Prince (August 15 1994) – “Prince – Come” Album Review – The Tennessean
This Tennessean review from August 1994 assesses Come, the final album Prince recorded before adopting his symbolic moniker. The piece praises its boldness and emotional range, describing it as a restless, hard‑edged work that reaffirms Prince’s mastery as songwriter, performer, and producer.
Publication: The Tennessean Date: August 15 1994 Country: United States
The review opens by noting that Come was the last album Prince completed before “glyphing out” — changing his name to the unpronounceable symbol — in 1993. It contrasts the record’s sharper, more direct tone with his 1992 release alongside the New Power Generation.
The critic highlights the album’s stylistic diversity: the sensual allure of the title track, the gospel‑infused Solo, and the dance‑floor intensity of Pheromone, Race, and Loose.
The piece describes Come as “a restless record that pushes the limits of the artist’s talents,” emphasizing Prince’s ability to blend genres and moods seamlessly. The closing lines affirm that, despite his constant reinvention, Prince remains “one of the greatest in the business,” underscoring his enduring influence and creative vitality.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Released in August 1994, Come marked a transitional moment in Prince’s career — the end of his Warner Bros. contract and the beginning of his identity as “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince.” The album’s darker, introspective tone reflected both artistic liberation and frustration with industry constraints.
This Tennessean review captures the critical recognition of Prince’s evolving sound, situating Come as a bridge between his early ’90s funk experimentation and the more independent, symbol‑era releases that followed.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Release of Come album Era: 1994 – Symbol Period / Post‑Warner Bros. Transition Tone: Analytical, admiring, and reflective Photography: None included; text‑only album review
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
Review of Prince’s Come album following his name change
Praise for its musical range and emotional depth
Recognition of Prince’s continued artistic excellence
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