Prince O(+> (January 29 / March 3 1998) The Truth - Album

The Truth is Prince’s twenty-first studio album (credited to ), his first officially billed “acoustic” album. It was originally available only as part of the Crystal Ball mail-order and retail package in 1998.

RELEASE DETAILS

Artist: Prince (as )

Label: NPG Records

Format: CD (included with Crystal Ball set)

Country: Worldwide

Released: January 29, 1998 (mail order) / March 3, 1998 (retail)

Genre: Rock, Funk / Soul, Acoustic

Length: 43:18

1. The Truth (3:32) 2. Don’t Play Me (2:50) US: No cat. number

THE STORY

A mostly stripped-down, introspective album focusing on acoustic guitar, piano, and minimal production. It features a blend of new material and reworked ideas, highlighting Prince’s versatility as a solo performer in a more intimate setting.

CONTEXT & NOTES

The Truth was originally planned for standalone release in 1997 but was ultimately bundled with the Crystal Ball vault compilation. It was recorded quickly in late 1996 / early 1997 at Paisley Park. A limited vinyl reissue occurred in 2021 for Record Store Day (no vinyl release in 1998)

TRACK LISTING (1998 Original CD)

1. The Truth — 3:35

2. Don’t Play Me — 2:48

3. Circle Of Amour — 4:44

4. 3rd — 4:54

5. Dionne — 3:14

6. Man In A Uniform — 3:08

7. Animal Kingdom — 4:01

8. The Other Side Of The Pillow — 3:22

9. Fascination — 4:55

10. One Of Your Tears — 3:27

11. Comeback — 2:00

12. Welcome 2 The Dawn (Acoustic Version) — 3:18

Total Length: 43:18

1. The Truth (3:32) 2. Don’t Play Me (2:50) US: No cat. number

PERSONNEL Musicians Prince (as ) — all vocals, instruments, and effects (except where noted)

ADDITIONAL MUSICIANS AND BACKGROUND

• Rhonda Smith — bass guitar, vocals, percussion

• Kirk Johnson — percussion, vocals, beat programming

• Kat Dyson — vocals, percussion

• Mike Scott — guitar solo

Production

• Prince (as ) — producer, arranger

• Hans-Martin Buff — engineer, mastering

• Brian Gardner — mastering

• Ric Wilson — mastering (2021 reissue)

PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS

• Originally included as part of the Crystal Ball box set (no individual artwork in 1998)

• 2021 reissue features dedicated vinyl artwork

• Minimalist, intimate presentation matching the album’s acoustic nature

CHARTS

America (as part of Crystal Ball package in 1998)

USA: Billboard 200 | 14 Mar. 1998 | 62 | 25 weeks

USA: Billboard Top R&B Albums | 14 Mar. 1998 | 59 | 4 weeks

2021 Reissue (standalone) 

USA: Billboard Vinyl Albums | 26 June 2021 | 1 | -

The Truth was released as the fourth CD in the Crystal Ball box set. The arrangements are mainly based around the acoustic guitar, augmented with elaborate production effects, multi-layered vocals, and occasional percussion and percussive effects.

A CD single was released prior to the album, consisting of the record's first two tracks. In 2018, NPG Records released The Truth digitally on Spotify, iTunes, Tidal, and Apple Music.

In 2021, a special limited vinyl edition of The Truth was released on Record Store Day.

SOURCES Album liner notes, official discography, Discogs, 45cat, Official Charts, Wikipedia, Prince Vault.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE All album artwork, photographs, logos, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.