Prince and the Revolution (July 18, 1984) – "Let’s Go Crazy" b/w "Erotic City" 7" Single: US

"Let’s Go Crazy" was the second single released from Purple Rain, Prince’s sixth studio album and the first credited to Prince and the Revolution. In the UK and Europe, it was issued as the third single following Purple Rain. The B‑side, "Erotic City," was previously unreleased and featured Sheila E., marking her first appearance on a Prince‑credited release.

Recorded at Sunset Sound, Los Angeles, during the Purple Rain sessions. "Let’s Go Crazy" opens the album and film, featuring Prince’s spoken “Dearly beloved…” sermon intro. "Erotic City" was recorded separately and includes background vocals by Sheila E. Both tracks were produced, arranged, composed, and performed by Prince and the Revolution.

VARIANTS

Artist: Prince and the Revolution Title: Let’s Go Crazy

Label: Warner Bros.

Country: United States Catalogue: 7‑29216

Date: July 18, 1984

Format: 7" Single

Tracklist (7"):  

A — Let’s Go Crazy (Edit) (3:46)

B — Erotic City (Edit) (3:53)

Tracklist (7" Promo):  

A — Let’s Go Crazy (Edit) (3:46)

B — Let’s Go Crazy (Edit) (3:46)

STYLE & THEMES

"Let’s Go Crazy" combines rock, funk, and gospel influences, symbolising spiritual liberation and ecstatic energy. "Erotic City" explores sensuality and freedom through funk rhythms and layered vocals, pushing lyrical boundaries for radio play.

TRACK‑BY‑TRACK NOTES

• Let’s Go Crazy — Written and produced by Prince and the Revolution. A high‑energy anthem blending rock and gospel, opening Purple Rain and becoming one of Prince’s signature songs.

• Erotic City — Written and produced by Prince and the Revolution. Features Sheila E. on backing vocals; a funk‑driven B‑side that became a cult favourite.

RELEASE HISTORY

• July 18, 1984 (US) 

— Released on Warner Bros. as 7‑29216.

CHARTS & CERTIFICATIONS

US Billboard Hot 100:  

Entry date: August 4, 1984

Peak position: 1 (2 weeks)  

Weeks in chart: 19

US Billboard Black Singles:  

Entry date: August 11, 1984

Peak position: 1 (1 week)  

 Weeks in chart: 17

US Billboard Dance/Disco Top 80 (listed with Erotic City):  

Entry date: August 18, 1984

Peak position: 1 (1 week)  

Weeks in chart: 20

PERSONNEL

Prince — vocals, guitar, keyboards, production

The Revolution — instrumentation and arrangement

Sheila E. — backing vocals on "Erotic City"

PRODUCTION

Produced, arranged, composed, and performed by Prince and the Revolution Label: Warner Bros.

Catalogue numbers:

• 7‑29216

• PRO‑A‑2139 (Promo)

Notes:  

First single credited to Prince and the Revolution.

B‑side features Sheila E. on backing vocals. Both tracks later appeared on Purple Rain‑era compilations.

SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia. BBC Official Charts Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2 All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non‑commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied

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