Crystal Ball cover

Crystal Ball

Prince · 1998

233 min · 53 tracks · contemporary R&B · funk · jazz

An eclectic mix of funk, R&B, and rock that showcases Prince's genre-defying artistry and lyrical depth.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • long-form exploration of themes
  • eclectic mix for adventurous listeners
  • patient unfolding with rich detail
  • playful experimentation and spontaneity
  • late-night groove sessions

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer concise, straightforward tracks
  • avoid lengthy listening commitments

Where this album fits

Themes
artistic ambition· political grooves· sexual liberation
Career context
Released in 1998, 'Crystal Ball' emerged during a prolific period for Prince, following his commercially successful album 'Emancipation' from 1996. This box set compiled previously unreleased tracks and highlights, serving as a retrospective of his creative output in the late '80s and early '90s. At this juncture, Prince was re-establishing his independence as an artist after years of label constraints.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Baduizm by Erykah Badu — Shares a blend of funk, soul, and political themes, emphasizing personal expression and empowerment.
Aquemini by OutKast — Combines eclectic sounds and lyrical depth, reflecting themes of individuality and cultural identity.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Crystal Ball 10:28
  • 2 Dream Factory 3:07
  • 3 Acknowledge Me 5:27
  • 4 Ripopgodazippa 4:39
  • 5 Love Sign (Shock G’s Silky Smooth remix) 3:52
  • 6 Hide the Bone 5:03
  • 7 2morrow 4:13
  • 8 So Dark 5:14
  • 9 Movie Star 4:25
  • 10 Tell Me How U Wanna B Done 3:15

Disc 2

  • 1 Interactive 3:03
  • 2 Da Bang 3:19
  • 3 Calhoun Square 4:46
  • 4 What’s My Name? 3:03
  • 5 Crucial 5:06
  • 6 An Honest Man 1:13
  • 7 Sexual Suicide 3:39
  • 8 Cloreen Bacon Skin 15:37
  • 9 Good Love 4:55
  • 10 Strays of the World 5:07

Disc 3

  • 1 Days of Wild (Free the Slave) 9:19
  • 2 Last Heart 3:01
  • 3 Poom Poom 4:32
  • 4 She Gave Her Angels 3:52
  • 5 18 & Over 5:40
  • 6 The Ride (live) 5:13
  • 7 Get Loose 3:31
  • 8 P Control 5:59
  • 9 Make Yo Mama Happy 4:00
  • 10 Goodbye 4:34

Disc 4

  • 1 The Truth 3:34
  • 2 Don’t Play Me 2:48
  • 3 Circle of Amour 4:43
  • 4 3rd <o> 4:53
  • 5 Dionne 3:13
  • 6 Man in a Uniform 3:07
  • 7 Animal Kingdom 4:01
  • 8 The Other Side of the Pillow 3:21
  • 9 Fascination 4:55
  • 10 One of Your Tears 3:27
  • 11 Comeback 1:59
  • 12 Welcome 2 the Dawn (acoustic version) 3:17

Disc 5

  • 1 The Plan 2:02
  • 2 Kamasutra 11:49
  • 3 At Last… ‘The Lost Is Found’ 3:38
  • 4 The Ever Changing Light 3:00
  • 5 Cutz 3:03
  • 6 Serotonin 0:46
  • 7 Promise/Broken 3:45
  • 8 Barcelona 2:17
  • 9 Kamasutra / Overture #8 3:13
  • 10 Coincidence or Fate? 3:22
  • 11 Kamasutra / Eternal Embrace 4:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata