Melody Cool Single US: 1990

A Graffiti Bridge Mavis Staples Gem

Released as a single in the US on December 4, 1990, on Paisley Park/Warner Bros. Records, Mavis Staples’ “Melody Cool” — written and produced by Prince — was taken from the Graffiti Bridge soundtrack. Backed with “Time Waits For No One,” this soulful anthem featured Prince on backing vocals and instrumentation. Issued in 7", cassette, 12" maxi, and CD formats with multiple remixes (including Deep House Vocal). Peaked at No. 36 on Billboard R&B Chart. A Prince/Mavis collaboration classic.

Single Overview

Release Details

Label: Paisley Park / Warner Bros. Records.

Formats: Vinyl 7", Cassette, 12" Maxi, CD single.

Full Track Listing by Format

7" Single / Cassette (4-19728)

Side A

Melody Cool (Edit) (3:16)

Side B

Time Waits For No One (Edit) (4:18)

12" Maxi / Cassette Maxi (9 21748-0 / 4-21748)

Side A

1. Melody Cool (Extended LP Mix) (4:42)

2. Melody Cool (Extended Remix) (6:05)

Side B

1. Melody Cool (Deep House Vocal) (6:22)

2. Melody Cool (Mellow Dub Mix) (4:33)

3. Time Waits For No One (Edit) (4:18)

CD Single (7599-21720-2)

1. Melody Cool (Extended Remix) (6:05)

2. Melody Cool (Edit) (3:16)

3. Melody Cool (Extended LP Mix) (4:42)

Reissues & Global Variants

Various 7", 12", CD, and promo formats issued worldwide (UK, Germany, Netherlands, etc.).

Production and Context

Written/Produced by Prince. Mavis Staples lead vocals, Prince backing vocals/instrumentation. From *Graffiti Bridge* soundtrack (1990).

Chart Performance

- USA (Billboard R&B Chart): 36 (11 weeks)

- Netherlands (Nederlandse Top 40): 2 (5 weeks)

Legacy and Collectibility

“Melody Cool” is Prince & Mavis Staples’ soulful *Graffiti Bridge* triumph. Original US 12" maxis fetch £15–£50 on eBay/Discogs, CD singles £10–£30. This single is a must-have for Prince soundtrack collectors.

Do you have Melody Cool in your collection? Does it still feel cool? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Prince Vault, Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History and YouTube

Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, mistakes do happen. Simply leave a comment and the post will be updated. Thank you.