Prince (August 25, 1989) – "Partyman" b/w "Feel U Up" Single: USA
- GlamSlamEscape
- Aug 25, 1989
- 4 min read
Partyman was released in the USA on 25 August 1989 as the second single from Prince’s eleventh album Batman, the soundtrack to Tim Burton’s 1989 film., with the maxi-single released on September 15 1989. Arriving two months after the album, the single continued the highly successful commercial partnership between Prince and the Batman franchise.
The B‑side, Feel U Up, was previously unreleased, despite having been recorded years earlier and originally intended for the abandoned Camille album in late 1986. Its inclusion added further interest to the single, offering listeners a glimpse into Prince’s extensive vault material.
The maxi‑single expanded the release with several Prince‑created remixes, including Partyman (The Purple Party Mix), which opened with a collage of samples from Prince’s hits spanning 1979 to 1988. The single’s artwork again used the Batman logo, following Batdance, though in a more minimal form. The same symbol, recoloured, appeared on the subsequent single The Arms Of Orion.
The track itself was one of the few songs from the Batman album to be prominently featured in the film, accompanying the Joker’s chaotic museum sequence. Prince later explained that the song was inspired by his meeting with Jack Nicholson on set, whose attitude reminded him of Morris Day.
Musically, Partyman is upbeat and humorous, built around horn samples and Prince’s sped‑up “Camille” vocals. The 12" single extended the track to around six minutes (the “Video Mix”) and paired it with Feel U Up, which was originally recorded in 1981 and re‑worked in 1986. Additional mixes, including the Purple Party Mix and the Partyman Music Mix, further expanded the single’s sonic palette.
The song performed strongly on the charts, reaching number 18 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 5 on the US Billboard Hot Black Singles Chart. In the UK, it peaked at number 14, continuing a brief pattern in which Prince’s singles found greater consistency in the UK than in the US.
The music video, filmed in Culver City in August 1989 and directed by Albert Magnoli, featured Prince’s “Gemini” persona in a half‑Joker costume, with Candy Dulfer appearing on saxophone. Due to licensing restrictions, Partyman and other Batman‑era singles have rarely appeared on Prince compilations, though the track saw renewed streaming interest after its inclusion in the 2020 documentary series The Last Dance.
RELEASE HISTORY
Released 25 August 1989 in the USA. Second single from Batman. Worldwide release followed. Maxi‑single issued 15 September 1989. Included multiple Prince‑created mixes. B‑side previously unreleased. Featured prominently in the Batman film. Reached #18 US Billboard Hot 100 and #5 US Billboard Hot Black Singles. Peaked at #14 in the UK.
CHARTS
USA — Billboard Hot 100 — Entry: 26 Aug 1989 — Peak: 18 — Weeks: 10
USA — Billboard Hot Black Singles — Entry: 2 Sep 1989 — Peak: 5 — Weeks: 13
USA — Billboard Hot Dance Music – Club Play — Entry: 28 Oct 1989 — Peak: 45 — Weeks: 2
PERSONNEL
Prince — vocals, instruments Candy Dulfer — saxophone
VIDEO
The Partyman music video was filmed in Culver City, California in August 1989 and directed by Albert Magnoli. The clip showcases Prince’s “Gemini” persona, dressed in a split “half‑Joker” costume that visually ties the video to the Batman universe and reflects the playful tone of the song.
Dutch musician Candy Dulfer appears on saxophone, adding a live performance element that complements the video’s colourful, chaotic energy.
Due to licensing restrictions surrounding the Batman soundtrack, Partyman — along with the other singles from the era — has rarely appeared on Prince’s later compilation releases, with the exception of the UK singles promoting The Hits/The B‑Sides.
The video and song experienced renewed attention when Partyman was featured in an episode of the 2020 documentary series The Last Dance, resulting in a noticeable increase in streaming activity.
Format & Variant Table — “Partyman” US
Format / Variant | Tracks | Catalogue Numbers |
7" Variant | A — Partyman (3:11) B — Feel U Up (Short Stroke) (3:44) | CA: 92 28147 CR US: 7‑22814 UK: W2814 DE/FR: 922 814‑7 JP: PRS‑2068 AU: MX304189‑90 |
7" Promo | A — Partyman (LP Version) (3:11) B — Partyman (LP Version) (3:11) | US: 7‑22814 SP: 1.145 MX: PRO‑391 |
Cassette Single | A — Partyman (3:11) B — Feel U Up (Short Stroke) (3:44) | US/AU: 4‑22814 UK: W2814C |
12" Variant | A1 — Partyman (The Purple Party Mix) (6:02) A2 — Partyman (Partyman Music Mix) (4:31) B1 — Partyman (The Video Mix) (6:20) B2 — Feel U Up (Short Stroke) (3:44) | US: 0‑21370 CA: 92 13700 AU: MX304273‑4 |
12" Promo | A — Partyman (LP Version) (3:11) B — Partyman (LP Version) (3:11) | US: PRO‑A‑3705 |
CD Promo | 1 — Partyman (LP Version) (3:11) | US: PRO‑CD‑3705 |
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.
Chris — this is perfectly aligned with your template. Ready for the next single whenever you are.
Comments