Elisa Fiorillo: "On The Way Up" Single UK (1990)

American singer Elisa Fiorillo released the UK single "On The Way Up" on October 22, 1990, through Chrysalis Records, the lead track from her second studio album I Am. This pop-funk anthem, co-written and influenced by Prince during sessions at his Paisley Park Studios, marked a pivotal moment in Fiorillo’s career, blending her theatrical vocal style with Minneapolis sound elements. Primarily issued as a 7" vinyl single then in a distinctive poster sleeve, the release targeted UK radio and retail audiences, though it achieved modest chart success. Below, explore the background, significance, and details of this UK single, including formats and track listings.

Elisa Fiorillo’s Early Career

Born February 28, 1969, in Philadelphia, Elisa Fiorillo rose to prominence as a teenager, winning the 1985 Star Search talent competition at age 15. Signed to Chrysalis Records in 1987, her self-titled debut album featured the UK Top 50 hit How Can I Forget You (#50 in 1988) and Forgive Me for Dreaming (#83 in 1988). By 1989, Fiorillo contributed backing vocals to Prince’s Batman soundtrack (Partyman remix) and Graffiti Bridge, forging a creative alliance that shaped her sophomore effort. Her robust, R&B-infused voice—honed through Broadway experience in The Three Musketeers—drew comparisons to Sheena Easton, another Prince collaborator.

The I Am Album Era

Released on June 19, 1990, in the US (with UK distribution following), I Am was recorded primarily at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, Minnesota, under producer David Z (Prince’s longtime engineer). Prince co-wrote five tracks, including On The Way Up, and produced one, infusing the album with his signature funk-pop fusion. The 10-track set explored themes of self-empowerment and romance, blending R&B, pop, and jazz-funk. Despite critical praise for Fiorillo’s maturity, I Am underperformed commercially, peaking outside the US Top 100. However, its singles fared better, with On The Way Up as the lead buoying promotion.

The Song On The Way Up

Co-written by Fiorillo, Prince, David Z, and Levi Seacer Jr., On The Way Up is an upbeat funk-pop track clocking in at 4:00 (album version). Lyrically, it celebrates ambition and resilience (“I’m on the way up, nothing can stop me now”), delivered with Fiorillo’s soaring vocals over a groovy bassline, synth hooks, and horn accents—hallmarks of Prince’s production touch. Recorded in early 1990, it exemplifies the album’s Minneapolis sound, with Seacer Jr. on guitar and bass, and David Z on drums and percussion. The single edit (3:43) trimmed intros for radio play.

Chart Performance:

UK: Peaked at #99 on the UK Singles Chart (entered November 17, 1990, one week in the Top 100).

US: #27 on Billboard Hot 100 (its strongest market), #5 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, #1 on Hot Dance Club Songs.

Australia: Top 20 success, aiding international buzz.

The song’s US dance chart dominance highlighted its club appeal, though UK radio was slower to embrace it amid a pop landscape dominated by acts like Madonna and George Michael.

Music Video/Promotion: The video, directed by David Hogan, featured Fiorillo in urban settings with dynamic choreography, emphasizing empowerment themes. It aired on UK channels like The Chart Show, tying into her I Am tour and TV appearances.

Cultural Context

October 1990 fell during a transitional UK pop era, with the charts topped by Vanilla Ice’s Ice Ice Baby and New Kids on the Block. The single positioned her as a Prince protégé, bridging his empire to emerging R&B talent, though it struggled against grunge’s rise and house music’s dominance.

The UK Single Release Formats

7" Vinyl Single

Label: Chrysalis – CHS 3609-1, Chrysalis – 3236097

Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single

A On The Way Up (Power Mix) - 3:54

B On The Way Up (LP Version) - 4:20

Co-producer – Levi Seacer Jr.

Composed By – David Z., Elisa Fiorillo, Levi Seacer Jr., Prince

Producer, Recorded By, Mixed By – David Z.

7" Vinyl Single (Poster Sleeve)

Label: Chrysalis – CHSPB 3609, Chrysalis – CHS 3609, Chrysalis – 3236097

Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Poster Sleeve

A On The Way Up (Power Mix)

Composed By – David Z., Elisa Fiorillo, Levi Seacer Jr., Prince

Producer [Additional Production], Remix – Keith "KC" Cohen* - 3:54

B On The Way Up (LP Version)

Composed By – David Z*, Elisa Fiorillo, Levi Seacer Jr., Prince - 4:20

Co-producer – Levi Seacer Jr.

