Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Prince's lyrics are often laced with sexual references and a steady dose of innuendo. Here, there are several mild allusions to sex (including a "one night stand" and a "concubine") as well as multiple references to god and religion. There is also an anti-war song ("Resolution").
Families can talk about why Prince is still considered a revolutionary recording artist decades after his most successful albums. What influence has he had on today's pop and hip-hop artists? Families can also discuss some of the questions posed on the song "Planet Earth." Fifty years from now, what will people say about how we treated -- or mistreated -- the planet?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Conny Coon
Few artists are as legendary as Prince; however, it's difficult to top -- or even come close to -- the success and style of his earlier albums. PLANET EARTH is his 24th studio album, and it's a long way from his best. Yet musically, with its funk, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, pop, and steamy soul, even a mediocre Prince album stands miles above some of today's biggest selling CDs. Lyrically, Planet Earth touches on sex, drugs, religion, and even some politics. Prince is the king of sexual overtone, but these songs are actually tamer than many of his past releases (Most of the sex talk is on "Mr. Goodnight," a smooth rap professing that Mr. Goodnight (presumably Prince himself) will "make U feel alright/make U throw Ur head back and holla" and on "The One U Wanna C," an upbeat throwback to his 80s hits.).
A pair of anthems -- one about saving the planet; the other about the futility of war -- bookend the album, but the lyrics in both border on corny. And after you've heard him boast about his prowess and conquests with the ladies, it's difficult to take Prince's political pronouncements seriously. Planet Earth isn't groundbreaking and there's no real revolution to be found, but it's solid, standard Prince that can still stand the test of time.
Prince fans may want to check out his earlier 3121 or the multi-platinum Purple Rain.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentSome suggestive lyrics, including "Call Mr. Goodnight/He'll make U feel alright/make U throw your head back and holla" and "I know U ain't a concubine." |
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LanguageOccasional use of the word "hell." |
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CommercialismOne of the singles from the album, "Guitar," was the basis for a cross-promotion with Verizon Wireless and was featured in a TV commercial and assorted Web-based promotions. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoA reference to rehab in the song "Chelsea Rodgers" and in the song "Guitar," the following line: "Ur high enough to call me/But U can't reach the bar." |
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