Studio Album · No. 19
New Power Soul Songwriting Credits by Prince
Produced by Prince
Holds writing credit on 5 of 11 tracks
Authorship Breakdown 5 / 11 documented
Scored across the 11 tracks with documented writers, by whether Prince carries a lyricist or composer credit.
Share of the 11 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.
By the Numbers
Newpower Soul was credited to the New Power Generation but is widely regarded as a de facto Prince album, written by Prince and recorded during his 'symbol' era as The Artist. He released it on his independent NPG label and cut it at Paisley Park between 1997 and 1998, with collaborators including bassist Larry Graham and singer Chaka Khan. It was the third and final NPG studio album, reflecting his continued self-authorship away from major labels.
Released May 19, 1998, through NPG Records and distributed by EMI Records, New Power Soul was Prince's first major release since the end of his contentious Warner Bros. contract and represented his renewed creative freedom under independent distribution. Prince wrote all tracks and co-produced the album with Michael 'Kirk' Blinn, recording at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, Minnesota, with the New Power Generation serving as his core band. The twelve-track album draws on funk, R&B, and soul with prominent horn sections from the NPG Hornz adding a brassy, jubilant texture that reflected Prince's celebratory post-contract mood. Reviews were generally positive within the Prince fan community, with AllMusic noting the album's cohesive energy, though it struggled commercially without major label promotional support, peaking at number 22 on the Billboard 200 and number 4 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Prince supported the album with an extensive world tour that drew enthusiastic responses from audiences, cementing the NPG as a formidable live band.
Track Listing & Credits 11 tracks
| # | Title | Lyricist(s) | Composer(s) | Producer(s) | Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Newpower Soul
|
New Power GenerationHornheadz | New Power GenerationHornheadz | Prince Rogers Nelson | Prince (Lead Vocals, Multi-Instrumentalist) |
| 2 |
Mad Sex
|
Prince Rogers NelsonKirk Johnson | New Power GenerationHornheadzDJ Brother Jules | Prince Rogers Nelson | Prince (Lead Vocals, Multi-Instrumentalist) |
| 3 |
Until U're My Arms Again
|
New Power GenerationThe NPG OrchestraClare Fischer | New Power GenerationThe NPG OrchestraClare Fischer | Prince Rogers Nelson | Prince (Lead Vocals, Multi-Instrumentalist) |
| 4 |
When U Love Somebody
|
New Power GenerationPierre BaptisteClark GaytonWayne DuMaine | New Power GenerationPierre BaptisteClark GaytonWayne DuMaine | Prince Rogers Nelson | Prince (Lead Vocals, Multi-Instrumentalist) |
| 5 |
Shoo-Bed-Ouh
|
Prince Rogers Nelson | Prince Rogers Nelson | Prince Rogers Nelson | Prince (Lead Vocals, Multi-Instrumentalist) |
| 6 |
Push It Up
|
Prince Rogers NelsonLarry Graham Jr.Douglas Davis | New Power GenerationLarry GrahamDoug E. FreshMarva KingChaka KhanDJ Brother Jules | Prince Rogers Nelson | Prince (Lead Vocals, Multi-Instrumentalist) |
| 7 |
Freaks On This Side
|
New Power GenerationHornheadzKim Berry | New Power GenerationHornheadzKim Berry | Prince Rogers Nelson | Prince (Lead Vocals, Multi-Instrumentalist) |
| 8 |
Come On
|
New Power GenerationChaka KhanKat Dyson | New Power GenerationChaka KhanKat Dyson | Prince Rogers Nelson | Prince (Lead Vocals, Multi-Instrumentalist) |
| 9 |
The One
|
New Power GenerationClare FischerThe NPG Orchestra | New Power GenerationClare FischerThe NPG Orchestra | Prince Rogers Nelson | Prince (Lead Vocals, Multi-Instrumentalist) |
| 10 |
(Like) Funky Music
|
Prince Rogers NelsonDouglas Davis | New Power GenerationDoug E. Fresh | Prince Rogers Nelson | Prince (Lead Vocals, Multi-Instrumentalist) |
| 11 |
Wasted Kisses
|
Prince Rogers Nelson | Prince Rogers Nelson | Prince Rogers Nelson | Prince (Lead Vocals, Multi-Instrumentalist) |