Emancipation cover

Released 30 years ago

Emancipation

Prince · 1996

180 min · 36 tracks · contemporary R&B · funk · jazz

A vibrant blend of R&B, funk, and pop that celebrates freedom and self-expression through eclectic soundscapes.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • celebratory grooves for dancing
  • introspective moments for reflection
  • eclectic vibe shifts throughout
  • long-form journey of self-discovery
  • playful energy for social gatherings

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer concise, quick listens
  • seek instant emotional gratification

Where this album fits

Themes
artistic independence· spiritual journey· music industry struggles
Career context
Released on November 19, 1996, 'Emancipation' marked Prince's return to music post his contentious split with Warner Bros. This album was significant as it showcased his newfound artistic independence and featured a vast array of musical styles across its three discs, solidifying Prince's versatility during a period where he sought to redefine his identity after years of label constraints.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Baduizm by Erykah Badu — Explores themes of self-discovery and empowerment, wrapped in soulful grooves and eclectic sounds.
Things Fall Apart by The Roots — Combines diverse musical styles with lyrical reflections on identity and artistic integrity.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Jam of the Year 6:09
  • 2 Right Back Here in My Arms 4:43
  • 3 Somebody’s Somebody 4:43
  • 4 Get Yo Groove On 6:31
  • 5 Courtin’ Time 2:46
  • 6 Betcha by Golly Wow! 3:31
  • 7 We Gets Up 4:18
  • 8 White Mansion 4:47
  • 9 Damned If I Do 5:21
  • 10 I Can’t Make U Love Me 6:37
  • 11 Mr. Happy 4:46
  • 12 In This Bed I Scream 5:40

Disc 2

  • 1 Sex in the Summer 5:57
  • 2 One Kiss at a Time 4:41
  • 3 Soul Sanctuary 4:41
  • 4 Emale 3:38
  • 5 Curious Child 2:57
  • 6 Dreamin’ About U 3:52
  • 7 Joint 2 Joint 7:52
  • 8 The Holy River 6:55
  • 9 Let’s Have a Baby 4:07
  • 10 Saviour 5:48
  • 11 The Plan 1:47
  • 12 Friend, Lover, Sister, Mother/Wife 7:37

Disc 3

  • 1 Slave 4:51
  • 2 New World 3:43
  • 3 The Human Body 5:42
  • 4 Face Down 3:17
  • 5 La, La, La Means I Love U 3:59
  • 6 Style 6:40
  • 7 Sleep Around 7:42
  • 8 Da, Da, Da 5:15
  • 9 My Computer 4:37
  • 10 One of Us 5:19
  • 11 The Love We Make 4:39
  • 12 Emancipation 4:12

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata