Review Summary: Prince's final one man band album has him approach a hand from the members of his touring band, leading to his best Pre-1999 release.
Controversy sits sandwiched between the very praised
Dirty Mind, and his breakthrough album that is still talked about, played, listened to, and very influential today,
1999. With that in mind, its easy to view this as a bridging point which connected his sound set on the previous record to the star-studded apocalyptic
1999, it even has more overt political commentary! Or as some see it, the lesser but still good sister album of
Dirty Mind. Both of these ways do this album a MASSIVE DISSERVICE. Controversy is a wild ride, and Prince sounds ferocious and biting with anger, if you know anything about the cold war and the time this was released, it all makes complete sense too.
The last album was a milestone, this young wonder was finally being taken seriously somewhat. With his first two releases not breaking the mainstream, and people thinking he was just another fad doomed to fail despite his talent (Robert Christgau being a major example), the last release changed that. He upstaged Michael Jackson and Rick James on a tour, got booed and abused off stage opening for The Rolling Stones earlier in the year, and radio didn't play his music for how much it pushed the envelope. In response, this album slightly cleans things up.
"Controversy" is a beast of a song, and his anger really shines through while he uses his ambiguity to his advantage (Am I black or white?/Am I straight or am I gay?/Do I believe in God?/Do I believe in me?/Some people want to die/So they can be free), and it stands out as one of his best tracks with a genius use of the Lord's prayer that's almost blasphemy. The bassline is pure funk delicacy, with some killer rhythm guitar riff work while Lisa's backing vocals mix together beautifully with Prince's.
"Sexuality" comes next and holds nothing back, firing on all cylinders. It's a commentary on how love is love, and a critique on sheltered upbringing and brainwash causing hate, while being greatly made.
"Do Me, Baby"is a fan favorite ballad, that's pretty much yanked from a bassline Andre Cymone (Prince's childhood friend who serves as bassist of his backing band until 1981 due to not being allowed too much involvement and feeling lacking in the credit department). It's deserving of its praise as one of his best ballads, showing Prince at his most vulnerable and adoring, never getting boring somehow despite its 8-minutes length, his vocals are impeccable as he flirts between his high range and low range, allowing emotional versatility. Hell to speak to its goodness, its used in an iconic scene in the movie "Rush Hour 3".
"Private Joy" opens side 2 with a blast, being a fun 80's sunshine pop tune with an amazing falsetto open and cheerful synthesizer. The song has the bass kick in while the drums showcase just how well his Linn-M1 drum machine experimentation worked. Lisa's backing vocals are once again memorable and charming, its great she was allowed more input on this album! The guitar solo in the end is a bit psychedelic too and really phenomenal.
Ronnie Talks To Russia" is a decent tune with commentary on the ongoing cold war and a straight out rocker with emphasis on the heavy guitar riff and a blazing solo that kicks ass, however the obnoxious explosion sounds bring it down. The drums fade out and lead into
"Let's Work", one of Prince's finest songs with an all out banger of a bassline and excellent falsetto use.
"Annie Christian"is really the only bad song on this, with a weird composition and even weirder vocals that aren't really singing--just talking--it's nearly atrocious but at least the guitar work is interesting saving it very slightly.
"Jack U Off" however closes the album as a rockabilly number with Bobby Z. on drums, and Dr. Fink and Lisa's amazing keyboard work. Prince's lyrics may leave you in confusion and jaw-dropping disbelief he got away with these dirty of lyrics, but its a really killer tune, with insanely good composition and really shows he's the king at pushing the envelope.
This album is fantastic, and definitely the best of his "one-man band" period (despite the larger involvement of Lisa, Dr. Fink and Bobby Z.). It's got everything great that made Prince, and though it may be a tad unfocused, shifting between the usual Prince romp song and political commentary, if anything it adds flavor and uniqueness to this record, and paves the way for the superior
1999. Definitely worth a listen, and definitely holds its own against other releases of its time, its a GREAT album with some of his finest songs. He was truly on to something astonishing.