Producer, Recorded By, Mixed By – David Z.

5" CD Maxi-Single

Label: Chrysalis – CHSCD 3609

Format: CD, Maxi-Single

1 On The Way Up (7" Power Mix) 3:54

2 On The Way Up (II Mix) - 6:14

Remix – David Williams

3 On The Way Up (Jam Mix) -4:55

Remix – David Williams

4 Am I Dub II - 4:54

Co-producer, Written-By – Levi Seacer Jr.

Producer, Recorded By, Mixed By, Written-By – David Z*

Written-By – Elisa Fiorillo, Prince

12" Vinyl Maxi-Single

Label: Chrysalis – CHS 123609

Format: Vinyl, 12", Maxi-Single

A1 On The Way Up (II Mix) Remix – David Williams - 6:16

A2 On The Way Up (7" Power Mix) - 3:54

B1 On The Way Up (Jam Mix) - 4:56 Remix – David Williams

B2 Am I Dub II - 4:45 Co-producer, Written-By – Levi Seacer Jr.

Producer, Recorded By, Mixed By, Written-By – David Z

Written-By – Elisa Fiorillo (tracks: A1, B1, B2), Prince.

Cassette Single

Label: Chrysalis – CHSMC 3609

Format: Cassette, Single

A1 On The Way Up (Power Mix) Remix – Keith Cohen

A2 On The Way Up (LP Version) Co-producer – Levi Seacer Jr.

Producer – David Z.

B1 On The Way Up (Power Mix) Remix – Keith Cohen

B2 On The Way Up (LP Version) Co-producer – Levi Seacer Jr.

Producer – David Z.

Cultural and Musical Significance

Musical Innovation

On The Way Up showcased Fiorillo’s evolution from teen pop to mature R&B, with Prince’s co-writing adding funky urgency and Seacer Jr.’s guitar flair. The track’s blend of jazz-funk grooves and pop hooks anticipated 90s diva anthems, influencing artists like Tevin Campbell. Critics praised its “steamy production” (LA Times), crediting David Z’s crisp mixes.

Fiorillo’s UK Presence

The UK release capitalized on her prior chart entries, but #99 reflected a saturated market. It strengthened her Prince association, leading to tour spots and later NPG backing vocals (2009–2016). Fiorillo later reflected on Prince as a mentor, crediting him for empowering her songwriting.

Broader Context of October 22, 1990

The UK charts featured debuts like Happy Mondays’ Step On (#29 eventual peak), amid Madchester and hip-hop waves. Fiorillo’s single aligned with R&B imports like Janet Jackson’s Black Cat, but struggled against novelty hits.

Collectibility and Modern Availability

Collectibility: The poster sleeve 7" is a fan favorite for its visual appeal, valued at £5–£15. The 12" maxi fetches higher (£10–£25) due to remixes. Original UK pressings are scarcer than US counterparts.

Streaming and Reissues: The album version streams on Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal via I Am (remastered 2020 by Chrysalis). Remixes appear on fan compilations; no official deluxe edition yet.

Physical Media: UK vinyls remain available on Discogs; the poster sleeve enhances display value.

Additional Notes

Prince Connection: Beyond co-writing, Prince played instruments on related tracks, and Fiorillo backed him on Diamonds and Pearls (1991). Their bond endured until his 2016 passing.

Fan Reception: UK fans on forums like prince.org hail it as an “underrated gem,” with 2023 Reddit threads praising its empowerment vibe.

Legacy: On The Way Up solidified Fiorillo’s R&B cred, paving for jazz ventures (e.g., The Dease & Reese Project, 2013) and voice acting (e.g., Metal Gear Solid 3).

Legacy

The UK release of On The Way Up on October 22, 1990, captures Elisa Fiorillo at a creative zenith—empowered by Prince’s orbit yet carving her voice. Though modest in charts, it endures as a funky testament to 90s R&B ambition. Collectors cherish the poster sleeve; fans stream its uplift. For deeper dives, visit princevault.com or elisafiorillo.com.