Recordings: O{+^

$O{+^$

Prince still struggled to find his 1990s voice on $O{+^ BORDER=$ , but the effort was a huge improvement in that respect. The album was essentially a lose concept surrounding his soon-to-be-wife Mayte. Many tracks have a middle eastern feel, which reflects Mayte's belly dancing ability that first caught Prince's attention and inspired him.
There are some really interesting moments musically on $O{+^ BORDER=$ . Most of the songs are complex and well written. There are several jazzy songs along with the usual mix of the current dance music and ballads. The NPG helps to create a live band sound that works well with the material.
One of the few problems with the album is perhaps it's greatest asset. It is diverse musically and sometimes changes styles too quickly. In addition, Prince's rapper appears at times and on this album his presence is a lot more disturbing than on Diamonds And Pearls. Where on the previous album his style fit the sound of the album, the songs on $O{+^ BORDER=$ , with the exception of "My Name Is Prince," do not. Another disappointment is the departure of Rosie Gaines, who would have helped to fill out the vocals on the album significantly.

Track Listing

My Name Is Prince
Sexy M.F.
Love 2 The 9's
The Morning Papers
The Max
Blue Light
[Eye] Wanna Melt With You
Sweet Baby
The Continental
Damn U
Arrogance
The Flow
7
And God Created Woman
3 Chains Of Gold
The Sacrifice Of Victor

General Data

United States
Release Date October 13, 1992

Cat. Number 45037 (No Vinyl)

Peak Position 5

Status Platinum

Singles My Name Is Prince/ 7/ The Morning Papers/ Damn U

Europe

Release Date ?

Cat. Number CD 9362-45037/ Vinyl WX 852

Peak Position ?

Status ?

Singles Sexy MF/ My Name Is Prince/ 7/ The Morning Papers

Japan

Release Date October 13, 1992

Cat. Number WPCP-4999

Peak Position ?

Status ?

Singles Sexy MF/ My Name Is Prince/ 7

Additional Information

Time: 74 Minutes
Musicians:

Prince (vocals, various instruments)

The New Power Generation: Michael B. (drums), Tommy Barbarella (keyboards, programming, background vocals), Damon Dickson (background vocals, percussion), Rosie Gaines (vocals, organ, programming), Kirk Johnson (background vocals, percussion), Tony M. (rap, background vocals), Mayte (vocals), Levi Seacer Jr. (rhythm guitar, bass, background vocals), Sonny T. (bass, background vocals).

NPG Hornz: Brian Gallagher (horns), Dave Jensen (horns), Kathy Jensen (horns), Mike Nelson (horns) and Steve Strand (horns).

Additional Personnel: Airiq Anest (programming) and D.J. Graves (scratches).

Guests: Carmen Electra (vocals), Michael Koppelman, Eric Leeds (horns) and The Steeles [Fred Steele (vocals), J.D. Steele (vocals), Jevetta Steele (vocals) and Jearlyn Steele (vocals)].
Produced By: George Black, Keith "KC" Cohen and The New Power Generation.
Engineered By: Dave Aron, Ariq Anest, Steve Durkee, Ray Hahnfeldt, Steve Noonan, Brian Poer.
Recorded By: Dave Friedlander, Ray Hahnfeldt, Michael Koppelman and Brian Poer.
Recorded At: Paisley Park Studios, Minneapolis, Minnesota.