✦ Gold - Single US: Nov.1995

A soaring power‑ballad statement from The Gold Experience era

— SUMMARY

“Gold” was released on 30 November 1995 as the second commercial single from The Gold Experience, the first album credited to the symbol. Arriving two months after the album, the single received a worldwide release and was positioned as the emotional centrepiece of the project — a grand, uplifting ballad often compared to earlier anthems like “Purple Rain.”

The B‑side, “Rock ‘N’ Roll Is Alive! (And It Lives In Minneapolis),” was previously unreleased and generated notable press attention. Prince wrote and recorded it quickly as a direct response to Lenny Kravitz’s hit “Rock and Roll Is Dead,” reclaiming the genre’s vitality and tying it back to his hometown.

Commercially, the single underperformed in the US, peaking at No. 88 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 92 on the R&B chart. In the UK, however, it became a Top 10 hit, reaching No. 10 on the Gallup Singles Chart. Promo‑only 12" editions — including a translucent gold vinyl pressing — have since become highly collectible.

— HIGHLIGHTS

• Second commercial single from The Gold Experience

• Released 30 November 1995 (US)

• First album credited to the symbol

• B‑side “Rock ‘N’ Roll Is Alive!” written in response to Lenny Kravitz

• Underperformed in the US but reached UK Top 10

• Promo 12" issued on translucent gold vinyl

• Multiple radio edits and alternate mixes released on CD promo

• One of Prince’s most ambitious 1990s ballads

— TRACKLISTING

7" Single — US: 7‑17715

A. Gold (Edit) – 4:43

B. Rock ‘N’ Roll Is Alive! (And It Lives In Minneapolis) – 4:34

CD Promo — US: PRO‑CD‑7941‑R

Gold (Radio Edit with Guitar Solo) – 4:23

Gold (Alternate Radio Mix with Guitar Solo) – 4:37

Gold (Radio Edit without Guitar Solo) – 4:43

Gold (Album Version) – 7:23

Rock ‘N’ Roll Is Alive! (And It Lives In Minneapolis) – 4:34

12" Promo — US (Gold Vinyl): PRO‑A‑7941

A1. Gold (Album Version) – 7:23

A2. Gold (Radio Edit with Guitar Solo) – 4:23

B1. Rock ‘N’ Roll Is Alive! (And It Lives In Minneapolis) – 4:34

B2. Gold (Alternate Radio Mix with Guitar Solo) – 4:37

— CHART PERFORMANCE

United States

Billboard Hot 100: #88

Billboard Hot R&B Singles: #92

United Kingdom

Gallup Singles Chart: #10

— SOURCES

Warner Bros. / NPG Records release documentation

Billboard chart archives

Official UK chart data

Prince discography references and trade publications