It can be difficult to keep up with an artist as prolific as Prince. He was particularly busy releasing material in the mid-late 90’s (including “Emancipation” – a triple album, and “Crystal Ball” – a four or five disc set, depending on which version you picked up). There is one album from that time that I believe may have gotten a bit lost in the shuffle but is worth tracking down: “Chaos and Disorder.”
At some point the relationship was in trouble. Who knows why? Both sides have their reasons. But by the mid-90’s Prince wanted out. I’m talking, of course, about Prince’s relationship with his record label. They worked out a separation and Prince had to deliver one more album; “Chaos & Disorder” was the result. With that background you might not expect much – he probably could have phoned one in, but I think it’s one of the most fun albums in Prince’s lengthy discography.
It features songs that, while not necessarily breaking new territory, show off Prince’s many strengths. Songs about girls and sex? Check. Spirituality and faith? Check. Lots of guitar rockin’ and funkin’? Check. There are several “kiss off” tracks too, perhaps directed at someone he knows…perhaps a certain label?
Some of the highlights include opener “Chaos and Disorder”; a rocker with some state-of-the-nation lyrics, smoking guitar, and an infectious organ groove in the background. “Right the Wrong” gets a little goofy – Prince faking sort of a country accent at the beginning. It makes me laugh every time hearing Prince sound so loose. “Zannalee” is an energetic song about a sexy girl (I know…surprise, right?); it’s another suggestive/sleazy song as only Prince can do. Here he throws in a little Minnesota accent at the end for good measure. “Dig U Better Dead” and “Had U” are the two main goodbye-with-venom tracks that round things out.
I would suggest that if you are a fan of “Sign ‘O’ the Times” (and really, why wouldn’t you be?), you will really enjoy this record. If this one passed you by, I highly recommend seeking it out.