Scandalous!
Prince · 1989
30 min · 5 tracks · contemporary R&B
A sultry exploration of desire layered over lush funk grooves and hypnotic rhythms that embodies Prince's audacious artistry.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Crime Start here — Opening with atmospheric instrumentation, this track sets the tone for the album's exploration of betrayal and desire through evocative lyrics and rich harmonies.
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Sex — With its unabashed lyrical content and seductive groove, this track exemplifies Prince's unique ability to blend sensuality with musical innovation, pushing boundaries in pop music.
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When 2 R in Love — This ballad showcases Prince's softer side, combining heartfelt lyrics with lush orchestration that captures the essence of romantic longing and vulnerability.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases Prince's signature blend of funk and sensuality, maintaining a cohesive sound while exploring provocative themes.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a slow, sultry groove that sets a sensual tone, which is maintained throughout the record.
- Each song features layered instrumentation, with prominent bass lines and smooth synths creating a lush soundscape.
- The vocal delivery varies from spoken word to melodic singing, enhancing the thematic exploration of desire and intimacy.
- 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
- sultry grooves for intimate moments
- provocative themes exploring desire
- captivating rhythms for late nights
- patient builds that reward listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, upbeat tracks
- avoid deep emotional exploration
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid entry that showcases Prince's exploration of desire, but not widely recognized.
- Themes
- provocative desire· Minneapolis nightlife· cinematic intrigue
- Career context
- By the time 'Scandalous!' was released in 1989, Prince was at a critical juncture following the massive success of his film 'Batman' soundtrack. This album came as part of the larger 'Love Symbol' era, marking a transition into a more mature, sensual phase of his work, characterized by deeper themes and intricate soundscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Michael Jackson· Stevie Wonder· Earth, Wind & Fire
Tracklist
- 1 The Crime Start here 6:28
- 2 The Passion 6:19
- 3 The Rapture 6:32
- 4 Sex 7:01
- 5 When 2 R in Love 4:00
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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