Search - Prince :: Sst / Brand New Orleans

Genius Again

Piotr Papaj | Warsaw, Poland | 10/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is striking how easily composing, songwriting, and producing comes to Prince. With these two songs he shows he still has got the magic that characterised his most inspired recordings. Moved by the Katrina tragedy Prince immediately recorded S.S.T. and Brand New Orleans to help raise funds for the victims of the hurricane. The songs were allegedly recorded over one night. Prince played all instruments on both cuts, which in his case may not seem too spectacular but nonetheless it is still impressive in the light of the current popular musicianship. S.S.T. is a well-crafted pop joint with a memorable melody, grabbing hook, and astounding vocal harmonies. It sounds fresh and honest, and definitely nothing like half-hearted, attention-attracting efforts of other "stars" who wanted to benefit the victims of Katrina with their art. Brand New Orleans is an instrumental groove based on the upbeat finale of S.S.T., which leaves you completely awestruck with its vigour, tightness, energy, and musical structure."

Deeply heartfelt lyrics and a rousing instrumental.

Angellica | Coral Gables, FL | 01/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"On a personal note, SST/Brand New Orleans helped me get through the tough times that I endured during Hurricane Wilma. It put me in the mood to make the best of my situation. Thankfully, the aftermath wasn't as bad as for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. This two tracks are very heartfelt musical compostions. SST has socially conscious lyrics and emphasizes the need for loving and helping one another instead of spreading hatred. Brand New Orleans starts where SST left off and builds an elaborate and intricate tapestry of rhythm and melody."

Pretty good for the New Prince, but still not like the Old P

G. Mitchell | Los Angeles, CA United States | 04/20/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"For $3 bucks, this ain't a bad deal. Pretty good for the New Prince, but not like the Old Prince, SST is an above-average track for Prince that, if added to his recent album, would have been a highlight. Odd Sade reference notwithstanding, this track has a cool New Orleans-style melody hook, complex, gospel-style vocals, and a nice vibe. While the intrumental jam BRAND NEW ORLEANS has a sorta clever title, it's really just another throwaway Prince groove that should have kept in The Vaults. Still, SST ranks as one of Prince's better recent cuts that puts most of his last-decade work to shame. Let's he stays this focused and raw and self-contained on his next full-length effort...but I'm not gonna hold my breath."