Prince, "3121"
Prince is one of those rare artists who can change the music industry climate with a wave of his well-manicured hand.
He tamed the Internet tidal wave with his online music club years before anyone else figured out that he was right. He built the price of his "Musicology" CD into the cost of his concert ticket and then handed out the album for free, creating a storm of controversy that netted him an unexpected hit along with his successful tour. And, of course, Prince made "Purple Rain."
He manages such feats because he is a risk-taker as well as a brilliant musician. When you take such chances, though, they don't always pay off. And his albums in the 19 years since his landmark "Sign O' the Times" have been remarkably hit-and-miss.
Prince has never made a bad album. But he hasn't made a great one in quite some time, either.
Well, folks, that drought is over.
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