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3121
Studio album by
Prince
ReleasedMarch 21, 2006
RecordedNovember 2004 – early 2006[1]
Studio
Genre
Length53:42
LabelNPG, Universal
ProducerPrince
Prince chronology
The Slaughterhouse
(2004) 		3121
(2006) 		Ultimate Prince
(2006)
Singles from 3121
  1. "Te Amo Corazón"
    Released: December 20, 2005
  2. "Beautiful, Loved and Blessed"
    Released: January 2006
  3. "Black Sweat"
    Released: February 7, 2006
  4. "Fury"
    Released: June 27, 2006
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic69/100[2]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarStar[3]
BlenderStarStarStar[4]
Entertainment WeeklyC+[5]
Los Angeles TimesStarStarStar[6]
NewsdayA[7]
Pitchfork6.0/10[8]
Rolling StoneStarStarStarStar[9]
SpinB[10]
Stylus MagazineA−[11]
The Village VoiceA−[12]

3121 (pronounced "thirty-one twenty-one") is the thirty-first studio album by American musician Prince. Released on March 21, 2006 (3/21) by NPG Records and distributed, under a "one-album deal", by Universal Music, the album reinforced Prince's big comeback after the critical success of Musicology (2004). The only Prince album ever to debut atop the Billboard 200 during his lifetime, with over 180,000 copies sold in its first week,[13] it knocked the soundtrack for High School Musical off the top spot and became Prince's first number one album since Batman in 1989,[14] eventually being certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[15]

Album information

[edit]

The album's first single, "Te Amo Corazón", was released in the United States on December 13, 2005; the second single, "Black Sweat", was released on February 2, 2006.[16]

The album title refers to Prince's rental home at 3121 Antelo Rd, Los Angeles.[17] Later homes rented by Prince were colloquially referred to as "3121", including a home owned by professional basketball player Carlos Boozer.[18]

Album sessions started in November 2004 with the recording of the song "3121" at Paisley Park with Michael Bland and Sonny T.[19]

A limited number of albums included "purple tickets", whose finders were flown in from Europe, Asia, Mexico and the US to attend a semi-private performance (along with a long list of celebrities) at Prince's home in Los Angeles.[20]

Tickets for Prince's The Earth Tour in 2007 at London's O2 Arena were priced at £31.21, echoing the title of this album.[21]

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks are written and produced by Prince.

3121 track listing
No.TitleLength
1."3121"4:31
2."Lolita"4:06
3."Te Amo Corazón"3:35
4."Black Sweat"3:12
5."Incense and Candles"4:04
6."Love"5:45
7."Satisfied"2:50
8."Fury"4:02
9."The Word"4:11
10."Beautiful, Loved and Blessed" (featuring Támar)5:43
11."The Dance"5:20
12."Get On the Boat"6:18

Personnel

[edit]
  • Michael Bland (on "3121"), Cora Coleman Dunham (on "Te Amo Corazón," "Get On the Boat") – drums
  • Sonny T (on "3121"), Joshua Dunham (on "Te Amo Corazón," "Get On the Boat") – bass
  • Maceo Parker, Candy Dulfer, Greg Boyer and Ray – horn section
  • Herbert Urena, Ricky Salas (on "Te Amo Corazón"), Sheila E. (on "Get On the Boat") – percussion
  • Clare Fischer – string arrangements
  • The New Power Generation (shouts), Támar (and co-lead on "Beautiful, Loved and Blessed") – additional and backing vocals
  • Prince – all other instruments and voices

Technical

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for 3121
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[47] Gold 15,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[48] Silver 60,000^
United States (RIAA)[49] Gold 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

3121

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
3121 is the thirty-first studio album by American musician Prince, released on March 21, 2006, through his independent label in a one-album distribution deal with . The project derives its name from both the address of Prince's Los Angeles residence at 3121 Antelo Road—where the bulk of the recording took place—and the numerological alignment of the release date with the album's position in his discography. Spanning 12 tracks with a total runtime of approximately 53 minutes, 3121 blends , R&B, , electronic, and Latin influences across its eclectic , showcasing Prince's prowess as a and . Key tracks include the opener "3121," the sultry Latin-tinged single "Te Amo Corazón" featuring Spanish lyrics and a video directed by , and the minimalist electro-funk hit "Black Sweat," which evokes Prince's earlier work like "" through its sparse instrumentation and infectious groove. Other notable contributions feature guest spots from longtime collaborators such as drummer , saxophonist , percussionist , and vocalist Támar, with recordings also partially handled at Paisley Park Studios in . The full track listing is as follows:
  • "3121"
  • "Lolita"
  • "Te Amo Corazón"
  • "Black Sweat"
  • "Incense and Candles"
  • "Love"
  • "Satisfied"
  • "Fury"
  • "The Word"
  • "Beautiful, Loved and Blessed" (featuring Támar)
  • "The Dance"
  • "Get on the Boat"
3121 marked a continuation of Prince's late-career resurgence following the success of Musicology (2004), earning critical praise for its vibrant energy and Prince's renewed focus on live performance promotion, including his headlining residency at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Commercially, it debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart with 183,000 copies sold in its first week—Prince's first number-one debut and his sixth overall chart-topper—while also reaching the top five in several European countries. The album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments of 500,000 units in the United States, Prince's final such certification during his lifetime. The single "Black Sweat" received Grammy nominations for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song, underscoring the project's artistic impact.

