Album Info
| Artist: | Prince |
| Album: | 1999 |
| Released: | Australia, 1983 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | 1999 | 6:22 |
| A2 | Little Red Corvette | 4:58 |
| A3 | Delirious | 3:56 |
| A4 | Free | 5:00 |
| B1 | Let's Pretend We're Married | 7:20 |
| B2 | Something In The Water (Doesn't Compute) | 4:00 |
| B3 | Lady Cab Driver | 8:25 |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- All pictures of the second hand/used vinyl records are actual pictures of the album in stock.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $125 and over.
- You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout.
- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid carboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- We almost always ship your vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
Released in 1982, "1999" by Prince stands as a pivotal moment in his storied career, marking a transformative period where the artist's musicianship, production techniques, and thematic range coalesced into a groundbreaking work. As the fifth studio album in his discography, "1999" served not only as a showcase of Prince's evolving sound but also as a harbinger of the looming pop dominance he would achieve with his subsequent release, "Purple Rain."
Musically, the album is a kaleidoscope of sounds: funk grooves meld seamlessly with rock guitar riffs, synthesized beats combine with soulful ballads, and pop sensibilities intertwine with provocative lyrics. This genre-blending dynamism has always been a hallmark of Prince's style, but with "1999," it reached a new zenith.
The album kicks off with the iconic title track "1999," a danceable anthem replete with synth-driven rhythms and a catchy chorus. While it's a song of celebration, there's a layer of apocalyptic tension as Prince contemplates the potential end of the world, urging listeners to party as if there's no tomorrow.
"Little Red Corvette," one of the standout tracks, is a masterclass in storytelling. Through its lyrics, Prince weaves a tale of a fleeting romantic encounter, with the titular car serving as a metaphor. The track became one of his biggest hits, and its crossover appeal highlighted Prince's ability to straddle the worlds of R&B and rock effortlessly.
"Delirious" and "D.M.S.R. (Dance Music Sex Romance)" further amplify the album's dance floor ethos, with infectious hooks and grooves that encapsulate the energetic spirit of the early '80s.
However, "1999" is not just about celebration and dance tracks. Songs like "Free" and "Something in the Water (Does Not Compute)" offer more introspective moments, showcasing Prince's range as a songwriter and his ability to delve into deeper emotional territories.
One of the most striking features of "1999" is Prince's use of the Linn LM-1 drum machine. His innovative approach to this instrument, often layering and manipulating its sounds, gave the album a distinct sonic identity, influencing a generation of artists in the process.
Thematically, "1999" explores a gamut of subjects, from love and lust to existential reflections and socio-political commentaries. Prince's signature blend of sensuality and spirituality is on full display, offering listeners a rich tapestry of ideas and emotions.
From a historical perspective, "1999" can be seen as a precursor to the explosion of the Minneapolis sound, a subgenre of funk-rock that Prince was instrumental in popularizing. The album's success on both the pop and R&B charts underscored Prince's unique position in the music world, as an artist unbound by genre constraints and unafraid to challenge the status quo.
In conclusion, "1999" is a seminal work that captures Prince at a transformative juncture in his career. It's an album that showcases his prodigious talents as a musician, producer, and songwriter, all the while hinting at the even greater heights he was destined to reach. For both fans and newcomers, "1999" is an essential listen, offering a window into the genius of one of music's most enigmatic and influential figures.