Prince Diamonds & Pearls

Prince & New Power Generation: Prince (vocals, guitar); Tony M. (rap vocals); Rosie Gaines (vocals, keyboards, organ); Levi Seacer, Jr. (guitar, background vocals); Tommy Barbarella (keyboards); Sonny T. (bass, background vocals); Michael B. (drums); Kirk Johnson, Damon Dickson (percussion, background vocals).
The Artist Formerly Known As Prince releases albums a bit like Stephen King writes books; with mind-boggling speed and an equal measure of royal success and passionate failure. On the groove- savvy DIAMONDS AND PEARLS, the diminutive one made an impressive rebound after the less-than-stellar GRAFFITI BRIDGE, with his most consistent and vibrant album since 1987's brilliant SIGN O' THE TIMES. Apparently aware of the powerful influence of groups like NWA, Public Enemy and Tribe Called Quest, Prince tried his hand at the harder genre, unleashing vocalist Tonio M. for cocky raps on songs like "Daddy Pop" and "Willing and Able."
As always, Prince indulges happily in his erotic wanderings, with the guttural grooves and propositions of "Cream" and "Gett Off" leaving little to the imagination. However, it is the laid-back groove of the insightful and simply sung "Money Don't Matter" which is the quiet highlight of DIAMONDS AND PEARLS. A thoughtful reflection on disillusionment in love, business and politics, "Money Don't Matter" is perhaps Prince's most overlooked four-minute masterpiece.

• Genre: R&B
• Format: Vinyl