Prince O(+> (April 1997) Face Down - Promo 12"/CD Single

A fierce Emancipation‑era promo derailed by EMI’s collapse.

RELEASE DETAILS Date: April 1997 Catalogue: SPRO 11698 (12") / DPRO-11698 (CD) Format: 12" Promo Vinyl, CD Promo Single Country: United States / United Kingdom Label: NPG Records / EMI

A-Side: Face Down

THE STORY Released in April 1997 as the third promotional-only single from the album Emancipation, “Face Down” featured exclusive remixes not available on the commercial album. A full commercial single was planned for May 1997, but it was cancelled when EMI shut down the division responsible for the project amid corporate restructuring. As a result, only promo copies were ever produced.

CONTEXT & NOTES This release captures the raw, confrontational energy of the Emancipation era. The 12" promo included two “Money Mix” versions and an a cappella, while the B-side featured the album version of “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” The sudden cancellation of promotional efforts made these promos the only physical formats issued.

TRACK LIST

US/UK 12" Promo (SPRO 11698) Side A

1. Face Down (X-tended Rap Money Mix) – 4:56

2. Face Down (Instrumental Money Mix) – 3:58

Side B

1. I Can’t Make You Love Me (Album Version) – 6:38

2. Face Down (A Cappella) – 2:21

US/UK CD Promo (DPRO-11698)

1. Face Down (Album Version) – 3:16

2. Face Down (X-tended Rap Money Mix) – 4:56

3. Face Down (Instrumental Money Mix) – 3:58

All Variants

• 12" Promo Vinyl (SPRO 11698)

• CD Promo Single (DPRO-11698)

CHART PERFORMANCE Promotional release only — Did not chart.

PERSONNEL

• Prince O(+> – vocals, instruments, production, arrangement

• Recorded and mixed at Paisley Park Studios

PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS

• Standard white NPG Records promo labels with purple symbol logo

• No picture sleeve (typical for promos)

RELATED MATERIAL

• "Betcha by Golly Wow!"

• "The Holy River"

• "NYC"

• Emancipation

SOURCES Prince Vault • Discogs • NPG/EMI promotional records

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.