Introduction
By 1991, Prince had already cemented his status as a musical icon. With over a decade of chart-topping albums and hits under his belt, Prince had blurred the lines between pop, R&B, rock and funk. He was coming off the massive success of Purple Rain and subsequent albums like Parade and Sign O’ The Times. Now entering the 90s, Prince was looking to continue pushing boundaries.
Diamonds and Pearls would mark Prince’s 13th studio album, showcasing a new musical direction for the artist. While still anchored in his signature funk and soul foundation, the album incorporated more mainstream pop and hip-hop influences. As the follow up to the more rock-oriented Graffiti Bridge soundtrack, Diamonds and Pearls represented an intentional shift for Prince. The glossy production and inclusion of hip-hop elements made it both a continuation and evolution of his eclectic musical identity.
The Making of "Diamonds and Pearls"
Prince had a clear creative vision and innovative goals when crafting "Diamonds and Pearls." He wanted to blend his signature funk and R&B roots with the latest trends in hip-hop and new jack swing. Prince collaborated closely with his backing band New Power Generation to shape the album’s eclectic, cutting-edge sound. He brought in a diverse team of writers, producers and musicians to collaborate on the album.
Key among them was vocalist Rosie Gaines, whose soulful harmonies and vocal arrangements contributed greatly to the record. Prince also worked extensively with New Power Generation members like drummer Michael Bland, giving the album a bold, contemporary rhythm section. While staying true to his musical identity, Prince drew inspiration from current hip-hop and R&B acts like Public Enemy, 2Pac and Bell Biv DeVoe. This allowed him to craft an album both fresh and familiar. With its seamless fusion of old school funk and modern urban music, "Diamonds and Pearls" showcased Prince as an innovator who could continue adapting his sound to the changing musical landscape.
Recording Process
Prince recorded Diamonds and Pearls over a five month period from March to July 1991, primarily at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, Minnesota. This was Prince’s personal state-of-the-art recording complex that allowed him complete creative control over the recording process.
The album was largely self-produced by Prince, who took a hands-on approach to writing, arranging and recording the material. He was known for his tireless work ethic, often spending marathon sessions in the studio. Prince played the majority of the instruments himself, including guitar, bass, keyboards and drums. He also handled all the lead vocals, backing vocals and vocal arrangements.
Prince collaborated closely with his backing band, The New Power Generation, who contributed to some of the instrumentation and co-wrote a few tracks. The recording sessions were engineered by David Leonard and Michael Koppelman, two of Prince’s longtime collaborators.
The album was mixed by Michael Koppelman to achieve Prince’s signature lush, layered production style. Koppelman used the latest SSL mixing desks to polish Prince’s raw tracks into glossy, finished productions with intricate arrangements.
Overall, the dedicated recording process allowed Prince to fully realize his creative vision for Diamonds and Pearls, resulting in a polished and cohesive album.
Music and Lyrics
Prince’s songwriting and musicianship are on full display throughout "Diamonds and Pearls", showcasing his ability to blend genres and convey compelling themes through his lyrics. The album explores romance, sexuality, social commentary and spirituality across its 13 tracks.
The sensual lead single "Cream" features highly suggestive lyrics layered over funky guitar licks and horns. Prince paints vivid scenes of passion and temptation with lines like "You’re filthy cute and baby you know it / C’mon baby let me show it / Let me show you baby I’m a talented boy". The track became Prince’s fifth number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
"Diamonds and Pearls" delivers a more romantic vibe as the title track and second single. Prince’s falsetto vocals shine as he sings promises of eternal love and commitment to his lover. The chorus "If I gave you diamonds and pearls / Would you be a happy boy or a girl / If I could I would give you the world / But all I can do is just offer you my love" encapsulates the album’s central theme.
One of the most poignant tracks is "Money Don’t Matter 2 Night", a piano ballad tackling social justice and greed. Prince urges compassion through lyrics like "Don’t let money change you baby / It’s good to have but not to love". The sparse arrangement lets his powerful vocals take center stage.
Overall, Prince deftly blended genres while crafting thought-provoking lyrics encompassing romance, sexuality, spirituality, and social commentary on "Diamonds and Pearls". His songwriting genius shines across upbeat funk numbers and heartfelt ballads alike.
Critical Reception
Upon release in 1991, Diamonds and Pearls received generally positive reviews from music critics. Many praised the album’s blend of Prince’s funk and R&B roots with modern hip-hop and new jack swing influences.
Rolling Stone applauded the album as "Prince’s most consistently catchy music in years." They highlighted tracks like "Cream" and "Gett Off" as "lethal funk grooves." Other reviews focused on the album’s pop appeal, with Entertainment Weekly stating it "could be Prince’s biggest record ever."
Retrospectively, Diamonds and Pearls is considered one of Prince’s strongest albums of the 1990s and a standout from his later career. Critics have come to appreciate the album’s innovative fusion of styles. AllMusic declared it "one of his finest albums ever." Slant Magazine wrote a glowing retrospective review, stating "Diamonds and Pearls captures Prince at his most musically ambitious."
Many reviews also focused on the album’s themes of romance and female empowerment. Pitchfork highlighted Prince’s lyrics portraying "women as subjects of complexity and desire." Overall, Diamonds and Pearls is now recognized as an influential R&B album that pushed boundaries.
