With ‘Rave,’ the Artist Goes Where He Has Gone Before

“What’s this claim--outtawhat? My dear, I am the touch!” So exclaims the Artist whose mama named him Prince, declaring his triumph over pop trends in the techno-funk manifesto “Undisputed.” Unfortunately, this vastly influential creative force would be more convincing were “Rave” anything more than an echo of the innovator he once was.

The 15 songs on his first new collection released by a major label since 1996’s ‘Emancipation” are intricately conceived and impeccably crafted, as usual blending a dizzying array of styles into percussive funk-pop, heartache ballads and slick rock numbers. Aside from barely noticeable guest turns by the likes of Ani DiFranco, Chuck D, Gwen Stefani and Sheryl Crow (whose “Everyday Is a Winding Road” becomes a sprawling, sparkling millennial anthem), the Artist plays almost all the instruments, provides almost all the richly layered vocals, and also produces the album, under the name Prince, no less.

The music suffers from this one-made mode, often sounding sterile and even forced, as if the Artist were trying to fit into a space he’s outgrown. Lush, upbeat tunes often ring hollow, with such stripped-down ballads as “Tangerine” proving most affecting. But if betrayal and loss sound more authentic, the Artist’s sexy sense of humor remains intact, fostering the witty, narcissistic funk of the standout “Prettyman.”

Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent). The albums are already released unless otherwise noted.