfect launching point for the album. Great funk guitar, great keyboards. (Important to note here, that as with most of the pre-New Power Generation albums, Prince tends to handle nearly every aspect of the recording, in that he, on this album, plays every single instrument you hear with the exception of the very last track, when Revolution members Lisa and Dr. Fink join on keys and Bobby Z. is on drums. Again, this is common for Prince. That's just how fucking good he is, dig?) Sexuality follows in the second slot, and is a definite precursor to Let's Pretend We're Married on 1999, which was the album that came next chronologically. You'll recognize the keyboard and drum machine are in the same vein, thematically, and lyrically, it's certainly a little smutty.
From there, we go into the lone ballad, Do Me, Baby, and it's one of the best he's put down. Sly vocals, hitting all the high notes, one I still try to sing along with when I have the air and a strong throat. Just super good. Private Joy follows with a return to the upbeat funkiness, and the feedbacky intro into Ronnie, Talk to Russia is glorious. Prince is joined by Lisa on backing vocals, but the stunt guitar is really what it's all about for me. It's more of a rocker, but a short one, and it leads us back into the funky bassline groove of Let's Work. Definitely one to dance to if you've got your groove shoes on.
The album ends with the brilliant fun of Jack U Off, a funky pop masterpiece that you cannot help but sing along to. Dirty? Hell yes. There's not a track on this album you want to play with your kids in the car, but when you're all alone or with your special naked friends, turn this mofo up and let it move you.
Controversy. It rarely gets better than this.
Rating: 5 hand jobs (out of 5).
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