Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic

Lore & Background

Development of the album began in 1988, under the working title Rave Unto the Joy Fantastic. However, when the recording and writing sessions proved fruitless, the entire project was abandoned. A majority of the songs written for the album were originally made for Prince's previous works, such as Lovesexy (1988) and Graffiti Bridge (1990). In June 1998, Prince resumed the project, creating a "reworked" version of the title track, and enlisting help from other musicians, such as Gwen Stefani, Eve, and Sheryl Crow. Recording sessions took place in Chanhassen, Minnesota, at Paisley Park Studios, as well as at Electric Lady Studios, New York City, and O'Henry Sound Studios, in California. The production for the record concluded in September 1999, nearing two months to its scheduled release date. A digital version of the album was released exclusively to both of Prince's official website (1800new-funk.com and love4oneanother.com) and features enhancements that are not included on the physical edition. Prince described his decision to wear a blue jacket made out of faux wool instead of actual fur for the cover artwork, and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals supported him. Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic was released on November 9, 1999, in the United States, his first major-label release since Emancipation (1996). In select European countries, including Germany and Spain, the record was released on November 11, two days later. Instead of using his name, Prince displayed the unpronounceable "Love Symbol" as the album's artist. The CD's standard edition release included sixteen tracks, plus two hidden tracks, "Segue III" and "Prettyman".

In Their Own Story

The lights dimmed in the grand hall as the bass line kicked in, a deep, rolling thunder that seemed to vibrate the very floorboards. Prince stood center stage, not as a distant god, but as a conductor of joy, his fingers dancing across the keys with effortless grace. Around him, the band moved like a single organism, horns blaring in triumph and guitars weaving intricate webs of sound. The audience didn't just hear the music; they felt it washing over them, a tangible wave of 'Joy Fantastic' that turned strangers into a community of believers for one magical night.

Reader's Guide

Musically a pop and R&B album, Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic explores the former two genres after the frequent use of soul on The Vault: Old Friends 4 Sale. The album's opening title track, originally recorded in 1988, is one of Prince's "most pop-oriented" tracks in years. "Undisputed" contains rap verses by Chuck D. "The Greatest Romance Ever Sold" is a "smooth" ballad with Prince's multi-layered vocals featured in the chorus. "Segue I" is four seconds of silence followed by "Hot Wit' U", a hip hop track featuring vocals from Eve. "Tangerine" contains acoustic bass orchestrated by Rhonda Smith. "So Far, So Pleased" features verses from Gwen Stefani. "The Sun, the Moon and Stars" is a ballad. A cover of Sheryl Crow's 1996 single "Everyday Is a Winding Road" is the album's ninth track, but contains a more "sexualized" structure. "Segue II" is a short instrumental track, followed by promotional singles "Man'O'War" and "Baby Knows", the latter featuring contributions from Crow. "Love U, but Don't Trust U Anymore" features a guest appearance from Ani DiFranco. "Silly Game" uses strings performed by the NPG Orchestra. "Strange but True" uses a "spoken-word soliloquy with a funky foundation". "Wherever U Go, Whatever U Do" is another ballad. The standard edition contains two hidden tracks, "Segue III" and "Prettyman", the latter a jazz song featuring Maceo Parker.

Did You Know?

• The album's sole single, "The Greatest Romance Ever Sold", peaked at number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100.
• Prince hosted a pay-per-view event, Rave Un2 the Year 2000, to promote the album, later released on DVD.
• The album was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America by the end of 1999.
• A remix album, Rave In2 the Joy Fantastic, was released in 2001 but only available to members of Prince's official fan club.