After releasing about 32 albums, Prince cannot be expected to completely reinvent his sound, but an attempt at something new would have sufficed.

-Prince is back with “Musicology.” He has managed to take his sound out of the ’80s and lodge it snugly in the mid-’90s. Listening to this album could best be described as a trip down memory lane.

Prince’s induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame last year seems to be bringing him back to his roots. Finally letting go of the ridiculous symbol that forced everyone to refer to him as “The Artist (formerly known as Prince),” he is back to just plain Prince.

The album has tracks reminiscent of past hit singles but fails to deliver anything groundbreaking or catchy. It stays afloat on pure nostalgia of Prince’s past triumphs.

Tracks like “Cinnamon Girl” remind listeners exactly why Prince reached his peak of popularity in the ’80s. Prince reverts to the intricate beats and instrumentals that made him shine.

The fourth track, “Life ‘O’ the Party” announces, “So U’re havin’ a party/ Goody 4 U.” Fans of Prince should save $10 and revert to partying like it’s 1999.

That was truly a better year for Prince.