Prince - Controversy

"Controversy" is a consistently good album – less commercial than "Prince" and somewhat less raw than "Dirty Mind," very funk-rooted with influences of new wave, some rock 'n' roll, soul, and pop, and, of course, the incredibly fresh genius of the one-man band from Minneapolis.

Particularly outstanding are the title track (thought-provoking lyrics – integrated "Our Father" and a rather striking punk chant, plus a groovy rhythm and a wonderful chorus), the hyper-erotic ballad "Do Me, Baby," and "Annie Christian," a truly groundbreaking piece of musical genius. Add to that a bit of government criticism (untypical for Prince albums) and party music that's somewhere between funk and rock 'n' roll. A high point of Prince's early creative period.

Prince, for the first time, as we know him. Super cool or extremely rushed, overstimulated, and tormented by his own lust. Never a relaxed storyteller.

Reviews
"Five days before the release of his fourth album, Prince knew he'd hit the mark with 'Controversy': Because he was booed offstage by people too dumb to understand him." (Rolling Stone, October 11, 2016)

Tracklist
A1    Controversy    
A2    Sexuality    
A3    Do Me, Baby    
A4    Private Joy    

B1    Ronnie, Talk To Russia    
B2    Let's Work    
B3    Annie Christian    
B4    Jack U Off