Background and recording

Development

Following the commercial success of his 2004 album , which marked a significant comeback and was distributed through under his NPG label, Prince transitioned to a new distribution partnership for his next project. In December 2005, he signed a one-album deal with to release 3121, allowing him greater creative control while leveraging the major label's reach for wider distribution. The album's title drew inspiration from the address of a rental home at 3121 Antelo Road, which Prince occupied starting in 2005 and transformed into a creative sanctuary known as the "3121 house." This location symbolized a fresh start amid personal upheavals, including the end of his to Manuela Testolini, filed for divorce in May 2006, and represented a shift from his longtime base in to a more vibrant, party-oriented environment in . Conceived as a return to Prince's and R&B roots, 3121 emerged from songwriting sessions spanning 2004 and 2005, where he explored themes of love, sensuality, and introspection to craft a more intimate yet celebratory sound. Basic tracking for the material began in late 2004 at Studios, setting the stage for a focused revival of his signature grooves before the full recording process unfolded.

Recording process

The recording of 3121 took place primarily at Paisley Park Studios in , from late 2004 to early 2006. Sessions commenced in November 2004 with an impromptu three-and-a-half-hour jam at , where Prince collaborated with former members on drums and on bass for live tracking of core tracks, including the album's title song. This reunion session yielded 11 or 12 songs in a single inspired day, emphasizing immediate, mistake-free performances as directed by Prince. Prince acted as the sole producer and arranger, handling multi-instrumental duties with overdubs on vocals, guitars, keyboards, and percussion across the album. Additional contributions came from musicians such as Dunham on bass for select tracks, on percussion for others, saxophonist on "Satisfied" and "The Word," and string arrangements by , while engineers Ian Boxill and L. Stu Young assisted in capturing the sessions. Further work occurred at Prince's rented home at 3121 Antelo Road in , , with some percussion overdubs, including those for "Te Amo Corazón," completed in late June 2005 at Insomnio Studios in , . The process incorporated straight-to-tape recording for a warm, organic feel during live elements, followed by digital mixing. Specific sessions included tracking for "Black Sweat" in mid-2004.

Musical content

Style and influences

3121 is characterized by a fusion of and , infused with pop and rock elements that hark back to Prince's prolific 1980s output, such as the eclectic energy of Purple Rain and . The album's sound emphasizes danceable grooves and sensual rhythms, blending vintage funk undercurrents with modern production touches like buzzing synth bass and spacey synthesizers, creating a lively yet accessible vibe. Tracks like "Black Sweat" exemplify this through their electro-funk drive and confident struts, evoking Prince's earlier hits such as "" while incorporating minimalism. Key influences on 3121 include funk pioneers and , whose legacies are evident in the album's rhythmic complexity and groove-oriented structures. For instance, "Lolita" features a James Brown-inspired hook with syncopated bass lines and funky pastiches, channeling the Godfather of Soul's energetic delivery. Sly Stone's impact appears in the layered, polyrhythmic percussion and horn arrangements, particularly on "Get on the Boat," where Maceo Parker's solos add a raw, improvisational edge reminiscent of 1970s funk ensembles. These elements are modernized with subtle Latin infusions, such as timbale bursts and Brazilian drum patterns, broadening the album's textural palette without overshadowing its core R&B- foundation. Production techniques on 3121 highlight heavy, pulsating bass lines, layered horn sections, and percussive beats that drive its dance-oriented appeal, with contributions from musicians like Sheila E. on percussion and on saxophone enhancing the live, organic feel. The tracks average around four minutes in length, prioritizing radio-friendly concision while maintaining Prince's signature flair for layered instrumentation and vocal manipulations. This marks a deliberate departure from the more experimental, jazz-inflected phases of albums like , shifting toward straightforward, party-ready compositions that prioritize accessibility and erotic musicality aligned with the album's sensual lyrical themes.

