Prince (October 24, 1988) – “I Wish U Heaven” b/w “Scarlet Pussy” Single: UK
Updated: Oct 24
“I Wish U Heaven” was the third single taken from Prince’s tenth album, Lovesexy. The single first appeared in the USA on September 20, 1988, followed by its UK release on October 24, 1988. It received releases in a number of countries and appeared approximately four and a half months after the album.
The presentation was notably different from that of the first two Lovesexy singles, “Alphabet St.” and “Glam Slam”. Those releases had used clear sleeves with the principal artwork presented on stickers, whereas “I Wish U Heaven” returned to a conventional fully illustrated sleeve. Its cover photograph was taken from the “I Wish U Heaven” video.
An unusual variation also appeared in the way the title was presented. On the record labels and on Lovesexy, the song is identified as “I Wish U Heaven”, but the single's cover artwork shortens this to “Wish U Heaven”.
The single was backed by the non-album recording “Scarlet Pussy”, credited to Camille, Prince’s pseudonym. This made the release unusual within Prince’s singles catalogue because the B-side was not formally credited to Prince.
On the CD editions, “Scarlet Pussy” was not identified in the printed tracklisting despite being present on the disc.
This effectively made it the first hidden track on a Prince release. By contrast, the vinyl and cassette editions openly listed “Scarlet Pussy” and credited it to Camille.
The 12" configuration substantially expanded “I Wish U Heaven” into the 10:12 “Part 1, 2 & 3”, transforming the comparatively brief album recording into an extended three-part piece.
STYLE & THEMES
“I Wish U Heaven” has a strongly spiritual emphasis, something developed considerably further by the extended 12" treatment.
Part One reworks the Lovesexy recording into a more stripped-back dance-oriented arrangement, removing much of the original drum programming and rhythm-guitar material.
Part Two moves towards gospel and introduces new lyrics while continuing the song's spiritual direction. Material from this section was also performed during the Lovesexy World Tour. The section includes a reference back to “Housequake”, acknowledges Sheila E., whose voice can also be heard, and introduces the Blue Angel guitar.
Part Three departs more substantially from the original song and draws upon the outtake “Take This Beat”. Prince adopts his Jamie Starr persona during this section, turning the performance towards a humorous celebration of his musicianship and funk credentials before the piece concludes with the title repeated in a loop.
“Scarlet Pussy” provides a deliberate contrast to the spirituality of the A-side. Credited to Camille, it uses Prince's altered Camille vocal style alongside a contrasting lowered vocal. The recording also features a saxophone solo by Eric Leeds.
TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES
• I Wish U Heaven — The standard album/LP version runs 2:43 and formed the principal version used for the regular single.
• I Wish U Heaven (Part 1, 2 & 3) — The extended 12" version develops the song into a 10:12 three-part suite. Its sections move from a stripped-back dance remix through gospel-inflected material and finally into a more radically altered third section based around “Take This Beat”.
• I Wish U Heaven (Radio Edit of Remix) — A 4:25 promotional edit of the remix.
• I Wish U Heaven (Single Edit of Remix) — A longer 5:45 promotional edit of the remix.
• Scarlet Pussy — The full 6:09 non-album B-side, credited to Camille.
• Scarlet Pussy (Edit) — The 4:10 edit used on the standard 7", cassette and some CD configurations.
RELEASE HISTORY
“I Wish U Heaven” was issued in the USA on September 20, 1988 and followed in the UK on October 24, 1988 as the third single from Lovesexy.
Paisley Park Records and Warner Bros. handled the release, which appeared internationally in a variety of configurations including 7", poster-bag 7", 12", cassette and CD editions.
The standard 7" coupled the 2:43 version of “I Wish U Heaven” with the 4:10 edit of “Scarlet Pussy”. Catalogue numbers supplied include 7-27745 in the USA, W7745 in the UK, 7-27745 in Japan, 927 745-7 in Germany and MX301581-2 in Australia.
The UK also received a special 7" poster-bag edition under catalogue number W7745W.
The standard 12" replaced the short versions with the complete 10:12 “I Wish U Heaven (Part 1, 2 & 3)” and the full 6:09 “Scarlet Pussy”. Catalogue numbers supplied for these editions include US 0-21074, UK W7745T, German 921 074-0 and Australian MX301669-70. A UK poster edition carried catalogue number W7745TW.
The UK CD maxi, W7745CD, and German CD maxi, 921 074-2, contained the extended “I Wish U Heaven (Part 1, 2 & 3)” followed by the full version of “Scarlet Pussy”. Significantly, “Scarlet Pussy” was not listed on the CD packaging despite appearing on the disc.
A Japanese CD single, 10P3-6052, instead used the standard 2:43 “I Wish U Heaven” with the 4:10 edit of “Scarlet Pussy”.
