Judith Hill: Back in Time Album (2015)
- Escape
- Oct 21, 2015
- 5 min read
Culmination of Prince’s Mentorship
On October 23, 2015, Judith Hill’s debut album Back in Time received its wide commercial release through NPG Records (distributed by Legacy Recordings), including physical CD and major streaming platforms, following an exclusive free digital download in March. Co-produced with Prince and recorded at Paisley Park Studios, the album featured his writing, musical contributions, and production on multiple tracks, marking one of his final major side projects before his passing in April 2016. This release transformed the promotional drop into a full retail product, allowing broader access to Hill’s soulful R&B sound. Below, explore the background, significance, and details of this album, emphasizing Prince’s pivotal role.
Background and Context
Judith Hill’s Rise
Born May 6, 1984, in Los Angeles, Judith Glory Hill grew up in a musical family (her parents were session musicians for Stevie Wonder and others). She gained prominence as Michael Jackson’s duet partner and lead backing vocalist for his This Is It rehearsals in 2009, featured in the 2013 documentary 20 Feet from Stardom (which won a Grammy for Best Music Film). A finalist on The Voice Season 4 (2013), Hill caught Prince’s attention via a Revolt TV interview where she expressed a desire to collaborate with him. He invited her to a Plectrumpicks listening party in April 2014, leading to sessions at Paisley Park that winter.
The Back in Time Album Era
Recorded in just two to three weeks in late 2014–early 2015 at Paisley Park, Back in Time (11 tracks, 41 minutes) blended R&B, soul, funk, and gospel, with Hill writing all songs (except noted co-writes). Prince co-produced the entire album, calling it “the fastest album” he’d ever made, and contributed guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and backing vocals. Additional musicians included NPG alumni like John Blackwell (drums), Andrew Gouché (bass), and the NPG Hornz. Initially released as a surprise free WAV download (March 23–25, 2015) via JudithHill.com and Live Nation email (with a personal Prince note and baby photo of Hill), it was promotional only, sparking legal disputes with Hill’s former label Verve Records over contract breaches. The October wide release added CD production and streaming availability, peaking at #10 on Billboard’s Jazz Albums chart and #24 on R&B Albums.
Prince’s Contributions
Prince’s involvement was hands-on: he rearranged Hill’s demos for band performance, played instruments on most tracks (e.g., guitar on Turn Up, bass on Beautiful Life), and provided production polish with his signature Minneapolis sound. He co-wrote Love Trip and Cry, Cry, Cry, and added humorous spoken-word as a “fan” on Turn Up. His mentorship empowered Hill, respecting her vision while infusing funk and soul depth.
As one of his last productions (post-Art Official Age and PlectrumElectrum), it highlighted his role as a talent incubator, echoing collaborations with Sheila E. and Andy Allo.
Chart Performance:
International: Modest streaming success, boosted by Prince’s endorsement.
Singles: Turn Up (#1 on iTunes R&B chart briefly); no major radio hits, but critical acclaim for its organic vibe.
Promotion: The wide release tied into Hill’s tours and Paisley Park events; Prince hosted a preview party on March 22, 2015. The CD was sold exclusively at shows and JudithHill.com initially.
Cultural Context
October 2015 fell during Prince’s active phase, promoting his HITnRUN Phase One/Two via Tidal. The album’s release amid streaming wars (Tidal vs. Spotify) aligned with Prince’s digital experimentation, while Hill’s story resonated post-20 Feet from Stardom. It contrasted 2015’s pop dominance (Adele’s 25, The Weeknd) with intimate R&B revival.
The Wide Release Formats
The October 23, 2015, wide release focused on physical CD and digital streaming, following the March promo download. Below are the confirmed formats, sourced from Discogs and Prince Vault.
CD Album (Digisleeve)
Label: NPG Records – none (distributed by Legacy Recordings)
Format: CD, Album, Digisleeve
Country: US
Released: October 23, 2015
Genre: Funk / Soul, Pop
Style: Soul, Funk, Contemporary R&B
Details: Digisleeve packaging with artwork of Hill in ethereal lighting against a starry Paisley Park backdrop; includes liner notes crediting Prince’s production and a thank-you from Hill. Pressed in the Czech Republic for global distribution; exclusive to live shows, Paisley Park, and JudithHill.com initially.
