20Ten
Prince · 2010
40 min · 10 tracks · contemporary R&B
A vibrant fusion of funk and R&B, layered with Prince's signature eclecticism and introspective lyrical depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Compassion Start here — This opening track sets an optimistic tone with its warm harmonies and themes of empathy, encapsulating the overall spirit of the album.
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Laydown — With its sultry groove and playful lyrics, Laydown exemplifies Prince's ability to blend sensuality with musical sophistication, making it a standout track.
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Everybody Loves Me — This track showcases a modern take on self-confidence and fame, featuring catchy hooks and a blend of funk influences that reflect his Minneapolis roots.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends funk and R&B with distinct vocal arrangements, showcasing Prince's style while maintaining modern influences.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more upbeat rhythm that contrasts with the previous songs.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in 'Sticky Like Glue', which features call-and-response elements.
- The album closes with 'Laydown', which shifts to a slower tempo and includes an extended instrumental outro, creating a reflective ending.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- playful grooves for gatherings
- short bursts of vibrant energy
- head-nodding rhythms throughout
- catchy melodies for sing-alongs
Maybe skip if you
- seeking lengthy immersive tracks
- prefer straightforward, simplistic tunes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and evolution of Prince's sound in his later years.
- Themes
- digital distribution challenges· intimate ballads· Minneapolis funk revival
- Career context
- Released in 2010, 20Ten marked Prince's return to the music scene after a brief hiatus following the commercial disappointment of his previous album, Lotusflow3r. At this point, he was navigating a complex relationship with the music industry while still maintaining his reputation as a prolific artist. The album was released as a free giveaway with the July issue of the UK magazine The Daily Mirror, showcasing Prince's innovative approach to distribution.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Michael Jackson· Stevie Wonder· Earth, Wind & Fire
Tracklist
- 1 Compassion Start here 3:55
- 2 Beginning Endlessly 5:27
- 3 Future Soul Song 5:08
- 4 Sticky Like Glue 4:46
- 5 Act of God 3:13
- 6 Lavaux 3:03
- 7 Walk in Sand 3:29
- 8 Sea of Everything 3:49
- 9 Everybody Loves Me 4:08
- 10 Laydown 3:06
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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