Prince – Welcome 2 America – Double Vinyl Records

Description

Prince – Welcome 2 America – Double Vinyl Records32.99

Welcome 2 America was recorded in 2010 and remained in Prince's archive until its release in 2021. The twelve-song album gives his observations about American life a setting that moves through funk, soul, rock, and slower vocal performances. It arrived as a complete studio project from the vault, giving listeners a view of a particular period of his work rather than a compilation drawn from unrelated sessions. The title track sets out a skeptical view of the country's public life, and the songs that follow alternate between criticism, encouragement, and a more intimate musical presence.

The sessions brought Prince together with bassist Tal Wilkenfeld and drummer Chris Coleman, an uncommon studio combination in his catalog. Keyboardist Morris Hayes also contributed and co-produced several tracks, while Jason Agel worked as engineer. Shelby J., Liv Warfield, and Elisa Fiorillo supplied additional vocals, giving the arrangements a strong ensemble character. The rhythm section can hold a groove with enough space for the lead and backing singers to answer one another. That balance makes the album's connection to older soul and funk particularly easy to hear, even when Prince turns to a more contemporary subject.

Running Game (Son of a Slave Master) follows the title track with another pointed perspective, while Born 2 Die puts the vocal arrangement and the musicians' restraint closer to the foreground. 1000 Light Years from Here completes the first side with a different melodic presence. Prince had many ways of delivering a song, and this opening stretch makes use of several of them: a spoken emphasis, a more sustained lead, and the interplay between his voice and the other singers. The changes in approach give the social commentary a musical shape rather than leaving it as the album's only defining feature.

Hot Summer opens the second side with a more outgoing pop feeling. Stand Up and B Strong brings in a cover of Soul Asylum's song, while Check the Record and Same Page, Different Book return to the album's funkier character. These shifts are consistent with a record in which criticism can sit beside encouragement and humor. Prince can sound dissatisfied with what he sees while still making room for the pleasure of a band performance. Wilkenfeld and Coleman give that pleasure a firm rhythmic foundation, and the additional voices expand the songs beyond a solitary lead.

When She Comes, 1010 (Rin Tin Tin), Yes, and One Day We Will All B Free make up the third side, with the final song returning to a collective hope suggested by the album's title and subjects. The double-LP edition presents the twelve studio recordings on three sides, with a custom etching on the fourth. Welcome 2 America also shares its name with Prince's subsequent tour, but this release centers on the studio sessions. It preserves an ensemble and a set of songs that remained unheard as an album during his lifetime, with his musical choices and public concerns closely connected.

Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic

Release Details

Artist

Prince

Album

Welcome 2 America

Format

Double Vinyl Records

Media configuration

2

Original album release

2021

Label

NPG / Legacy

Track Listing

Side A

Welcome 2 America

Running Game (Son of a Slave Master)

Born 2 Die

1000 Light Years from Here

Side B

Hot Summer

Stand Up and B Strong

Check the Record

Same Page, Different Book

Side C

When She Comes

1010 (Rin Tin Tin)

Yes

One Day We Will All B Free