HITnRUN Phase Two

Prince’s 39th studio album would, unfortunately, turn out to be his last. The circumstances lend HITNRUN Phase Two an air of gravitas—even if it doesn’t have the massive pop appeal of some of his earlier work. “If there ain’t no justice then there ain’t no peace,” he cries on the gently political (and gorgeously melodic) opener “Baltimore,” setting an impassioned tone that gives depth to some of Prince’s warmest songwriting. There’s mischief here, too, especially with the playfully scandalous fun of “Xtralovable.”