The supplied information also documents several American promotional releases. The 7" promotional edition, 7-27745, placed the 2:43 LP version on both sides. Promotional 12" PRO-S-3371 paired the 4:25 Radio Edit of Remix with the 5:45 Single Edit of Remix. Another 12" promotional pressing, PRO-A-3283, contained the 2:43 LP version on both sides.
A US promotional CD, PRO CD 3242, contained the 2:43 LP version.
The single was not released as a digital format.
CHARTS & CERTIFICATIONS
AMERICA
USA: Billboard Hot Black Singles — Entry: October 15, 1988 — Peak: 18 — Weeks: 12
The single did not enter the US Billboard Hot 100.
EUROPE
Belgium: Ultratop Flanders — Entry: November 5, 1988 — Peak: 26 — Weeks: 4
Germany: MusikWoche Top 100 Singles — Entry: November 7, 1988 — Peak: 53 — Weeks: 4
Ireland: IRMA Singles Chart — Entry: October 27, 1988 — Peak: 9 — Weeks: 4
The Netherlands: Dutch Top 40 — Entry: October 29, 1988 — Peak: 19 — Weeks: 5
UK: Gallup Singles Chart — Entry: November 5, 1988 — Peak: 24 — Weeks: 5
Additional supplied chart information gives “I Wish U Heaven” a peak of No. 8 on the Italian Music & Media Airplay chart, No. 17 on Radio Luxembourg and No. 20 on the Netherlands Single Top 100.
PACIFIC
New Zealand: Recorded Music NZ — Peak: 24
CERTIFICATIONS
The single received no certifications in the USA or elsewhere according to the supplied information.
AWARDS
The single received no awards in the USA or elsewhere according to the supplied information.
PERSONNEL
Prince — lead and backing vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, Fairlight CMI, synthesisers, bass guitar, Dynacord ADD-One and Linn LM-1
Eric Leeds — saxophone solo on “Scarlet Pussy”
Sheila E. — voice heard during Part Two of “I Wish U Heaven (Part 1, 2 & 3)”
PRODUCTION
Label: Paisley Park Records / Warner Bros.
RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE
Artist | Title | Label | Country | Catalogue | Date | Format |
Prince | I Wish U Heaven | Paisley Park / Warner Bros. | USA | 7-27745 | September 20, 1988 | 7" |
Prince | I Wish U Heaven | Paisley Park / Warner Bros. | UK | W7745 | October 24, 1988 | 7" |
Prince | I Wish U Heaven | Paisley Park / Warner Bros. | Japan | 7-27745 | 1988 | 7" |
Prince | I Wish U Heaven | Paisley Park / Warner Bros. | Germany | 927 745-7 | 1988 | 7" |
Prince | I Wish U Heaven | Paisley Park / Warner Bros. | Australia | MX301581-2 | 1988 | 7" |
Prince | I Wish U Heaven | Paisley Park / Warner Bros. | UK | W7745W | October 24, 1988 | 7" Poster Bag |
Prince | I Wish U Heaven | Paisley Park / Warner Bros. | USA | 4-27745 | 1988 | Cassette Single |
Prince | I Wish U Heaven | Paisley Park / Warner Bros. | Japan | 10P3-6052 | 1988 | CD Single |
Prince | I Wish U Heaven | Paisley Park / Warner Bros. | USA | 0-21074 | 1988 | 12" |
Prince | I Wish U Heaven | Paisley Park / Warner Bros. | UK | W7745T | October 24, 1988 | 12" |
Prince | I Wish U Heaven | Paisley Park / Warner Bros. | UK | W7745TW | October 24, 1988 | 12" Poster Edition |
Prince | I Wish U Heaven | Paisley Park / Warner Bros. | Germany | 921 074-0 | 1988 | 12" |
Prince | I Wish U Heaven | Paisley Park / Warner Bros. | Australia | MX301669-70 | 1988 | 12" |
Prince | I Wish U Heaven | Paisley Park / Warner Bros. | UK | W7745CD | October 24, 1988 | CD Maxi |
Prince | I Wish U Heaven | Paisley Park / Warner Bros. | Germany | 921 074-2 | 1988 | CD Maxi |
Prince | I Wish U Heaven | Paisley Park / Warner Bros. | USA | 7-27745 | 1988 | 7" Promo |
Prince | I Wish U Heaven | Paisley Park / Warner Bros. | USA | PRO-S-3371 | 1988 | 12" Promo |
Prince | I Wish U Heaven | Paisley Park / Warner Bros. | USA | PRO-A-3283 | 1988 | 12" Promo |
Prince | I Wish U Heaven | Paisley Park / Warner Bros. | USA | PRO CD 3242 | 1988 | CD Promo |
TRACKLIST TABLE (ALL FORMATS)
Format | Catalogue | Tracklisting |
USA 7" | 7-27745 | A. I Wish U Heaven (2:43) B. Scarlet Pussy (Edit) (4:10) – Camille |