Chart Performance
Diamonds and Pearls was a major commercial success upon its release in October 1991. It debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200 album chart, selling over 3 million copies in the US. The album was certified 3x platinum by the RIAA just a few months after its release. Internationally, Diamonds and Pearls reached number 1 in Australia and charted in the top 10 in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland.
The album’s title track and lead single "Diamonds and Pearls" was also a huge hit. It reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts, giving Prince his fifth chart-topping single in the US. The song also reached the top 10 in the UK and top 20 in Australia. Follow-up singles "Cream" and "Gett Off" were also top 10 hits on the Hot 100.
Diamonds and Pearls spent 78 weeks on the Billboard 200, an impressive chart run that reflected the album’s sustained popularity. 30 years later, the album’s chart achievements and multi-platinum sales totals cement its status as one of Prince’s most commercially successful releases.
The Title Track and Lead Single
"Diamonds and Pearls" served as the lead single and title track for Prince’s 13th studio album. Released ahead of the album in August 1991, the funky R&B/pop track exemplified Prince’s hybrid sound that fused together elements of hip-hop, new jack swing, and his classic Minneapolis funk roots.
The song’s lyrics use jewelry as a metaphor for a romantic relationship, with Prince singing about giving his lover "diamonds and pearls" over a slick, danceable beat. The track is elevated by the soulful featured vocals from Rosie Gaines, who sings the chorus and bridge. Her raspy harmonies play off of Prince’s smoother falsetto to create an infectious call-and-response dynamic.
The music video for "Diamonds and Pearls" incorporated Egyptian themes into the visuals. Prince appears adorned in jewelry and Egyptian-inspired costumes while romancing a femme fatale played by model Damaris Lewis. Intercut with the narrative are shots of Prince and the New Power Generation performing the song. Gaines is also prominently featured, cementing her integral role. The lavish video reinforced the song’s themes of sensuality, luxury, and passion.
"Diamonds and Pearls" became a commercial smash upon its release, further demonstrating Prince’s dominance on the charts in 1991. It reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for two weeks. The single helped build major anticipation for the upcoming Diamonds and Pearls album, priming Prince for even greater success with his next era.
Supporting Tour
Prince heavily toured in support of Diamonds and Pearls, embarking on the eponymous Diamonds and Pearls Tour shortly after the album’s release. Spanning from November 1991 to August 1993, the tour covered five continents across 127 shows.
Prince delivered an electrifying arena spectacle, performing in custom-designed, jewel-encrusted costumes and leading his New Power Generation band through choreographed dance routines. The setlist prominently featured Diamonds and Pearls tracks like "Cream", "Gett Off", and "Money Don’t Matter 2 Night". Fan favorites like "Purple Rain" and "When Doves Cry" were also rotated into the set.
Notable concerts included New Year’s Eve shows in Tokyo and Paris, a massive 135,000-person gig at the Rock in Rio festival, and a swing through Europe hitting major venues like Wembley Arena. Prince often stretched "Diamonds and Pearls" into epic 15-20 minute jams during the tour, showcasing his guitar skills. Other highlights were Rosie Gaines dueting on the title track and Prince dedicating shows to audience signs and song requests.
The tour exemplified Prince’s showmanship and cemented Diamonds and Pearls as an iconic live album.
Legacy
"Diamonds and Pearls" left a lasting impact on music and pop culture in the 1990s and beyond. Prince’s innovative blend of funk, R&B, hip-hop, and New Jack Swing on the album influenced countless artists. The record introduced his new backing band, The New Power Generation, who continued to collaborate with Prince on future projects. Their contributions helped shape his sound during this prolific era.
Many critics and fans consider "Diamonds and Pearls" to be one of Prince’s most accessible albums, without sacrificing his signature style. Songs like the sensual title track and socially conscious "Money Don’t Matter 2 Night" resonated with wider audiences. Prince expanded his artistic reach by embracing modern genres like hip-hop while staying true to his musical roots.
Over the years, "Diamonds and Pearls" has been reappraised by critics and cited by musicians as a standout in Prince’s catalog. In 2021, it was reissued in an expansive Super Deluxe Edition with previously unreleased tracks and remixes. The reissue sparked renewed appreciation for the album and analysis of its production techniques.
Ultimately, "Diamonds and Pearls" exemplifies Prince as a visionary artist who wasn’t afraid to evolve his sound. The album proved his ability to blend musical styles while crafting iconic songs that continue to influence pop, R&B, and hip-hop today. Its lasting power cements its status as a career-defining work.
Conclusion
"Diamonds and Pearls" remains one of the crown jewels in Prince’s legendary catalog. The album captured Prince at a creative peak, showcasing his talent for blending genres and styles into something entirely his own. He took the hip-hop and new jack swing sounds popular in the early 90s and fused it with his signature funk, rock, and R&B influences. The result was an album both of its time and ahead of it.
Prince’s songwriting genius shines through on every track. From the raw emotion of "Thunder" to the joyful optimism of "Cream", he takes listeners on an emotional and musical journey. The title track’s innovative blend of old and new proved Prince could still innovate, while singles like "Gett Off" ranked among his most provocative. Throughout it all, his vocals soar to new heights.
Though his career continued until his tragic death in 2016, "Diamonds and Pearls" captures a pivotal moment. Prince was determined to reclaim the pop charts without compromising his artistry. That he succeeded so masterfully is a testament to his eternal greatness as a musician. For any fan of pop, rock, R&B or hip-hop, "Diamonds and Pearls" remains an essential listen. Thirty years later, Prince’s genius still sparkles.