✦ Eye Hate U – Single: Sept. 1995

A seductive, soul‑funk confessional marking a pivotal moment in the Gold Experience era

✦ Summary

Eye Hate U was released in the UK and Europe in September 1995 as a 12-inch and CD maxi‑single on Warner Bros./NPG Records, credited to 0(+>. As the second commercial single from The Gold Experience, it showcased Prince’s symbol‑era blend of sensuality, vulnerability, and courtroom‑drama storytelling.

Co‑produced and arranged with longtime collaborator Ricky Peterson, the track appeared in multiple versions including the Extended Remix, Album Version, Quiet Night Mix (featuring Eric Leeds on saxophone), and several edits. The single peaked at No. 20 on the UK Gallup Singles Chart, remaining for three weeks, and was issued across vinyl, CD, and cassette formats with regional variations in Australia, Canada, and the US.

✦ Highlights

• Released September 1995 in UK & Europe on Warner Bros./NPG Records

• Second commercial single from The Gold Experience

• Multiple mixes including Extended Remix, Album Version, Quiet Night Mix, and edits

• Co‑production and keyboard arrangement by Ricky Peterson

• Peaked at No. 20 on the UK Gallup Singles Chart (3 weeks)

• Issued in 12-inch, CD maxi, CD promo, and cassette formats

• US editions released under the alternate title The Hate Experience

✦ Track Details

12-inch Maxi-Single (9362 43573-0 / WO315T)

A1: Eye Hate U (Extended Remix) — 6:17

B1: Eye Hate U (Album Version) — 5:58

B2: Eye Hate U (Quiet Night Mix by Eric Leeds) — 3:55

CD Maxi-Single (9362 43574-2 / WO315CD)

• Eye Hate U (7" Edit w/o Guitar) — 3:50

• Eye Hate U (Album Edit) — 4:26

• Eye Hate U (Quiet Night Mix) — 3:55

• Eye Hate U (Extended Remix) — 6:17

• Eye Hate U (Album Version) — 5:58

Cassette Single (W0315C / 54391 7752-4)

Side A: 7" Edit w/o Guitar / Album Version

Side B: Same sequence

Label: Warner Bros. / NPG Records

Published by Controversy Music / WB Music Corp

Producers: 0(+> and The New Power Generation

Co‑Producer/Keyboards/Arrangement: Ricky Peterson

Saxophone (Quiet Night Mix): Eric Leeds

CD, Maxi-Single, FLP Case

Warner Bros. Records – 9 43592-2, NPG Records – 2-43592

US

✦ Chart Performance

United Kingdom: No. 20 (3 weeks, Gallup Singles Chart)

Belgium (Flanders): No. 43 (2 weeks)

Germany: No. 62 (9 weeks)

Netherlands: No. 20 (3 weeks)

✦ Discography Sidebar

The Gold Experience Era Singles:

The Most Beautiful Girl in the World — Single: 1994

Eye Hate U — Single: Sept. 1995

Gold — Single: 1995

I Hate U (The Hate Experience) — US Maxi: 1995

The Gold Experience — Album: 1995

✦ Prince Era Mini‑Timeline

1994 — The Most Beautiful Girl in the World becomes a global hit

Sept. 1995 — Eye Hate U released as a maxi‑single

1995 — The Gold Experience reaches No. 4 in the UK

1996 — Emancipation era begins

✦ Glam Flashback

Eye Hate U is one of the most emotionally charged singles of the symbol era — a slow‑burn confession wrapped in courtroom theatrics, heartbreak, and seductive funk. Its remixes, Eric Leeds’ smoky saxophone, and the striking marionette‑themed artwork made it a defining moment of The Gold Experience. A symbolic pivot in Prince’s ’90s catalogue, it remains a fan‑favourite for its raw honesty and immaculate production.

✦ Sources

Prince Vault, Discogs, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History, YouTube

Streams on Spotify via The Gold Experience reissues preserve the analog ache. This release is a must-have for Prince fans and ‘90s R&B collectors.

Do you have Eye Hate You in your collection? Does the hate love you back? Share in the comments!