✦ Glam Slam – Maxi‑Single US: July. 1988

A Lovesexy standout wrapped in clear‑sleeve minimalism and last‑minute second‑guessing

✦ Summary

Glam Slam was released in the United States on July 16, 1988 as the second single from Lovesexy, arriving two months after the album’s release. Continuing the era’s minimalist visual identity, the single appeared in a clear sleeve with a stylised sticker rather than traditional artwork. Its B‑side, Escape (Free Yo Mind From This Rat Race), was previously unreleased and offered a raw, experimental counterpoint to the lush, spiritual textures of the A‑side.

In a rare reversal, Prince attempted to halt the single’s release only days before distribution, believing it was the wrong follow‑up to Alphabet St., but manufacturing was already too far along.

The single did not enter the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking instead at No. 44 on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart, though it performed better in the UK, reaching No. 29. The 12-inch remix — produced with Shep Pettibone — became a favourite among DJs and collectors.

✦ Highlights

• Released July 16, 1988 in the US on Paisley Park/Warner Bros.

• Second single from Lovesexy

• Issued worldwide in a clear sleeve with sticker

• B‑side Escape previously unreleased

• Prince attempted to stop the release at the last minute

• Did not chart on the US Hot 100

• Reached No. 44 on Billboard Hot Black Singles

• UK peak: No. 29

• 12-inch remix runs 8:52 and features Shep Pettibone production

✦ Track Details

US 12-inch Maxi‑Single (0‑21005)

A: Glam Slam (Remix) — 8:52

B: Escape (Free Yo Mind From This Rat Race) — 6:26

UK 12-inch (W7806T)

A: Glam Slam (Remix) — 8:52

B: Escape — 6:26

Germany / Canada 12-inch (921 005‑0)

A: Glam Slam (Remix) — 8:52

B: Escape — 6:26

Australia 12-inch (MX301159‑60)

A: Glam Slam (Remix) — 8:52

B: Escape — 6:26

Label: Paisley Park / Warner Bros. Records

Remix production: Shep Pettibone

Additional remix engineering: Steve Peck

Edits: The Latin Rascals

Original version from Lovesexy (1988)

✦ Chart Performance

United States: No. 44 — Billboard Hot Black Singles (8 weeks)

United States: Did not chart — Billboard Hot 100

United Kingdom: No. 29 — Gallup Singles Chart

✦ Discography

Lovesexy Era Singles:

Alphabet St. — Single: Apr. 1988

Glam Slam — US Maxi‑Single: July 1988

I Wish U Heaven — Single: Sept. 1988

Lovesexy — Album: 1988

✦ Prince Era Mini‑Timeline

Apr. 1988 — Alphabet St. released

May 1988 — Lovesexy album released

July 16, 1988 — Glam Slam US 12-inch released

Sept. 1988 — I Wish U Heaven closes the era

✦ Glam Flashback

Glam Slam is one of the most intriguing singles of the Lovesexy era — a shimmering, ecstatic celebration of spiritual joy wrapped in a minimalist package Prince later regretted releasing. The Shep Pettibone remix gave the track a club‑ready pulse, while Escape offered a gritty, previously unheard B‑side that deepened the single’s appeal. Though it charted modestly, Glam Slam remains a cult favourite and a vivid snapshot of Prince’s 1988 creative whirlwind.

✦ Sources

Prince Vault, Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, Billboard Chart History, Official Charts Company, YouTube