🟣 Let’s Work (Dance Remix) – US 12" Single: 1982

Prince transforms a Minneapolis street dance into an 8‑minute funk marathon

A definitive early‑’80s club release expanding one of Controversy’s most infectious grooves

🟣 Summary

• Released in the United States on February 17, 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.

• The song began life as “Let’s Rock,” inspired by a Minneapolis dance craze known as the Rock.

• Warner Bros. initially refused to release it, leading Prince to rework it into “Let’s Work” for Controversy.

• The US 12" became the definitive extended version, featuring instrumental breaks, keyboard solos, samples from “Controversy” and “Annie Christian,” and Morris Day on drums.

• It also marked Prince’s first US single with a non‑album B‑side, the Dirty Mind‑era “Gotta Stop (Messin’ About).”

🟣 Highlights

• Released February 17, 1982 (USA)

• Second single from Controversy

• Features the 8:02 Dance Remix (Long Version)

• First US Prince single with a non‑album B‑side

• Morris Day plays drums on the extended version

• Strong chart performance across Disco, Soul, and Bubbling Under charts

• Originated from a Minneapolis dance called “the Rock”

🟣 Track Details

12" – US/Canada (DWBS 50028)

A. Let’s Work (Dance Remix) — 8:02

B. Gotta Stop (Messin’ About) — 2:55

US Promo 12" – PRO‑A‑1004

A. Let’s Work (Dance Remix – Long Version) — 8:02

B. Let’s Work (7" Single Version) — 2:56

🟣 All Variants (Complete List)

Commercial 12" – DWBS 50028

• Dance Remix 8:02

• Gotta Stop (Messin’ About) 2:55

Promo 12" – PRO‑A‑1004

• Dance Remix (Long Version) 8:02

• 7" Single Version 2:56

🟣 Reissues & Global Variants

• UK 12" editions exist with different B‑sides (handled separately)

• US promo includes unique pairing of Long Version + 7" Version

• No picture disc or colored vinyl editions

🟣 Production and Context

• Produced, arranged, composed, and performed by Prince

• Built on a tight, funky bassline and shouted chorus

• Lyrics equate “working” with sexual playfulness

• Extended version includes Morris Day on drums, samples from “Controversy” and “Annie Christian,” and additional lyrics

• Performed live throughout the Controversy and 1999 tours

🟣 Singles Released

• Let’s Work — November 1981 (US 7")

• Let’s Work (Dance Remix) — February 17, 1982 (US 12")

🟣 Chart Performance (USA)

• Billboard Disco Top 80 (with “Controversy”) — No. 1 (6 weeks), 30 weeks total

• Billboard Hot Soul Singles — No. 9, 16 weeks

• Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 — No. 104, 3 weeks

🟣 ALT TEXT (SEO)

US 12" single artwork for Prince’s “Let’s Work (Dance Remix)” featuring Prince and band posed against a graffiti‑covered wall.

🟣 Mini Discography

• Controversy — 1981

• Let’s Work (7") — 1981

• Let’s Work (Dance Remix 12") — 1982

• Gotta Stop (Messin’ About) — 1981/1982

🟣 Mini‑Timeline

• Late 1981 — “Let’s Work” released as second Controversy single

• February 17, 1982 — US 12" Dance Remix released

• 1982 — Strong US dance and R&B chart run

🟣 Glam Flashback

• The Let’s Work 12" captures Prince at his early‑’80s peak — lean, funky, mischievous, and relentlessly dance‑driven.

• What began as a Minneapolis street dance became a national club anthem, expanded into an 8‑minute workout that still feels alive, sweaty, and irresistible.

• With its minimalist B‑side and extended grooves, this single marks the moment Prince fully embraced the dancefloor as his playground.

🟣 Image & Artwork Copyright Notice

All images, photographs, and artwork referenced or displayed in this post remain the property of their respective copyright holders. They are included strictly for historical, educational, and archival purposes under fair‑use principles. No ownership is claimed, and all rights belong to the original creators, photographers, designers, and publishers.

🟣 Sources

Prince Vault

Wikipedia

Discogs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqHqepF91us