Prince (December 6, 1993) Controversy - Single UK
- Escape
- Dec 6, 1993
- 2 min read
A Hits‑era revival that turned a 1981 classic into a Top 5 UK smash.
RELEASE DETAILS
Date: December 6, 1993 Catalogue: W0215 (7"/Cassette), W0215CD1 / W0215CD2 (CD), SAM 1278 (12" Promo)
Format: 7" Single, Cassette Single, CD Single (2 editions), 12" Promo, 7" Picture Disc
Country: United Kingdom
Label: Warner Bros. / Paisley Park Album: The Hits 1 / The Hits / The B-Sides (1993)
A-Side: Controversy (Edit)
THE STORY Released on December 6, 1993 in the UK, this reissue of the 1981 classic Controversy was issued to promote The Hits 1, The Hits 2, and The Hits / The B-Sides box set. It paired the classic edit with a strong selection of deep cuts and remixes not heavily featured on the compilations, creating an appealing package for both new and longtime fans.
CONTEXT & NOTES
This UK-exclusive release capitalized on the momentum of the Hits compilations. The curated B-sides highlighted tracks from various eras, helping the single reach No. 5 on the UK Gallup Singles Chart — one of Prince’s strongest UK performances of the early 1990s. Multiple formats were issued, including two distinct CD editions and a 7" picture disc.
TRACK LIST
7" Single / Cassette Single (W0215 / W0215C)
A. Controversy (Edit) — 3:35
B. The Future (Remix) — 6:25
CD Single – Edition 1 (W0215CD1)
Controversy (Edit) — 3:35
The Future (Remix) — 6:25
Glam Slam — 5:04
D.M.S.R. — 8:15
CD Single – Edition 2 (W0215CD2)
Controversy (Edit) — 3:35
Anotherloverholenyohead — 3:58
Paisley Park — 4:41
New Power Generation (Part II) — 2:57
12" Promo (SAM 1278) A. Controversy (Edit) — 3:35 B. D.M.S.R. — 8:15
7" Picture Disc Same tracklist as standard 7" Single
CHART PERFORMANCE UK Singles Chart: Peak No. 5
PERSONNEL
Prince – vocals, instruments, production, arrangement (original 1981 tracks)
Additional production/remixing on select tracks
PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS
Front sleeve: Striking close-up portrait collage with bold “CONTROVERSY” typography
Back sleeve: Detailed track credits and imagery
Picture disc features live performance shots
WHAT THE LABEL / SLEEVE SHOWS
Multi-panel artwork with intense close-up portraits, live performance shots, and full track credits across the various editions.
RELATED MATERIAL
Prince (April 1994) Pope - Promo Single UK/Spain
Prince (February 9, 1994) The Most Beautiful Girl in the World - Single US
Nona Gaye & Prince (1994) Love Sign - Promo Single
SOURCES Prince Vault • Discogs • Official Charts Company
COPYRIGHT NOTICE All single artwork, photographs, logos, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.
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