When an artist like Prince - hugely talented but prone to eccentricity and self-indulgence - it's hard not to feel a faint sense of dread with the arrival of a new album. Has he finally lost his mojo, wandered down a path of obscurity into a wilderness where only the most diehard fan dare follow? Happily, our fears prove unfounded - this time, at least - because 3121 shows Prince still very much in touch with the mainstream and more than capable of penning a solid, consistent record.

There's the usual mix of sexy slow-tempo balladry like Latin jazz number Te Amo Corazón, R&B flavoured duet Incense And Candles (featuring Támar) and the slightly syrupy The Dance with more upbeat, funky material, and the latter is where the man really gets into his stride. Black Sweat is classic Prince - clipped falsetto funk with tension-building stabs of undulating synth bass and a highly infectious rhythm section. Elsewhere there are heavy nods towards some of his influences, too - Fury immediately brings to mind Jimi Hendrix, showcasing Prince's incendiary guitar skills, whilst Get On The Boat is pure James Brown homage, even featuring saxophonist Maceo Parker, who spent many a year playing for Brown.

For sure, this isn't a patch on the masterpieces which litter Prince's early career, but on 3121 the man's talent for applying his own signature sound to a variety of genres remains indisputable. A solid piece of work.