If you are a hip hop or pop fan and are looking for a good time 'New Power Soul' is for you. The vibe is upbeat and the production is strong. The title cut "New Power Soul" features a driving bass line that makes it hard to keep your ass in your seat. The horn section reflects the R&B and soul influences of Larry Graham and Chaka Khan. The ballad "Until U're In My Arms Again" is well crafted with an almost radio friendly hook. (I believe there is a video on VH1 for this track as the single, but I have heard The Artist mention his lack of interest in having another hit single. Go figure.) The killer on 'New Power Soul' is "Push It Up," a five and a half minute pure party featuring the raspy Lou Rawls-esque vocal stylings of Larry Graham.

While The Artist couldn't help but to hide a tasty bonus cut on track 49, which won't spin until minutes after you have finished the last song, this record is tasty. The performance isn't a 10 like 'Purple Rain,' '1999,' or The Symbol Record, but for a Prince (or Artist) fan this should give your funky fix that you may not have gotten from 'Crystal Ball' or 'Emancipation.'