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The Black Album

by Prince

Released: November 22, 1994

Funk

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Reissue.

The Album

Initially intended to appear in a sleek all-black sleeve without any title or credit to the artist, the album earned its moniker from this distinctive presentation. The sixteenth studio album by Prince, commonly known as The Black Album, underwent a notable re-release on November 22, 1994, by Warner Bros. Although The Black Album's commercial version was set to retain minimal labeling, Prince's decision to halt its release led to its scarcity and eventual reissue with remastered audio in 1994, offering fans a chance to experience this enigmatic chapter in Prince's musical evolution.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Despite its promotional anticipation, Prince abruptly withdrew the…

Despite its promotional anticipation, Prince abruptly withdrew the album from release just a week before its scheduled launch, deeming it "evil." In its place, he released the album Lovesexy, characterized by a more upbeat and spiritually inclined tone.

Records, following its original debut on December 8…

Records, following its original debut on December 8, 1987.

The original 1987 promo release featured no printed…

The original 1987 promo release featured no printed title, artist name, or production credits, with only a simple black sleeve accompanying the disc.

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Prince - The Black Album

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The Complete Album Story

The sixteenth studio album by Prince, commonly known as The Black Album, underwent a notable re-release on November 22, 1994, by Warner Bros. Records, following its original debut on December 8, 1987. Initially intended to appear in a sleek all-black sleeve without any title or credit to the artist, the album earned its moniker from this distinctive presentation.

Often referred to as The Funk Bible, The Black Album was Prince's response to criticism that he had veered too far into pop territory, aiming to reconnect with his black audience by embracing a funk-oriented sound. Despite its promotional anticipation, Prince abruptly withdrew the album from release just a week before its scheduled launch, deeming it "evil." In its place, he released the album Lovesexy, characterized by a more upbeat and spiritually inclined tone.

The original 1987 promo release featured no printed title, artist name, or production credits, with only a simple black sleeve accompanying the disc. Although The Black Album's commercial version was set to retain minimal labeling, Prince's decision to halt its release led to its scarcity and eventual reissue with remastered audio in 1994, offering fans a chance to experience this enigmatic chapter in Prince's musical evolution.