Prince (July 13, 2004) – Digital Release: Silver Tongue (Demo)

Artist: Prince

Release Type: Digital Release (Virtual B‑Side)

Country: USA

Catalogue: NPG Music Club

Release Date: July 13 2004 Format: Digital Download (.wma)

TRACK INFORMATION

Title: Silver Tongue (Demo) Writer(s): Nikka Costa (lyrics), Prince (music)

Producer(s): Prince

Album Origin: Musicology (related era) Associated Releases: 

Call My Name •

Silver Tongue (2024 Digital Single) • Nikka & Strings, Underneath And In Between

RELEASE CONTEXT  

On July 13 2004, Prince released Silver Tongue (Demo) as a “virtual b‑side” to Call My Name through the NPG Music Club.

This was the third and final track ever designated as a virtual b‑side, following United States Of Division and Magnificent.

A full studio version was later released posthumously on May 24 2024 as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations for Musicology, likely mixed by Chris James.

HISTORICAL NOTES

The song’s lyrics were written by Nikka Costa, who had discussed releasing her own version on her next album. However, Silver Tongue was not included on her 2005 album Can’tneverdidnothin’, and it is unclear whether she recorded a studio version at that time.

Costa eventually released her own recording around 2016, appearing as track nine on her 2017 album Nikka & Strings, Underneath And In Between, which also includes a cover of Nothing Compares 2 U.

Costa explained the song’s origin on Facebook: Prince emailed her asking for a poem; she sent him lyrics. Prince returned a jazz‑styled piano/vocal demo, which became the virtual b‑side.

Her 2017 version is considered a cover, as it was recorded after Prince’s passing.

RECORDING DETAILS  

Initial recording dates for Prince’s version are unknown, but it was likely recorded in early 2004 at Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, MN.

The demo is sparse, intimate, and piano‑driven, reflecting Prince’s jazz‑inflected Musicology era.

RECORDING SESSIONS  

Early 2004 Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, MN Demo recording / Tracking

PERSONNEL — PRINCE VERSION  

Prince — vocals and all instruments

VERSION HISTORY  

Silver Tongue (Demo) — 4:56 — NPG Music Club (.wma) — Demo

Silver Tongue — 4:23 — Digital Single (2024) — Full studio version; 2024 mix by Chris James

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  

Additional trivia:

 • Released only ten days after another virtual b‑side, United States Of Division.

• Silver Tongue is the only known writing collaboration between Prince and Nikka Costa.

• Costa’s 2005 album includes Around The World, featuring Prince on guitar. • Costa appears on Prince’s Live At The Aladdin Las Vegas DVD performing Push & Pull.

SOURCES: Discogs, Prince Vault, Wikipedia, The Vault: The Definitive Guide to the Musical World of Prince All magazine scans, photographs and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non‑commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.

---