Quite simply for me this double album is Prince's opus. Heavily jazz influenced whilst combining Prince's ability to produce avant garde soul, funk and pop/rock numbers and the distinctive quirky qualities from a Prince record - what more could I have asked for? This was ahead of its time and perhaps for most in 1987 it was too ahead of its time. 'Sign 'O' The Times' is not a Purple Rain Mk II because in many ways it is simply years ahead of Purple Rain. When I first listened to the album I was instantly reminded of the production expected from Timbaland or The Neptunes who have undoubtedly derived much from Prince and for me though 'Sign 'O' The Times' as a social commentary is distinctly 1980s, its sound values are still pervading through American urban music today.

Sign 'O' The Times - a social commentary about the AIDS epidemic, drugs, the Challenger disaster, the doom of humanity and various problems of the 1980s, some of which are as rife today. The song itself is mid-tempo with a simple and yet so catchy electronic bassline complete with a repetitive drum machine pattern. Very minimalistic arrangements are central to this work. I believe that for the lyrical content alone this is one of the most under-rated hits of all time. Full with a dark message about the ultimate fickleness of the human race and a melancholy melody that fits this message like a glove this is as great a title track as 'Purple Rain' and arguably one of the best songs Prince has written.

Housequake - Hugely minimalistic arrangement and a stark contrast to 'Play In The Sunshine.' The track features Prince's 'alter ego' Camille on the vocals, Prince's vocals still sound amazing when given the 'Chipmunk' treatment as I affectionately call it. Housequake opens with another quirky line from Prince although this time a slightly camp "SHUT UP, ALREADY!" which continually crops up throughout the track. I can imagine in 1987 this track would have sounded at odds but fast forward to the 2000s and I can hear elements of this in Gwen Stefani's huge hit 'Hollaback Girl,' (co-written and produced by Pharrell of course) particularly the pounding drum patteren accompanied with the chant, which 'Camille' does to great effect here - "if you know how to party say 'oh yeah!.' Housequake is a very funky track with pounding drum patterns, classic Prince guitar licks, AND, genuine horns which bring classic funk from the JB's/Maceo & The Macks or whichever moniker you use for James Brown's 'orchestra' to mind. Like Hollaback Girl, 'Housequake' needs a few listens but becomes addictive.

Is the song a homage to Dorothy Parker, the poet? I'm not sure. Joni Mitchell, one of Prince's muses, is referenced however. Dorothy for the purposes of the story in this song is a "tall and fine" blonde waitress who picks up Prince with a line that has no subtlety whatsoever - "kinda cute, u wanna take a bath?" Prince's character agrees but because he is "going with someone" he insists he will leave his pants on while he takes this bath. HOWEVER, do the pants stay on? You'll have to listen to find out!

Slow Love - One of those songs that says what it does on the tin! A highly jazz influenced ballad with great use of brass that proves Prince could easily have been up there with the great jazz legends as well as the 80s soul crooners of his time. I can definitely hear a lingering quality from 1986's "Parade" and the tracks from that which accompanied the 1930s homage in the film "Under The Cherry Moon." Prince's soft and sultry vocals are outstanding, lush and enviable. Definitely a song for lovers.

DISC 2

If I Was Your Girlfriend - this is sung in the guise of Camille once again and has slightly confusing lyrics because you can either take them as being sung by Prince ( a male) which could suggest transvestite fantasies, or if you take the song as being sung by the feminine Camille, lesbian fantasies. However I will grudgingly agree with a consensus that the song is concerned with the desire for a male lover to have a relationship with his woman that is more akin to two female friends - namely of the "why won't you open up to me more" type. Either way, for me the track represents Prince at his androgynous best and Camille's vocals add a hilarious quality to certain lyrics.

I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man - one of the other big hits from the album showcasing Prince at his Pop/Rock best and probably one of the most radio friendly tracks he released in the late 80s. For some reason I think this song has similar vibes to 'Dancin' On The Ceiling' by Lionel Richie because it always reminds me of the summer and has the similar sort of synth hook complete with electric guitars. A strange comparison I know but the point is the track is an example of fine, accessible 80's pop/rock. The song is full of bittersweet lyrics as the title suggests and represents another fine storytelling adventure by the genius of a woman who clearly gave her heart to a mean man who leaves her with their child and is looking for a replacement, finds Prince, who whilst acting as a shoulder to cry on points out he would be great as a one night stand but NOT as a replacement for the love she lost.