Funky Design whoa whoa guys, this is a 4/5, I'm dreading what you are going to give to P Control... in the studio version, an element is missing that was in the live versions: a chorus of "Blow your mind, blow your mind, everybody's tripping on the funky design". that would have made it even better, but still. Maybe the reason I am so partial to this track, "The Park vol II" is a bootleg cd I actually own for some 20+ years. just… when u thought… it was … over ……. it started up again
Funky Design - meh, I can see why this never made it onto an official release. I'm guessing there might be a version with the live chant that @Freek999 posted above on it somewhere in the vault, which would at least give it some kind of hook. But as it stands this isn't even b-side worthy for me. 1/5
I like the bass and the high pitched synth hook. The vocals...are an acquired taste. 3/5 for "The Funky Design."
Funky Design... The background music is kinda annoying, but I don't mind this song. It's kinda cool. 2.5/5
Funky Design Back in the day I might have loved this since it does fit so well with this latest group of songs, I’d have compiled them to tape to drive around in my little 2-seater convertible with bazooka bass tubes behind the seats. but now… ugh, I can barely squeeze out a 1/5 for it.
Funky Design I think this is a pretty great song. Maybe because I heard the live version first (Amsterdam 1995), which is great and high on energy. It’s a great (one-eyed) bass song (“Listen to the solo while it pleads my case”). A great live song. Maybe because of that I like the studio version too. It’s one of the many great 1994 songs. Prince’s rap is playful and the synth line sounds somewhat easy, but not bad or annoying. Very good song overall. It was initially planned for Exodus (with Sonny on vocals). Like with Mad, it’s good that Prince didn’t include it on the album… After that it was considered for Emancipation. I’m with @Freek999 that this song should be rated higher than the 1’s it’s getting here. The live version is definitely a 4 out of 5. The studio version is less, but still a pretty great song. Maybe not a 4, but it’s definitely not a 1. So to raise the average a little bit I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt. This is a minor 4 out of 5.
"The Funky Design": Prince was still of the opinion that he was capable of anything, but what he really needed in the 90s was somebody to tell him he wasn't. 1.5/5
Today's song is "Super Hero", written and produced by Prince. The New Power Generation – Super Hero Lyrics | Genius Lyrics Originally recorded in 1992 and overdubbed in 1993 and released by Earth, Wind, & Fire (and discussed on this thread HERE) this re-recording by The New Power Generation featuring The Steeles was recorded at Paisley Park in May-June 1994. A second New Power Generation version was recorded for Exodus (presumably with Sonny T. singing lead) but was left off the album and has not been released. Fred Steele: Lead vocals Jevette Steele, Jearlyn Steele and JD Steele: vocals Tommy Barbarella: keyboards Mr. Hayes: keyboards Sonny T.: bass guitar Michael B.: drums : all other instruments This version of "Super Hero" was originally released on the Blankman soundtrack; it was also released as a single in the US and Europe on CD and 12" in the now de rigeur variety of mixes. Occasionally performed live in 1994 and 1995.
Here's the video: I didn't link to it above, because it's an edit, and the greater part of a minute shorter:
I like this one more than I liked the Earth Wind & Fire version which had a bit too many chefs around the pot. The Steele's collectively sound fantastic. The video is boring A ever-loving F, but I like the album. Sounds like it could have been an R&B hit back in the 80s at least, not sure about the mid-nineties (it wasn't, anyway.) 4.2/5
I prefer the video edit, as I don't really need that extra minute! But it's quite a fun track which I enjoy - 3.5/5.
