Anthology: 1995-2010

During the 16 years this collection covers, Prince churned out near-classics, self-indulgent fan fodder and no fewer than three triple albums. But by placing choice cuts from relatively obscure releases—the fiery Hendrix-indebted MLK tribute “Dreamer” off 2009’s sprawling <i>Lotusflow3r</i>, the straight-up funk workout “Northside” from the NPG Music Club entry <i>The Slaughterhouse</i>, “Muse 2 the Pharaoh” from the experimental <i>The Rainbow Children</i>—alongside highlights from great, if under-celebrated, albums like <i>The Gold Experience</i>, <i>3121</i>, and <i>Planet Earth</i>, <i>Anthology</i> feels revelatory. Prince may have fought hard for the freedom to create without restraint and oversight he enjoyed during this period, but from a fan’s perspective, this thoughtful culling of his output is a godsend.