Listening to samples from Prince's 3121 album on 3121.com, I found myself wondering if he's a little too old to make consistently phat & funky beats anymore? Prince will be 50 years old next year, and I think it may be starting to show.

 

From the little bit I've heard of his new cd, most of the melodies are tired and the lyrics cliche and ameteur. It doesn't really seem like his soul is coming through in the songs anymore. Two of the tracks feel right, but the rest of them... Oh, and he raps...not sure what I think of that.

 

His voice has grown weak, I also think this is from age (though he was often out of tune in his younger years). It kind of feels like he doesn't care anymore? Maybe? Or maybe he's lost contact with his inner genius and fire? Or perhaps it's the people he's working with? Or maybe he's ignoring his passions in order to remain faithful to his religion?

 

There's also a theme of arrogance in a few of the tracks. It's not the arrogance of "early" Prince - that of a confident young man. It seems more like that of a guy who's been worshipped and adored for far too long.

 

It looks like the crusty hand of old age can grab anyone around the neck.

 

Man, Prince, you're depressing me.