✦ Face Down - Single: April 1997

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

— SUMMARY

“Face Down” was released in April 1997 as the third promotional‑only single from Emancipation, Prince’s 19th album and the third credited to 0(+>. Issued in the USA and UK only, the promo arrived five months after the album’s release and featured three exclusive remixes unavailable elsewhere.

A full commercial single was planned for May 1997, but the division of EMI responsible for promoting Emancipation was abruptly shut down during a corporate restructuring. As a result, all promotional activity ceased and the commercial release was cancelled — leaving the promo editions as the only physical formats ever issued.

The 12" promo included two “Money Mix” versions and an a cappella, while the B‑side unexpectedly featured the album version of “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” The CD promo offered a more compact three‑track configuration. None of the mixes charted, as the release was strictly promotional.

— HIGHLIGHTS

• Third promotional single from Emancipation

• Released April 1997 (USA/UK only)

• No commercial release — cancelled due to EMI restructuring

• Includes three exclusive mixes of “Face Down”

• 12" promo includes “I Can’t Make You Love Me” (Album Version)

• CD promo includes Album Version + two Money Mixes

• Produced, arranged, composed, and performed by at Paisley Park Studios

— TRACKLISTING

12" Promo — US/UK: SPRO 11698

A1. Face Down (X‑tended Rap Money Mix) – 4:56

A2. Face Down (Instrumental Money Mix) – 3:58

B1. I Can’t Make You Love Me (Album Version) – 6:38

B2. Face Down (A Cappella) – 2:21

CD Promo — US/UK: DPRO‑11698

Face Down (Album Version) – 3:16

Face Down (X‑tended Rap Money Mix) – 4:56

Face Down (Instrumental Money Mix) – 3:58

— CHART PERFORMANCE

Promotional release only — did not chart

— SOURCES

NPG/EMI promotional documentation

US and UK DJ/radio distribution records

Discogs catalogue references

Prince Vault