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This is an unusual release. First of all, it doesn't distinguish between songs some of these artists were given by Prince versus songs they covered by Prince. For the record... Tracks 03, 04, 07, 09, 10, and 11 are covers. 08 isn't considered a cover even though Prince has released his own version of the song because Joe Cocker released his version first. The other tracks are all music either written specifically for the artist or songs donated to the artist for their own releases.
One thing this disc does is save consumers a huge ton of money. My biggest complaint back in the day was buying an entire CD of music for one song. Often Prince would donate a single track to a band and you'd be out $15. just to get the one song. If you wanted it. Collections like this allow you to get all the tracks without coming out of pocket almost $200. Although it would present better value if it included more of those one-off songs versus covers. Usually, the cover versions aren't nearly as good as the original Prince versions. Stephanie Mills and Tina Turner both deliver enjoyable performances, but the originals are still superior in many ways. Other covers like the Mel'isa Morgan, Living Colour and Cyndi Lauper versions are completely throw away junk not worth the time or effort.
I also question the inclusion of the Elisa Fiorillo track simply because Prince produced and wrote the bulk of that album. There's not value in including that track. More one off songs would have been a much nicer collection.
I think the Tina Turner cover was released as a b-side to a single and was only available on vinyl. That being the case, it's certainly worth inclusion. But that's neither here nor there.
Of course with modern technology, you can simply download individual tracks and create your own playlist or burn your own CDs. In that light, this release becomes even less valuable or necessary. My final word: AMBITIOUS. Someone had a good idea and was on the right track. Sadly, it's just outdated now. Still, it's nice to have.
PRINCE SONGBOOK - SYMBOLISM
01. Mica Paris - If I Love U 2 Nite
02. Elisa Fiorillo - On The Way Up
03. Tina Turner - Let's Pretend We're Married
04. Living Colour - 17 Days
05. Sheena Easton - Sugar Walls
06. Patti LaBelle - I Hear Your Voice
07. Mel'isa Morgan - Do Me, Baby
08. Joe Cocker - Five Women
09. Stephanie Mills - How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore?
10. M.X.M. - Nothing Compares 2 U
11. Cyndi Lauper - When You Were Mine
12. Kid Creole - The Sex Of It
13. Nona Hendryx - Baby Go-Go
14. Martika - Love...Thy Will Be Done
15. Bangles - Manic Monday
This is a disc I bought because Prince wrote a song for her. However, I didn't know the song existed until the early 90s when I was living in Europe. Fortunately, I found the disc at a shop in Olten, Switzerland. I'm also a fan of Jam & Lewis. Flyte Tyme Productions is one of my favorite production houses. I've loved the work they've done with Janet Jackson and others.
The disc starts off relatively nicely. The first two tracks are fun, though not exactly groundbreaking in any way. They were typical pop fare for the time period. In fact they sound like something from the "Pretty Woman" soundtrack. The Prince track segues from the second song. It kicks in with a strange, off balance beat that somehow manages to make you wanna start moving around and waving your hands. 'Baby Go-Go' makes me wanna go-go.
The next two tracks are the Flyte Tyme numbers. The first, 'Rhythm Of Change' is written by Spencer Bernard and features a standard collection of Flyte Tyme musicians playing in the background. The tune itself isn't all that exciting, but it has a strong beat reminiscent of Janet Jackson's 'Black Cat'. 'Why Should I Cry?' is more standard Flyte Tyme and features a melodic hook. My only complaint is the echo on Hendryx's voice. It really distracts from the lyrics. Still, it's an awesome number and excellent turn out from them.
The remaining tracks are pretty common sounding and none of them stand out in any form. They're typical filler material from the time. But when you consider this cd as a record, virtually one whole side is worth hearing while the second is fluff bits. 50% isn't a bad percentage when you're talking about a full album. Hendryx has a powerful voice and she's not afraid to use it. She's a bold sounding artist. Her political messages all over the album liner notes are impossible to ignore and obsolete today, but they don't distract from the musical value. There's more than one reason to check this disc out. Worth the effort. My final word: DECENT.
NONA HENDRYX - FEMALE TROUBLE
01. I Know What You Need (Pygmy's Confession)
02. Big Fun
03. Baby Go-Go
04. Rhythm Of Change
05. Why Should I Cry?
06. Too Hot To Handle
07. Winds Of Change (Mandela To Mandela)
08. Female Trouble
09. Drive Me Wild
