Prince (September 15, 1989) – "Partyman" b/w "Feel U Up (Short Stroke)" Maxi-Single: US
Updated: 3 days ago
Released on 15 September 1989, this 12" maxi‑single continued Prince’s Batman‑era momentum following the success of Batdance. Partyman delivers a riotous blast of late‑1980s funk, packed with Prince‑crafted remixes and playful self‑referential energy. The single’s bold yellow‑and‑ black Batman branding aligned it closely with the film’s promotional campaign. The B‑side, Feel U Up (Short Stroke), originated from the aborted Camille project and made its commercial debut here
RECORDING
Recorded during the Batman soundtrack sessions, Partyman features multiple Prince‑created mixes including the Purple Party Mix, Partyman Music Mix, and Video Mix. Feel U Up (Short Stroke) stems from earlier Camille‑era recordings. Additional remix work was consistent with the period’s club‑ oriented production style.
STYLE & THEMES
The A‑side delivers high‑energy funk with dense layering, samples, and Prince’s signature late‑1980s flair. The B‑side offers a stripped‑down, playful groove rooted in Camille’s distinct aesthetic.
TRACK‑BY‑TRACK NOTES
• Partyman — A frenetic Batman‑era funk track presented in multiple Prince‑created mixes, each highlighting different rhythmic and thematic elements.
• Feel U Up (Short Stroke) — A previously unreleased Camille‑era cut, revived for this maxi‑single.
RELEASE HISTORY
Released 15 September 1989 in the USA as a 12" maxi‑single on Paisley Park / Warner Bros. Catalogue 0‑21370.
Issued as the second single from the Batman soundtrack. The sleeve featured a simplified yellow‑and‑black Batman logo. The single maintained strong club appeal due to its multiple mixes.
CHARTS & CERTIFICATIONS
US Billboard Hot 100 — #18 US Billboard Hot Black Singles — #5 US Billboard Dance Club Play — #45
PERSONNEL
Prince — vocals, all instruments, production, arrangement, remixes
Shep Pettibone — additional remix
PRODUCTION
Produced by Prince
Label: Paisley Park / Warner Bros. Catalogue numbers: • 0‑21370
Artist: Prince Title: Partyman Label: Paisley Park / Warner Bros. Country: United States Catalogue: 0‑21370
Date: September 15, 1989
Format: 12" Maxi‑Single
Tracklist (12"):
A1 — Partyman (The Purple Party Mix)
A2 — Partyman (Partyman Music Mix)
B1 — Partyman (The Video Mix)
B2 — Feel U Up (Short Stroke)
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