Sign 'O' the Times Review: Prince's Sprawling Funk-Pop Masterpiece
9.5/10 — Prince - Sign 'O' the Times (1987)
Pros
- Incredible range
- Prince's musicianship
- Great singles
Cons
- Patchy in places
- Overlong
Sign ‘O’ the Times was assembled from several abandoned projects and recorded mostly by Prince himself. It’s a double album that covers social commentary, sex and spirituality.
What works
The title track is stark and political, ‘If I Was Your Girlfriend’ is strange and daring, and ‘U Got the Look’ and ‘I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man’ are irresistible. Prince’s musicianship is staggering, and the funk is deep.
Where it falters
It’s long and a little patchy in places, and some songs lean on Prince’s quirks.
Verdict
A thrilling, wildly varied double album.
