Prince (May 28, 1985) “Sexually Explicit Songs Still Lead Charmed Life” – Star Tribune (US)

A contemporary news article in the Star Tribune discussing the controversy surrounding sexually explicit lyrics in popular music, prominently citing Prince’s “Erotic City” as a key example.

PUBLICATION

Publication: Star Tribune (Minneapolis Star and Tribune)

Date: May 28, 1985

Country: United States Section / Pages: Page 24

Title: Sexually Explicit Songs Still Lead Charmed Life

THE STORY

The article by Carolyn Skorneck (Associated Press) examines how songs with explicit sexual content, including Prince’s “Erotic City” (which contains a clear slang reference to the sex act), continue to receive radio airplay despite growing concerns from parent groups. It references the National Parent Teacher Association’s efforts to pressure record companies and notes Prince’s silence on the issue.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

Published in May 1985, shortly after the release of Around the World in a Day, this piece reflects the growing national debate over explicit lyrics in the mid-1980s — a period that would later lead to the formation of the PMRC and the Parental Advisory sticker. “Erotic City” (the B-side to “Raspberry Beret”) had become a lightning rod for criticism due to its provocative content.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Media controversy over explicit lyrics

Era: 1985 / Purple Rain era Tone: Journalistic, observational

Key Mention: Prince’s “Erotic City” highlighted as a prime example alongside Sheena Easton’s “Sugar Walls”

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

Full newspaper article from the Star Tribune discussing Prince and other artists in the context of sexually explicit music and broadcast standards.

RELATED MATERIAL

• Prince and The Revolution (February 15, 1985) Let’s Go Crazy / Take Me With U - Single 7" UK

• Sugar Walls – Single UK: Mar. 1985

• The Family (Prince’s 1985 Side Project)

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