Themes and lyrics

The album 3121 centers on themes of romance, lust, and spiritual love, blending Prince's signature sensuality with deeper reflections on faith and human connection. Songs like "Te Amo Corazón" exemplify romantic passion, with lyrics declaring love in both English and Spanish, such as "Te amo corazón" (meaning "I love you, sweetheart"), portraying affection as a transformative force that renews one's view of the world. Similarly, tracks exploring , such as "Black Sweat," use vivid imagery to evoke desire, while "Incense and Candles" delves into intimate, scenarios that underscore physical yearning. These elements reflect Prince's ongoing fascination with , tempered by a spiritual dimension that elevates toward divine appreciation. Autobiographical threads weave through the lyrics, drawing from Prince's personal relationships and his conversion to Jehovah's Witnesses in 2001, which profoundly shaped his worldview. In "Beautiful, Loved and Blessed," a duet with Támar, Prince affirms human worth as God's creation, with lines like "If I were to ever write down my life story / I could truly say with all the fame and glory / I was just a piece of clay in need of the potter's hand," echoing his faith's emphasis on spiritual fulfillment over material pursuits. This track, alongside "The Word," incorporates biblical allusions promoting reverence and love without preachiness, marking a devotional turn influenced by his religious beliefs. Such content reveals Prince's introspection on love as both earthly and eternal, informed by his life experiences. Prince's lyrical style in 3121 employs characteristic and to layer meanings, often using metaphors to symbolize emotional and physical exertion. In "Black Sweat," the repeated refrain "Working, working up a black sweat" serves as a for seductive labor and , with lines like "I don't want to take my clothes off, but I do" heightening the tension of desire. This playful ambiguity contrasts with more direct expressions elsewhere, enhancing the album's sensual undercurrents. Across its 12 tracks, 3121 balances energetic party anthems with introspective , delivered through Prince's versatile from whispers to commanding shouts. Upbeat numbers like "Fury" channel raw emotion into a driving call for release, evoking scorned passion in a high-energy format, while the "" offers contemplative wisdom, pondering love's boundless nature with lyrics such as "Love is like the sky, you know it never stops." This variety underscores the album's thematic depth, merging celebration and reflection in Prince's multifaceted artistic voice.

Release and promotion

Singles

The lead single from 3121, "Te Amo Corazón", was released as a digital download on December 13, 2005, through Prince's NPG Music Club, with a CD version following on December 20, 2005, and a CD/DVD edition on February 14, 2006. The track features lyrics primarily in Spanish, blending Latin rhythms with Prince's signature , and was accompanied by a directed by starring actress Mia Maestro. It peaked at number 67 on the chart, spending 12 weeks there, though it did not enter the ; internationally, it reached number 2 in and number 7 in . "Black Sweat" served as the second single, debuting as a digital download on February 21, 2006, with physical retail releases in the UK on March 7 and in the US on March 27. The song, a gritty funk track produced and performed entirely by Prince, marked his highest Hot 100 debut in years at number 60, while topping the Hot Singles Sales chart for seven weeks and reaching number 82 on the chart. Its , directed by and featuring Prince in a mock recording session, was nominated for Best Cinematography at the . The single's B-side, "Beautiful, Loved and Blessed", further highlighted its promotional role ahead of the album's launch. The third and final single, "Fury", received a limited European release on May 22, 2006 (CD and 12-inch formats), with the following on May 29; a digital version appeared later in June. This rock-funk fusion track, characterized by aggressive guitar riffs and synth elements, debuted live on on February 4, 2006, and the single included a live medley with "Te Amo Corazón" from the 2006 . It achieved modest chart success, peaking at number 60 on the UK Singles Chart, number 72 in the , and number 92 in . As a promotional release, "Beautiful, Loved and Blessed" (featuring Támar) was issued on February 7, 2006, as a digital single under Támar's name with Prince, emphasizing their collaborative dynamics in a soulful, uplifting R&B style. The track later appeared on 3121 and as the B-side to "Black Sweat", underscoring Prince's of Támar and the song's role in building anticipation through shared vocal interplay.

