Numerous artists get consumed by an untimely death and their record remains unfinished to eventually getting buried. After artist Prince died in 2016, it was confirmed that there is an unreleased sound kept safe in his vault and it was time that it was brought out in front of the world. Moving forward to 2021, five years after his death, it’s time that the album sees the light of the day.
Over his 58 years, Prince had created music that is worth about 15 lifetimes and he always kept it a mystery of when to release what and how. Also, there were a few projects that he chose not to release at all! This is what made Prince so unpredictable. But now after his unexpected death, there is no such reasonable fear to not drop it.
The album ‘Welcome 2 America’ is the first-ever posthumous LP that comprises 12 songs each of which are made of completely unfinished and raw material by the late music master. It’s indeed a complex composition and it’s time for the audience to dictate how they engage with it intellectually and emotionally. Prince recorded the album back in 2010 and then backed out from releasing it. But thankfully, after all these years, the project is finally out and it’s excellent!
‘Welcome 2 America’ has a funky and catchy baseline that makes it one of the best and most valuable music to have ever been created by Prince during his lifetime. This work is brilliant and more importantly, it’s a finished record. Unlike popular belief, the album doesn’t contain a bunch of discarded takes or demos or any other thing. Rather, it sounds incredible. This makes the industry wonder what compelled Prince to shelve this work.
With stronger messages and sharper songs, the late genius has included a funkier soundscape to adorn each track and the outcome has everything that the people would love. His record contains glimmers of excellence and the jaw-dropping themes with clever lyrics make it even more appealing. Few tracks from the album include ‘Welcome 2 America’, ‘Running Game (Son Of A Slave Master), ‘Born 2 Die’, and ‘1000 Light Years From Here’ sounds fresh, and the songs tackles subjects of injustice and race through enjoyable music. Prince’s experimental and utter edgy style has been exposed with greatness and the songs celebrate funk-pop melody line with subtle hints of R&B that flows through thick and thin to emerge as refreshingly new material. The music has an effortless groove and it would be a shame to not resonate with his lyrics.
Each track is vividly distinguishable from the other based on its tempo and rhythm structure. While some carry the feel of summer-pop, others entertain with its sophisticated harmonies and smashed Gospel sound. It’s a joyous ride through the vast musicality of Prince. Perhaps, the iconic artist was unaware of what an incredible project he has created, but that doesn’t make it any less worthy or powerful. The album ‘Welcome 2 America’ has already demanded the attention of the crowd for its politicized style of songwriting and its deep involvement in history. There’s a lot of nice wordplays that pull together the songs perfectly. His voice is infectious and hit hard. Reportedly the album was recorded with a band that collectively created this sparkling piece of music. The album also sheds light on today’s demands and problems that need to be heard and paid heed to. Unlike what the late artist had released throughout his life, this album is certainly a stand-alone that gives a clear vision of the nation’s state. It’s almost like Prince was aware of what laid ahead.
‘Welcome 2 America’ is a must-hear and the more the audience listens to him, they’ll know that Prince didn’t have a will to die. Every act he performed came attached with a certain amount of mystery that no one could ever understand fully. Speaking of a gift and betrayal, the album is certainly a blessing for his fans and betrayal because this long-shelved project has been put out of the vault against his will. No matter what it is, hear out the full album on Spotify now.
