Prince (January 20, 1982) Let’s Work (Dance Remix) - 12" Single
- GlamSlamEscape
- Jan 20, 1982
- 2 min read
Prince transforms a Minneapolis street dance into an 8‑minute funk marathon
RELEASE DETAILS
Date: January 20, 1982
Catalogue: DWBS 50028 (commercial) / PRO-A-1004 (promo)
Format: 12" Single
Country: United States
A-Side: “Let’s Work (Dance Remix)”
B-Side: “Gotta Stop (Messin’ About)”
Written by: Prince
Produced by: Prince
12" Promo (US) (PRO-A-1004)
A. Let’s Work (Dance Remix – Long Version) – 8:02
B. Let’s Work (7" Single Version) – 2:56
CHART PERFORMANCE
US Billboard Disco Top 80: No. 1 (with “Controversy”) – 6 weeks at No. 1, 30 weeks total US Billboard Hot Soul Singles: No. 9 US Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100: No. 104 The single failed to achieve any chart success in the U.K
January 20, 1982
To All Industry Personnel,
"LET'S WORK HAS BEEN WORKEDI Following the #1 smash "Controversy we are proud to release a special 12 dance remix of "Let's Work". Already released (1/13) on a 7" this long version should bring the PRINCE project back to the top of the Dance and R&B charts. We will be looking for out-of-the-box adds on this one to your play lists.
"Let's Work" will be available on the retail level as a commercial 12" too. WBS 50002
TIME "Cool"- 44 Billboard...34 re-entry Record World... the 12" combined with radio play is re-establishing not only this record but the TIME as one of the bright new groups on the music scene
THE STORY
Released on January 20, 1982, the Let’s Work (Dance Remix) 12" single delivered the full-length, 8-minute expansion of one of Prince’s most irresistible early dance tracks. Originally conceived as “Let’s Rock” in response to a Minneapolis dance craze, Prince reworked it into “Let’s Work” for the Controversy album. The extended version features additional instrumental breaks, keyboard solos, samples from “Controversy” and “Annie Christian,” and Morris Day on drums.
CONTEXT & NOTES
By early 1982 Prince was deepening his fusion of funk, rock, and new wave. The Let’s Work 12" became a major club favourite, helping Controversy dominate the Billboard Disco Top 80 for six weeks. It marked Prince’s first US single with a non-album B-side and showcased his growing confidence in extended dance mixes.
PERSONNEL
Prince – lead and backing vocals, all instruments
Morris Day – drums (on extended version)
RELATED MATERIAL
Prince (January 6, 1982) Let’s Work - Single US
Prince (August 2, 1982) Sexuality / I Wanna Be Your Lover – Single 7" AU
Prince (February 1982) Sexuality / Controversy – Single 7" JP
For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page.
SOURCES
Prince Vault
Sleevographia2
Discogs
45cat
BBC Official Charts •
Wikipedia
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