The title of Prince’s 2003 instrumental album named after compass points was N.E.W.S.
N.E.W.S. takes its title from the initials of its four tracks: “North,” “East,” “West” and “South.” Each piece lasts exactly 14 minutes, giving the album a deliberately symmetrical design and a total running time of about 56 minutes. It was released by Prince’s NPG Records in 2003.
The album was recorded at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, Minnesota, on 6 February 2003. Prince performed guitar, Fender Rhodes, digital keyboards and percussion with drummer John Blackwell, keyboardist Renato Neto, bassist Rhonda Smith and saxophonist Eric Leeds. The music is largely instrumental and exploratory, reflecting Prince’s interest in jazz-influenced ensemble playing and extended improvisation.
N.E.W.S. initially reached fans through the NPG Music Club, Prince’s subscription-based online service, before receiving a physical CD release later that year. It was nominated for the 2004 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, although it did not win. It is often confused with Xpectation, another instrumental Prince release from 2003, or C-Note, a later live album.