UK 7" | W7745 | A. I Wish U Heaven (2:43) B. Scarlet Pussy (Edit) (4:10) – Camille |
Japan 7" | 7-27745 | A. I Wish U Heaven (2:43) B. Scarlet Pussy (Edit) (4:10) – Camille |
Germany 7" | 927 745-7 | A. I Wish U Heaven (2:43) B. Scarlet Pussy (Edit) (4:10) – Camille |
Australia 7" | MX301581-2 | A. I Wish U Heaven (2:43) B. Scarlet Pussy (Edit) (4:10) – Camille |
UK 7" Poster Bag | W7745W | A. I Wish U Heaven (2:43) B. Scarlet Pussy (Edit) (4:10) – Camille |
USA Cassette Single | 4-27745 | 1. I Wish U Heaven (2:43) 2. Scarlet Pussy (Edit) (4:10) – Camille |
Japan CD Single | 10P3-6052 | 1. I Wish U Heaven (2:43) 2. Scarlet Pussy (Edit) (4:10) – Camille |
USA 12" | 0-21074 | A. I Wish U Heaven (Part 1, 2 & 3) (10:12) B. Scarlet Pussy (6:09) – Camille |
UK 12" | W7745T | A. I Wish U Heaven (Part 1, 2 & 3) (10:12) B. Scarlet Pussy (6:09) – Camille |
UK 12" Poster Edition | W7745TW | A. I Wish U Heaven (Part 1, 2 & 3) (10:12) B. Scarlet Pussy (6:09) – Camille |
Germany 12" | 921 074-0 | A. I Wish U Heaven (Part 1, 2 & 3) (10:12) B. Scarlet Pussy (6:09) – Camille |
Australia 12" | MX301669-70 | A. I Wish U Heaven (Part 1, 2 & 3) (10:12) B. Scarlet Pussy (6:09) – Camille |
UK CD Maxi | W7745CD | 1. I Wish U Heaven (Part 1, 2 & 3) (10:12) 2. Scarlet Pussy (6:09) – unlisted |
Germany CD Maxi | 921 074-2 | 1. I Wish U Heaven (Part 1, 2 & 3) (10:12) 2. Scarlet Pussy (6:09) – unlisted |
USA 7" Promo | 7-27745 | A. I Wish U Heaven (LP Version) (2:43) B. I Wish U Heaven (LP Version) (2:43) |
USA 12" Promo | PRO-S-3371 | A. I Wish U Heaven (Radio Edit of Remix) (4:25) B. I Wish U Heaven (Single Edit of Remix) (5:45) |
USA 12" Promo | PRO-A-3283 | A. I Wish U Heaven (LP Version) (2:43) B. I Wish U Heaven (LP Version) (2:43) |
USA CD Promo | PRO CD 3242 | 1. I Wish U Heaven (LP Version) (2:43) |
NOTES
The pairing of the spiritually focused “I Wish U Heaven” with the much more provocative “Scarlet Pussy” created a particularly striking contrast between the two sides of the single.
“Scarlet Pussy” appeared under Prince's Camille identity. Its use as the B-side therefore marked the first occasion on which the reverse of a Prince single was not formally credited to Prince himself, even though Camille was Prince's own pseudonym.
The CD configuration produced another unusual distinction. Because “Scarlet Pussy” was included but left off the printed tracklisting, it effectively became Prince's first hidden track.
“Scarlet Pussy” employs the distinctive altered vocal treatment associated with Camille, while also incorporating a lowered vocal sound. Eric Leeds contributes a saxophone solo.
The edit of “Scarlet Pussy” subsequently appeared on The Hits/The B-Sides in 1993.
The extended “I Wish U Heaven (Part 1, 2 & 3)” radically develops the shorter Lovesexy recording. Its opening section reshapes the song with a leaner dance arrangement; the second moves towards gospel and continues its spiritual theme; and the third incorporates material originating with “Take This Beat” while introducing Prince's Jamie Starr persona.
Material from the extended version also became part of performances during the Lovesexy World Tour, where Prince incorporated audience participation and call-and-response elements.
The artwork restored a full picture sleeve after the more unconventional presentation of the preceding Lovesexy singles. Although the recording itself remained titled “I Wish U Heaven” on the labels, the front artwork presented it simply as “Wish U Heaven”.
The supplied reference information also records US Copyright Office entry SR0000102073, dated November 16, 1988, for “Scarlet Pussy” by Camille.
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts, Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2, RockfilesUK.
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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