Warner Bros. publicity materials peg this collection of previously unreleased recordings from Prince's long tenure at the company as "a noteworthy musical event." But Prince fans expecting something on the order of 1993's ... more »B-Sides disc or the oft-bootlegged Black Album are bound to be disappointed by The Vault. While well crafted and groove-wise, these 10 tracks provide little surprise beyond their general vapidity. Sparks occasionally fly, as on the Al Green-influenced "5 Women" and the funny Chuck Berry nod "Sarah," but this set intrigues much more than it entertains. Ironically for a 1999 release, it's ofte more fit for smooth-jazz radio than an apocalyptic party. --Rickey Wright« less
Warner Bros. publicity materials peg this collection of previously unreleased recordings from Prince's long tenure at the company as "a noteworthy musical event." But Prince fans expecting something on the order of 1993's B-Sides disc or the oft-bootlegged Black Album are bound to be disappointed by The Vault. While well crafted and groove-wise, these 10 tracks provide little surprise beyond their general vapidity. Sparks occasionally fly, as on the Al Green-influenced "5 Women" and the funny Chuck Berry nod "Sarah," but this set intrigues much more than it entertains. Ironically for a 1999 release, it's ofte more fit for smooth-jazz radio than an apocalyptic party. --Rickey Wright
"man, I'll tell you want. Prince never ceases to amaze me. you have to love this man for his orginality and innovation. What many people try to do is trap Prince (like you can do to so many other artists) into a typecast as strictly a funk/rock/slow jam/r&b/ or whatever artist. But you can't do that, and if you try you'll inevitably end up not liking Prince, like so many people do, for no other reason than he's not what they what him to be. anyhow, this album is fire. listen to me, this album is totally blazing, I love. It's vying in my mind for the top Prince album to me. But be warned, there's no Purple rain or 1999 types songs on here, this is what I believe to be Prince in the transition stage from his Prince ablum to Controvesy. overall, it has a real bluesly,jazzy-pop kind of feel.like my title says, you've seen peeps and glances of this Prince but I bet you never knew he could do what he does on this "album".simpy freaking amazing.you just have to kinda go with Prince (real fans know what I mean) if you are an sometimes fan of Prince, when he is only rock or funk, or dance or whatever then truthfully you probably won't like this album.but this is for true fans of Prince, or even those who don't like him or are indifferent this is a new genre of Prince.smooth, jazzy, a slight blues feel with a covering of pop. lovely. buy it, and love it."
Not just a "Contractual Agreement"...
Le Roi | 08/31/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Ok, so we all now know of WB's intentions in releasing this album...to disturb the pending release of O+>'s "Rave" in November. But, don't believe the hype regarding "The Vault" being a "throw away" contract filler. This compilation has some seriously formitable music within its walls. One only has to look so far as the 1st 2 tracks to see where this journey will take you. "The Rest of my Life" is as much jazzy as it is slightly spiced with classic "Prince" funk. As is "It's About That Walk"...with it's "Earth, Wind, & Fire" inspired horn arrangement and it's playful "Prince" attitude. And if it's funk you looking for, the heavy-hitting "Sarah" will satisfy...with it's signature strumming funk guitar and once again, excellent horn parts, this number will keep that ass shakin'!! But, if your looking for those ballads that Prince is most known for, then there's some of that on here too!! Silky smooth, and eager to please, joints like "Extraordinary", "There is Lonely" (Arguably one of his best ever), and the title track, "Old Friends 4 Sale" are as good as they come. They move you in a way that few others can, which again shows the true power and talent Prince has; showing that his so-called "Outtakes" are as good or even better then most all others best stuff. And hell, just for good measure, there's some great blues on this disc as well. "5 Women" get's down & dirty, expressing the fact that if she ain't gonna be with him, he has to fill that time with something else...trying to get her out his head and heart. With that B.B. King style guitar, you can almost feel the pain. I'm sure a favorite with those who find themselves in a similliar situation. Which brings me to my final point...Don't be fooled by it's linear note: "Intended 4 private use only", this album was intended to be heard (and loved) by all music lovers, not just die-hard fans of either "Prince" or "0(+>". All-in all, a very enjoyable journey through his vast "Vault""
AWESOME
Alex J Colombo | London, England | 05/04/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Fantastic album probably one of the best Prince albums versatile, from funk, rock, pop to jazz with hard and smooth grooves. I think this album contain a fantastic range of styles.
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING !!!!"
The Prince we all know and love
musiquelagroove | Atlanta,Ga | 12/08/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Simply Purple greatness from his majesty Prince. I am glad that Warner Bros. chose to delight old and new Prince fans with this Jazzy collection of music. From the opening track The Rest of My Life to the ending track Extraordinary, Prince delivers a soul stirring musical deliverance. If you like jazz and blues this is the cd for you. There is nothing like the sound of a live band conducted and lead the by the Artist himself. Tracks like When the Lights Go Down and There is Lonely will set the mood for a romantic evening. The rest of the songs are just wonderful. Special applause to She Spoke to Me and 5 Women. It is worth the purchase and will definately become an all time classic."