and distribution

The album 3121 was released under a one-album deal with , with distribution handled by Prince's own imprint, on March 21, 2006—a date intentionally aligned with the album's title as "3/21". Pre-release promotion built anticipation through announcements and early access opportunities via the NPG Music Club, Prince's subscription-based fan service, alongside exclusive parties hosted at his rented residence at 3121 Antelo Road, which inspired the album's theme. Initial physical pressings featured a promotional offering entry into the "Purple Ticket" , where buyers could win VIP attendance to a private performance at the 3121 house on May 6, 2006, limited to seven U.S. winners and a smaller number internationally. The international rollout began in on March 20, 2006, followed by the U.S. release the next day, with further global distribution in markets including , , and . This timing coincided with promotional tie-ins to Prince's 2006–2007 concert activities, including the Per4ming Live 3121 residency at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in from November 2006 to April 2007, where performances heavily featured material from the album. Single releases such as "Te Amo Corazón" and " Sweat" served as key promotional tools leading into the launch. The physical packaging utilized a digipak format with a 28-page booklet containing and credits, featuring bold, embroidered-style artwork emphasizing the "3121" motif. Digital versions became available later through platforms like , expanding accessibility beyond the initial CD, cassette, and vinyl editions.

Commercial performance

Chart positions

3121 debuted at number one on the US for the week ending April 8, 2006, selling 183,000 copies in its first week and marking Prince's first chart-topping debut on the ranking. The album held the top position for one week before spending a total of 16 weeks on the chart. Internationally, 3121 performed solidly, reaching the top spot in while entering the top five in several European markets. It peaked at number three in the and number four in , with top-ten placements in , , and the . The album's chart run was shorter than that of Prince's previous release, , which spent 42 weeks on the after peaking at number three, though 3121 demonstrated a stronger initial surge.
Chart (2006)Peak PositionWeeks on Chart
US Billboard 200116
Canada (Billboard)91
Albums (OCC)94
(SNEP)812
(Official German Charts)412
(FIMI)1011
(MegaCharts)318
(Schweizer Hitparade)113
(Ö3 Austria Top 40)153
Australia (ARIA)184

Sales and certifications

3121 achieved gold certification from the (RIAA) in the United States on June 26, 2006, for shipments of 500,000 units. This marked Prince's final album to receive an RIAA certification during his lifetime, reflecting solid initial commercial success driven by its chart-topping debut. In the , the (BPI) awarded the album silver certification on July 22, 2013, for 60,000 units shipped. Switzerland's International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) certified 3121 gold in 2006, recognizing sales of 15,000 copies. These certifications highlight the album's performance in key international markets, though it did not attain platinum status anywhere. Global certified sales for 3121 exceeded 575,000 copies based on figures from the RIAA, BPI, and IFPI . Nielsen SoundScan data and IFPI reports through 2007 estimate total worldwide surpassing 1 million units, though the album experienced declining after its debut due to the growing impact of digital piracy and limited follow-up singles.

Reception and legacy

Critical reviews

Upon its release, 3121 received generally favorable reviews from critics, earning a Metacritic aggregate score of 69 out of 100 based on 31 reviews, though opinions were mixed regarding its consistency and innovation. Positive assessments highlighted the album's return to Prince's funky roots and energetic performances. Rolling Stone awarded it 4 out of 5 stars, praising its "wicked" beats and sensual vibe as a strong follow-up to Musicology. AllMusic gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars, commending the high energy on tracks like "Black Sweat," which captured Prince's signature blend of funk and pop with renewed vigor. Critics also noted shortcomings, particularly in pacing and originality. Entertainment Weekly assigned a C+ grade, describing the album as formulaic and less inspired than Prince's earlier work, with several tracks feeling tired and self-indulgent. Pitchfork rated it 6.0 out of 10, critiquing its uneven structure and reliance on dated '80s-sounding production that lacked the boldness of Prince's peak era. In retrospective analyses, 3121 has been viewed more favorably as a solid entry in Prince's late-career output during the 2000s, showcasing his continued mastery of sensual themes and groove-oriented songcraft amid a variable period of releases.

Cultural impact

The release of 3121 in 2006 marked a pivotal revival in Prince's commercial relevance during the mid-2000s, following the success of Musicology and reestablishing his chart dominance after a period of label disputes and uneven output in the 1990s and early 2000s. It showcased a return to vibrant, accessible funk and R&B that resonated with audiences, blending spontaneous jamming sessions with polished production. This momentum directly bridged to Prince's landmark Super Bowl XLI halftime performance in February 2007, where he delivered a rain-soaked rendition of classics amid his ongoing 3121 Tour, a Las Vegas residency at the Rio Hotel from late 2006 to early 2007 that featured aftershows and solidified his live draw as a cultural force. Among fans and retrospective analyses, 3121 is frequently ranked in the mid-tier of Prince's extensive discography, appreciated for its playful pop-funk accessibility and energetic singles like "Black Sweat," which evoked his innovative sensual style, though some critiques note occasional bloat in its tracklist compared to his more concise classics. Publications such as The Guardian place it 18th out of 37 albums, highlighting its likeable vibe and standout tracks, while SPIN ranks it 11th out of 38, crediting its commercial peak as a testament to Prince's enduring appeal despite not matching the innovation of his 1980s peak. The album's sensual funk elements, particularly in tracks emphasizing groove and intimacy, have influenced artists, with citing Prince's blend of sensuality and funk as a core inspiration for his own atmospheric soundscapes and falsetto-driven narratives. As Prince's final major-label album to top the before shifting to independent releases via his website and —such as the free newspaper giveaway of Planet Earth in 2007 and subsequent self-distributed projects—3121 holds a transitional legacy, with vinyl reissues in 2019 and remastered editions in 2025 underscoring its growing cult status among collectors and reevaluators of his later work.

