As the first compilation to span every era of his career—tracking Prince’s artistic evolution over approximately 40 years, from his early studio recordings in Minneapolis, where he began as a child prodigy, to his final recordings—the album *Timeless* showcases the exceptional creativity, curiosity, and artistic ambition displayed throughout his life. It not only offers a rare opportunity to discover a new creative side of Prince that has never been heard before but is also a special work that depicts, on a grand scale, the creative journey of one of the most innovative and influential artists in music history.
First of all, for fans, it goes without saying that simply being able to hear a new release from NPG Records/Paisley Park after his passing—and on vinyl, no less!—is a miraculous joy in and of itself. On top of that, the album features Prince’s signature use of rhythm machines and a explosive collaboration with Wendy & Lisa, likely drawing inspiration from albums like *Purple Rain* “Around the World in a Day,” “Parade,” and “Sigh ‘O’ the Time” “Lovesexy”—the period just before New Power Generation—the tracks A3 “Heaven” (sample 1) and A4 “I Wonder” (sample 2), believed to be recordings from the mid-’80s to early ’90s, as well as B1 “Stone” (sample 3), and B2 “Calabama” from the early 2000s—which takes on a darker, more hip-hop-infused funk style in the Prince’s signature style—are all tracks that make me grin with delight, even if their authenticity is questionable. The final track, the masterful live performance B5 “How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore (Live),” also brings a tear to my eye. The album also includes two heartfelt ballads. (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)