Remember the song 'Manic Monday' by the Bangles? What about 'How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore' by Alicia Keys? The legend Prince wrote those songs. And everyone knows 'Nothing Compares 2 U' by Sinead O'Connor. Another Prince song. I think this proves what an amazing songwriter he is, and on 'Diamonds and Pearls' he doesn't fail to do this again.
The 1991 album is one of my favourites; it uses a mixture of funk and pop music to create Princes unique and amazing signature sound. This album is one of many that features the 'New Power Generation' with talented singer Rosie Gaines, and others in the band who feature on the album singing, rapping and 'Diamonds and Pearls' wouldn't be the same without them. They help to create the unique and colourful sound of this album.
There is no doubt that the group of people that created this album are very talented. From the voice of Rosie Gaines (Prince himself states 'just listen to Rosie sing and try not to sneeze. So many chills - you might catch cold.') . . . to the competent raps from Tony.
'Diamonds and Pearls' kicks off with the song 'Thunder', and its one of the most memorable starts of an album I have ever heard. The first thing you hear when putting on the CD are the words of a choir singing 'thunder - all through the night, And a promise to see Jesus in the morning light, Love say - take my hand it'll be alright, come on save your soul 2 night'. 'Thunder' is a very powerful song, and as soon as you hear it you will want to hear what the rest of the album holds, and it is in no way disappointing.
There are the more calmer notes of songs such as 'Strollin', 'Money Don't Matter 2 Night' and the sexy sounding 'Insatiable'. There is a lot of rapping featured on the album, but it is tasteful and fits in well with the music on songs such as 'Daddy Pop', 'Cream' and the controversial 'Gett Off' which is one of the more well known songs on the album which was performed at the 1991 MTV music awards, very memorably. Other popular songs on this album are the title track 'Diamonds and Pearls' which features Rosie Gaines enviable vocals. The song has a more 'romantic' feel to it. Cream is also a very well known song, with the lyrics of 'cream sh-boogie bop'.
Other highlights of the album are 'Walk Don't Walk' which I think is a quite 'sweet' sounding song which uses the sound of horns beeping in it. There is the rap infused, catchy song 'Jughead'. This is memorable for lyrics like 'Doin' the jughead, come on get stupid'
One of my favourite prince songs ever is on 'Diamonds and Pearls', called 'Money Don't Matter 2 Night'. I fell in love with his voice on this song, I think it has Princes vocals at his best, and the song is quite meaningful. It is one of the more laid back and relaxed songs.
Altogether there is 13 songs on the CD, and in my opinion they are all worth listening to. The style of music doesn't sound dated at all, since it has been about 15 years since its release. If anything, I think Prince was ahead of the times in terms of the style of music. I have never heard anything like this album, it will always be a favourite. It was the album that made me really love Prince.
I would recommend 'Diamonds and Pearls' to someone who is willing to listen to something a bit different, and doesn't mind controversy.