How has he managed to stay this cool for this long? While most peers of Prince have aged into recidivism, putting out awful records to cash in on their name, The Purple One has stayed true to his artistic vision. Not only has he kept the music funky, he’s actually getting better. You can try to refute that point if you’d like, but I would urge you to check out his latest album PlectrumElectrum (1 of 2 brand new releases) before you speak out.

Playing with his band 3rdEyeGirl, Prince seems focused in a way he hasn’t been since Musicology. After seeing him play three times over the past few years without EVER seeing him touch a guitar, I’m happy to report that his axe comes out to play quite a bit here. The people who laugh at me when I list him in my top 3 guitarists of all-time will be regretting their actions after they hear riffs like the white-hot “AintTurninRound.” And when Prince isn’t ripping off tasty solos, he leaves it for 3rdEyeGirl guitarist Donna Grantis who is more than capable of spectacular sounds.

I’ve been surprised by how much I like the non-Prince sections of the album. 3rdEyeGirl isn’t just a backing band for the legendary star. No, they’re quite good all on their own, adding a little pop to this mostly rock and roll record. I don’t care that much for “Whitecaps,” but the track “BoyTrouble” is a straight 80’s funk jam with beats that would make Missy Elliott jealous.

I don’t have much else to say about PlectrumElectrum. Everybody will have their own opinion, but if you like your Prince in guitar god mode, this is the record you’ve been waiting for. And there’s still plenty for those non-guitar lovers as well.