NOW reconciled with his original record label, Prince is still in search of his songwriting mojo, one of the early casualties in the original falling out (his name was since recovered).

It is something of a mystery how probably the greatest live performer on the planet (as those who attended his Leeds concert this year will testify) fails to recreate that unmistakable magic in the studio. Perhaps he is surrounded by ‘yes men’.

Judged by anyone else’s standards these would be strong records, albeit ones you need to work at – but with Prince the bar and therefore expectations are extremely high. Like middle-class siblings with “original names”, these twin albums differ in most respects.

Plectrumelectrum is the bigger and brasher of the two, the sound of Prince live on the floor with 3RDEYEGIRL. It is full of squalling, wonderful guitar (that fans have long been crying out for), but hopelessly let down by leaden tunes.

The possible exception is Anotherlove, adapted from rising soul star Alice Smith. Imagine the best band you ever heard on songs you forget in a heartbeat. A missed opportunity.

Art Official Age will be more familiar, the slightly wacky but thoughtful twin. It is Prince alone in the studio deploying his trademark precision, soul and funk. Best to ignore the concept and enjoy some truly soulful singing.

Again, top-drawer material is thin on the ground, but persevere and there is more to enjoy here. Funknroll and Time standout, while Breakdown is that rarest of creatures, a great Prince ballad. While Prince may no longer by on the cutting edge of music, these songs still have enough chutzpah to put the fire under newcomers such as Harts (an Australian Prince in waiting).

One of Prince’s first victories was to wrest the producer’s duties for himself. Now the purple emperor desperately needs a foil who won’t fawn in the face of his doe eyes.