The androgynous superhuman recognized universally as Prince has been churning out hit records since his debut in 1978. This time is no different – Art Official Age is sure to shine among listeners. 

An absolutely dazzling opener, “Art Official Cage” is a pop-esque, glamorous, and avant-garde dance anthem featuring vocals with every level of reverb and effect. It’s certain Prince has been able to keep up with the pace of modern music while staying true to his fabulously unique charm. 

Although at times cheesey, Art Official Age is surprisingly diverse. By the end of the third track, we’ve already run through what composes most R&B albums – a ballad, a rap, an incredibly crunchy guitar solo, and a dance party. Prince even dives into some extremely modern production elements with the track “U Know”, sounding like something coming from Miguel or Frank Ocean. 

The high point of the album, appropriately is “The Gold Standard” – a funk jam that literally could have fallen off George Clinton‘s Mothership; it is an immensely funky tune laden with sharp hits and smooth vocals. Opening with a chant from what seems to be a funky demon or someone concealing his identity behind a voice changer, “The Gold Standard” is an arrangement that shines through on Art Official Age.

“FunkNRoll” is another track that stands out, not for its grooviness, but for its complete and utter weirdness. The computerized vocals and stuttering distorted guitar pops throw Art Official a curve-ball – as if the album couldn’t get any weirder… 

“You’ve come a long way”, Prince tells listeners at the start of the album. It’s clear that Prince is the one who’s come a long way, making us move and love since the late 70s. Pick up Art Official Age! It’s incredible that Prince has managed to stay relevant for this long in his career, and even more incredible that he’s trumping some modern artists in their own sound. 

The full tracklist is listed below- 

Art Official Cage
Clouds
Breakdown
The Gold Standard
U Know
Breakfast Can Wait
This Could Be Us 
What It Feels Like
Affirmation I & II 
Way Back Home 
FunkNRoll
Time
Affirmation III