Track Listing:
Back in Time – 3:57 (Hill; funky opener with gospel build-up, Prince on bass/drums)
Turn Up – 3:40 (Hill; neo-soul party track, Prince guitar/vocals/spoken-word)
Beautiful Life – 4:10 (Hill; reflective ballad, Prince bass/keyboards)
Angel in the Dark – 4:20 (Hill; low-key R&B, Prince production)
Upside – 3:45 (Hill; upbeat soul, Prince drums)
Love Trip – 4:05 (Hill/Prince; jazzy blues, co-write with Prince guitar)
Cure – 3:55 (Hill; pop-R&B, Prince arrangement)
As Trains Go By – 3:50 (Hill; funky groove, Prince bass)
Wild – 3:35 (Hill; energetic funk, NPG Hornz)
Cry, Cry, Cry – 4:15 (Hill/Prince; bluesy closer, co-write with Prince vocals)
Silence – 0:01 (hidden track)
Digital Album (Streaming/Download)
Label: NPG Records
Format: Digital Album (MP3/WAV, Streaming)
Country: Worldwide
Released: October 23, 2015
Genre: Funk / Soul, Pop
Style: Soul, Funk, Contemporary R&B
Details: Available on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and iTunes; high-res WAV from March promo included as bonus for early downloaders. Artwork matches CD.
Track Listing: Same as CD.
Notes: Wide streaming debut; Tidal exclusivity brief due to Prince’s affiliation. Estimated Value: N/A (digital).
Additional Formats (Context):
March 2015 Promo: Free WAV download (11 tracks + silence, via Live Nation; not for sale).
No vinyl confirmed, though fans petition for one; limited digipak variants sold at Paisley Park events.
Cultural and Musical Significance
Musical Innovation
Back in Time revived 70s soul with modern funk, thanks to Prince’s production restraint—live instrumentation over synth-heavy layers. Tracks like Turn Up (electrified neo-soul) and Love Trip (bluesy) highlight Hill’s smoky voice and Prince’s guitar flair, earning praise as “vintage yet fresh” (NPR). It’s one of Prince’s purest protégé efforts, emphasizing band dynamics over solo virtuosity.
Hill’s Emergence
The release launched Hill as a solo artist, post-20 Feet from Stardom; it hit #10 Jazz Albums, cementing her R&B cred. Prince’s endorsement amplified visibility, leading to tours and Grammy nods (e.g., 2015 Best Arrangement for Party Rockers).
Broader Context of October 23, 2015
Amid Adele’s 25 dominance and Tidal’s launch, the album exemplified artist-driven releases. Prince’s involvement added mystique, released just months before his death, enhancing its posthumous legacy.
Collectibility and Modern Availability
Collectibility: The digisleeve CD is prized for Prince connection, valued at $15–$40; March promo downloads circulate as bootlegs. No vinyl, but fan demand persists.
Streaming and Reissues: Full album on Spotify/Apple Music/Tidal (remastered 2020); Prince’s vocals remixed in fan edits. No deluxe yet, but Estate archives may yield outtakes.
Physical Media: CDs scarce post-Paisley Park closure; available via JudithHill.com.
Additional Notes
Prince-Hill Bond: Their collaboration began post-interview; Hill was on Prince’s final flight (April 20, 2016), attempting to save him during opioid crisis. She later honored him in performances.
Fan Reception: Prince.org calls it “pure joy”; 2023 Reddit threads praise Beautiful Life as a standout.
October 23, 2015, Context: Coincided with Prince’s HITnRUN promo, underscoring his mentorship amid solo work.
Legacy
Back in Time’s wide release on October 23, 2015, immortalizes Judith Hill’s debut under Prince’s wing—a swift, soulful triumph blending mentorship and magic. As his final side project, it radiates joy amid tragedy. Collectors hunt the CD; fans stream its warmth. Explore at princevault.com or JudithHill.com.
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