Originally intended for an anonymous 1987 release, The Black Album was withdrawn by Prince at the last moment after what he described as a spiritual awakening. Its destruction created the most infamous bootleg in pop history, finally resurfacing in 1994 as a limited, title‑less, artist‑less official release.

“Sign o’ the Times” was released on February 18, 1987 as the lead single from Prince’s landmark album of the same name. Originally intended for the cancelled Dream Factory and Crystal Ball projects, the track was constructed almost entirely on the Fairlight CMI, with Prince performing all vocals and instruments.