Prince released “Controversy” as a single in the Netherlands on November 4, 1981, backed with “When You Were Mine”. It was issued in both 7" and 12" formats, along with a special Christmas promo edition. Netherlands 7" Commercial Single (WB 17.866) RRELEASE DETAILS Artist: Prince Label: Warner Bros. Records Format: 7" / 12" Vinyl Single Country: Netherlands (Benelux) Released: November 4, 1981 Genre: Funk, Rock, Minneapolis Sound A-Side: “Controversy” Written by: Prince Produ

Prince released “Controversy” as a single in France in November 1981, backed with “When You Were Mine”. It was issued in a picture sleeve 7" commercial version and a 12" promotional single with the same track on both sides. France 7" Commercial Single (17 866) RELEASE DETAILS Artist: Prince Label: Warner Bros. Records Format: 7" / 12" Vinyl Single Country: France Released: November 1981 Genre: Funk, Rock, Minneapolis Sound A-Side: “Controversy” Written by: Prince Produced by

Prince released “Controversy” as the lead single from his album of the same name on October 9, 1981 in the UK, backed with “When You Were Mine”. The song became a major dance hit, topping the Billboard Disco chart for six weeks in the US. RELEASE DETAILS Artist: Prince Label: Warner Bros. Records Format: 7" / 12" Vinyl Single Country: United Kingdom Released: October 9, 1981 Genre: Funk, Rock, Minneapolis Sound A-Side: “Controversy” Written by: Prince Produced by: Prince B-Si

7" - USA - WBS49808 Controversy (3:39) Controversy served as the lead single from Prince’s fourth studio album of the same name. Issued six weeks before the album’s release, it marked the beginning of a new era in his early‑1980s output, blending political commentary, personal myth‑making, and Minneapolis funk. The B‑side, When You Were Mine, originated from the previous album Dirty Mind, creating a bridge between the raw, punk‑funk aesthetic of 1980 and the more expansive, s