Prince: 0(+> "The Greatest Romance Ever Sold Single" US (1999)

0(+>’s “The Greatest Romance Ever Sold” single, was released in the US on October 5, 1999, on Arista Records / NPG Records (catalogue: 07822-13749-2 for CD). Issued under his unpronounceable Love Symbol moniker to promote his album Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic, this smooth hip-hop-soul ballad featured multi-layered vocals, deep falsetto, and a downtempo melody. Produced by 0(+>, the single’s album version ran 5:29, with radio edits at 4:30, blending romance and introspection. Its release marked 0(+>’s attempted comeback with Arista, achieving modest chart success and showcasing his enduring artistry.

Single Overview

Lead Track: “The Greatest Romance Ever Sold” (5:29 album version; 4:30 radio edit)Written and produced by 0(+>. A soulful ballad with layered vocals and hip-hop influences, exploring themes of romance and connection. Lyrics like “The greatest romance that’s ever been sold / So what do you know? You and me, finally face to face” evoke intimate encounters, with 0(+>’s falsetto adding emotional depth. Published by Controversy Music.

Remix and Bonus Tracks:

“The Greatest Romance Ever Sold (Adam & Eve Remix)” (feat. Eve) (4:30) – With rapper Eve, adding urban flair, later on Rave In2 the Joy Fantastic (2001).

“The Greatest Romance Ever Sold (Jason Nevins Extended Remix)” (6:41) – Dance-oriented for club play.

“The Greatest Romance Ever Sold (Neptunes Extended Remix)” (feat. Q-Tip) (5:08) – Hip-hop remix with Q-Tip’s rap.

“The Greatest Romance Ever Sold (Jason Nevins Dub)” (5:49) – Club-focused instrumental remix.

Release Details:

Label: Arista / NPG Records (US).

Formats: CD single, 12-inch vinyl maxi-single, cassette single (detailed below).

Notes: Released five weeks before Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic (November 9, 1999). The music video, directed by Malik Hassan Sayeed, featured 0(+> in a dark room with dancers and a waterfall scene, filmed at Paisley Park in late 1999. Performed live in the VHS film Rave Un2 the Year 2000.

US Release Formats and Track Listings

The single was issued in the US in three formats, emphasizing remixes for radio and club promotion:

CD Single (Catalogue: 07822-13749-2):

The Greatest Romance Ever Sold (Radio Edit) (4:30)

The Greatest Romance Ever Sold (Album Version) (5:29)

Packaging: Standard jewel case with artwork featuring 0(+>’s symbol and promotional stickers.

12-Inch Vinyl Maxi-Single (Catalogue: 07822-13749-1):

Side A:

The Greatest Romance Ever Sold (Jason Nevins Extended Remix) (6:41)

The Greatest Romance Ever Sold (Neptunes Extended Remix) (feat. Q-Tip) (5:08)

Side B:

The Greatest Romance Ever Sold (Album Version) (5:29)

The Greatest Romance Ever Sold (Adam & Eve Remix) (feat. Eve) (4:30)

The Greatest Romance Ever Sold (Jason Nevins Dub) (5:49)

Packaging: Picture sleeve with 0(+> imagery, aimed at DJs and collectors.

Cassette Single (Catalogue: 07822-13749-4):

Side A:

The Greatest Romance Ever Sold (Radio Edit) (4:30)

The Greatest Romance Ever Sold (Adam & Eve Remix) (feat. Eve) (4:30)

Side B:

The Greatest Romance Ever Sold (Radio Edit) (4:30)

The Greatest Romance Ever Sold (Adam & Eve Remix) (feat. Eve) (4:30)

Packaging: Standard cassette case with J-card featuring artwork and credits.

Production and Context

Recorded in 1999 at Paisley Park Studios, Minnesota, the track was self-produced by 0(+> with the New Power Generation, featuring multi-layered vocals and downtempo grooves. Guests like Eve and Q-Tip on remixes added contemporary flair, reflecting 0(+>’s push for mainstream appeal. Released after his Warner Bros. disputes, it marked his Arista comeback, though Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic received mixed reviews, with Rolling Stone noting it as a “refugee from Diamonds and Pearls.” The video’s late 1999 Paisley Park shoot showcased 0(+>’s flamboyant stage presence.

Chart Performance

US: No. 63 (Billboard Hot 100), No. 23 (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs), charting for 10 weeks.

UK: No. 25 (released November 15, 1999).

Germany: No. 79.

Netherlands: No. 71.

Australia: No. 65.The single’s modest success contributed to the album’s Gold certification (500,000 copies sold in the US), but it didn’t match 0(+>’s earlier chart peaks.

Legacy and Collectibility

The track’s soulful balladry and remixes, later interpolated in “Silicon” (2004), endure as a late-‘90s highlight. Original US CD singles fetch $5–$20 on Discogs, 12-inch vinyls $10–$40, and cassettes $5–$15, with mint condition or promo copies valued higher—verify matrix numbers. Tracks stream on Spotify, with remasters on Anthology: 1995-2010 preserving their analog warmth.

This single captures 0(+>’s romantic and innovative spirit—a gem for ‘90s collectors.

Have you tracked down this 0(+> single in CD, vinyl, or cassette? Which remix stands out on your turntable? Share in the comments!