Prince (August 29, 1984) Let’s Go Crazy - Maxi-Single US
- GlamSlamEscape
- Aug 29, 1984
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
The definitive Purple Rain dancefloor explosion — the Special Dance Mix backed with the legendary “Erotic City”
RELEASE DETAILS
Date: August 29, 1984
Catalogue: 9 20246-0 A / 0-20246 (12" Maxi)
Format: 12" Maxi-Single, 7" Single, Promo
Country: United States (with international variants)
A-Side: “Let’s Go Crazy (Special Dance Mix)” – 7:35
B-Side: “Erotic City (Make Love Not War Erotic City Come Alive)” – 7:24
THE STORY
Released on August 29, 1984 as the second single from the Purple Rain album and film, the 12" maxi-single delivered one of the most iconic extended mixes of Prince’s career. The Special Dance Mix expanded the already explosive album opener into a full club anthem. The B-side, “Erotic City,” became one of Prince’s most influential and controversial tracks, with its sexually explicit lyrics leading to widespread debate and radio edits. The single was a major success, becoming Prince’s second US No. 1 hit, topping the Hot 100, R&B, and Dance charts.
CONTEXT & NOTES
This release captured Prince at the absolute peak of his imperial era. Multiple US pressings exist, including SRC and ARC variants, with some copies featuring promotional stamps. The 12" maxi format allowed for extended versions, making it a staple for DJs and collectors. “Erotic City” remains one of the most celebrated B-sides in pop history, and the single helped solidify Purple Rain as a cultural phenomenon.
TRACK LIST
12" Maxi-Single (US) (9 20246-0 A / 0-20246) A. Let’s Go Crazy (Special Dance Mix) – 7:35 B. Erotic City (“Make Love Not War Erotic City Come Alive”) – 7:24
7" Single (US) A. Let’s Go Crazy (Edit) B. Erotic City (Edit)
All US 12" Variants
SRC Pressing (Standard) 12", 45 RPM, Maxi‑Single Warner Bros. Records – 9 20246‑0 A / 0‑20246 • Special Dance Mix / Erotic City • “Specially‑Priced 2‑Cut Maxi Single” • Flower‑design labels • No barcode
Misprint / Repress (SRC) 12", 45 RPM, Maxi‑Single Warner Bros. Records – 9 20246‑0 A / 0‑20246 • Same tracklist • Label or sleeve misprints • Repressing with identical catalog numbers
Promo – PRO‑A‑2173 12", 33⅓ RPM, Promo Warner Bros. Records – PRO‑A‑2173 A. Let’s Go Crazy (Edit) — 3:46 B. Let’s Go Crazy (Album Version) — 4:40
Promo – PRO‑A‑2182 12", 33⅓ RPM, Promo Warner Bros. Records – PRO‑A‑2182 A. Let’s Go Crazy (Special Dance Mix) — 7:35 B. Let’s Go Crazy (Album Version) — 4:40
ARC Pressing 12", 45 RPM, Maxi‑Single Warner Bros. Records – 9 20246‑0 A / 0‑20246 • ARC pressing plant variant • Same tracklist
ARC Repress 12", 45 RPM, Maxi‑Single Warner Bros. Records – 9 20246‑0 A / 0‑20246 • Repress with ARC identifiers • Same tracklist
CHART PERFORMANCE
US Billboard Hot 100: Peak No. 1
US Billboard Black Singles: Peak No. 1
US Billboard Dance/Disco Top 80: Peak No. 1
PERSONNEL
Prince – vocals, all instruments, production
The Revolution – additional contributions on album version
PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS
Standard Warner Bros. 12" sleeve
SRC and ARC US pressings
Various promo editions with special stamps
WHAT THE LABEL / SLEEVE SHOWS
Iconic Purple Rain-era imagery with dramatic purple tones and Prince’s intense portraiture on many sleeves. Labels feature the Warner Bros. shield and Purple Rain album reference.
RELATED MATERIAL
When Doves Cry (1984)
Purple Rain (1984)
1999 (1982 album)
For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page.
SOURCES
Prince Vault
Discogs
Billboard charts
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.
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