The Truth is the 21st full-length studio album by Prince, the fourth to be credited to . It was the first to be labeled an 'acoustic' album. The album was only available for purchase with the album Crystal Ball, and so was shipped to customers who had pre-ordered Crystal Ball in January, 1998 (14 months after the release of his previous album, Emancipation), with a retail release (again as part of the Crystal Ball package) following the next month.
Recording process
The album was recorded during a set of sessions in late 1996 at Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, MN, USA, following the completion of Emancipation. The album was originally planned for release by EMI Records in 1997, following the release of Emancipation, but the release was cancelled with the record label's demise.
In May, 1997, Love4oneanother.com announced that the album would receive an independent limited edition cassette release, but this release was cancelled also. Following its release as part of the Crystal Ball package, Love4oneanother.com announced in 1998 that The Truth would be re-released as a widespread retail release in 2000. It is unclear if this was ever seriously pursued.
Although the album is billed as "acoustic", the album contains several electronic instruments, samples, distortions and sound effects. It does largely focus on an acoustic sound, however.
Promotion
The album produced one limited-release single, The Truth, which preceded the album by almost a full year. did not tour to support the album.
As part of the Crystal Ball package, the album reached number 62 on The Billboard 200, and number 59 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums Chart. The album was not sold separately, however, so could not chart separately.
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