References

  1. https://discography.prince.com/albums/3121
  2. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/princes-15-best-post-eighties-deep-cuts-31435/
  3. https://www.allmusic.com/album/3121-mw0000351494
  4. https://www.discogs.com/master/22438-Prince-3121
  5. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/25-essential-prince-songs-72097/
  6. https://ultimateprince.com/prince-3121-track-by-track/
  7. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/princes-3121-tops-the-chart-102051/
  8. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/prince-nets-first-no-1-album-debut-with-3121-58930/
  9. https://goldiesparade.co.uk/discography/albums/prince-3121/
  10. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/prince-gets-what-he-wants-with-universal-deal-60353/
  11. https://goldiesparade.co.uk/discography/albums/musicology/
  12. https://princevault.com/index.php?title=Location:_3121_Antelo_Road
  13. https://people.com/celebrity/princes-wife-manuela-filed-for-divorce/
  14. https://princevault.com/index.php/Album:_3121
  15. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2006/03/22/princes-3121-some-funky-little-numbers/50530f27-fa91-42a2-9c37-85dda253d1d1/
  16. https://ultimateprince.com/prince-3121-album/
  17. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/princes-unheard-music-inside-the-paisley-park-vault-195485/
  18. https://www.discogs.com/release/1629192-Prince-3121
  19. https://princevault.com/index.php/Black_Sweat
  20. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/mar/17/popandrock.shopping4
  21. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/6481-3121/
  22. https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/prince-3121/
  23. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/mar/19/popandrock3
  24. https://genius.com/Prince-beautiful-loved-and-blessed-lyrics
  25. https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/worcester/2006/04/09/in-3121-prince-puts-it/53110671007/
  26. https://genius.com/Prince-black-sweat-lyrics
  27. https://genius.com/Prince-love-lyrics
  28. https://princevault.com/index.php/Single:_Te_Amo_Coraz%C3%B3n
  29. https://princevault.com/index.php/Video:_Te_Amo_Coraz%C3%B3n
  30. https://princevault.com/index.php/Single:_Black_Sweat
  31. https://princevault.com/index.php/Billboard_Hot_100_Chart
  32. https://princevault.com/index.php/Video:_Black_Sweat
  33. https://princevault.com/index.php/Single:_Fury
  34. https://princevault.com/index.php/Fury
  35. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/prince-fury/
  36. https://princeonlinemuseum.com/timeline/3121-com/
  37. https://goldiesparade.co.uk/prince-tours/club-3121/
  38. https://music.apple.com/us/album/3121/1421415958
  39. https://hitparade.ch/album/Prince/3121-31624
  40. https://italiancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Prince&titel=3121&cat=a
  41. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/prince-3121/
  42. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Prince&ti=3121#search_section
  43. https://bestsellingalbums.org/album/36866
  44. https://prince.org/msg/7/195233
  45. https://www.ukmix.org/forum/chart-discussion/artist-chart-analysis/36487-prince-charts-sales-history
  46. https://www.metacritic.com/music/3121/prince
  47. http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Music/03/21/ew.mus.prince/
  48. https://albumism.com/features/prince-3121-turns-15-anniversary-retrospective
  49. https://ultimateprince.com/prince-super-bowl-halftime-show/
  50. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/apr/22/prince-every-album-rated-and-ranked
  51. https://www.spin.com/2022/10/best-prince-albums/
  52. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-weeknd-talks-david-bowie-prince-influences-on-new-album-122216/
  53. https://www.billboard.com/pro/prince-number-1-and-2-on-billboard-200-albums-chart-very-best-of-purple-rain-albums/
  54. https://superdeluxeedition.com/news/princes-musicology-3121-and-planet-earth-to-be-reissued-on-purple-vinyl/
  55. https://store.prince.com/products/3121-2-purple-lp
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