Prince: "New Power Generation" Single US (1990)
- Escape
- Oct 22, 1990
- 3 min read
Introduction of the New Power Generation
On October 23, 1990, Prince released the 7" single "New Power Generation" in the United States through Paisley Park/Warner Bros. Records, the second single from his Graffiti Bridge album and film soundtrack. This funky manifesto for his newly formed backing band, The New Power Generation (NPG), introduced their name to the world and showcased Prince's evolving ensemble sound amid his cinematic ambitions. Issued as a standard 7" vinyl single, the release targeted radio and casual fans, preceding the maxi-single's November drop. Below, explore the context, significance, and details of this US single, including formats and track listings.
Background and Context
The Graffiti Bridge Era
Graffiti Bridge, Prince's 1990 sequel to Purple Rain, was both a film and double album released on August 23, 1990, via Paisley Park/Warner Bros. Recorded sporadically from 1987–1990 at Paisley Park Studios and Sunset Sound, the project featured a loose narrative of rival club owners (Prince as The Kid, Morris Day as Jerome), blending rock, funk, pop, and gospel. Guests included The Time, George Clinton, Tevin Campbell, and Mavis Staples, reflecting Prince's collaborative spirit. The album debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200, selling over 500,000 copies in the US, but the film flopped critically and commercially ($2.9 million box office). New Power Generation served as the album's opener, setting a bold tone for Prince's NPG era.
The Song New Power Generation
Written and produced by Prince, New Power Generation (often abbreviated N.P.G.) is a 3:37 funk-pop anthem clocking in at 3:37 (album version). It celebrates unity, spirituality, and creative power ("Welcome to the power of the N.P.G. / The New Power Generation"), with Prince's falsetto over a groovy bassline, horns, and chants from Rosie Gaines and the NPG.
Recorded in 1989–1990, it features Kirk Johnson on drums, Levi Seacer Jr. on guitar, and Rosie Gaines on keyboards/vocals. The single edit (3:30) slightly trimmed fades for radio. Lyrically, it draws from Prince's Jehovah's Witness influences, emphasizing love and collective strength.
Chart Performance:
UK: #26 on UK Singles Chart (released October 29, 1990).
Modest success, overshadowed by lead single Thieves in the Temple (#6 Hot 100), but it introduced the NPG's name, influencing Prince's branding through 2013.
Music Video: Directed by Prince, the video featured performance footage from the Graffiti Bridge premiere, with NPG dancers in futuristic outfits. It aired on MTV and BET, tying into the film's promotional tour.
Cultural Context
October 1990 was a peak for Prince's multimedia push, coinciding with Graffiti Bridge's theatrical run and his Nude Tour planning. The US market was dominated by MC Hammer's U Can't Touch This (#1 Hot 100) and New Kids on the Block, but Prince's single cut through with its funky optimism amid grunge's emergence (Nirvana's Nevermind sessions underway).
The US 7" Single Release Formats
The US release emphasized vinyl for radio and retail, with the 7" as the core format. Below are the confirmed US variants, cross-referenced from Prince Vault and Discogs.
7" Vinyl Single
Label: Paisley Park – 7-19525, Warner Bros. Records – 7-19525
Country: US
A New Power Generation (Album Version) - 3:39
B New Power Generation (Part II) (Album Version) -2:57
Featuring – Mavis Staples, Robin Power, T.C. Ellis, Tevin Campbell
12" Vinyl Single
Label: Paisley Park – 9 21783-0, Warner Bros. Records – 0-21783
Format: Vinyl, 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single
Country: US
Released: November 29, 1990)
A1 N.P.G. (Funky Weapon Remix) - 5:01
A2 T.C.'s Rap -3:11
Composed By – Prince, T.C. Ellis
Featuring – T.C. Ellis
A3 Brother With A Purpose - 4:18
Composed By – Tony Mosley, Prince
Featuring – Tony Mosley
B1 Get Off 4:41
B2 The Lubricated Lady 2:39
B3 Loveleft, Loveright 5:00
Musical Innovation
New Power Generation epitomized Prince's shift to ensemble funk, layering rap (T.C. Ellis), horns, and chants over a tight groove—foreshadowing Diamonds and Pearls (1991). Critics like Larry Flick (Billboard) called it a "multiformat gem" for its danceability, blending social consciousness ("Power to the people") with party vibes.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 21</grok:render>
Prince’s US Presence
The single solidified the NPG as Prince's core band post-Revolution, boosting Graffiti Bridge's profile despite the film's flop. It hit #18 on Dance Club Songs, appealing to urban radio, and fan forums like prince.org hail it as an "underrated banger" for its energy.
Broader Context of October 23, 1990
Prince's release competed with Sinead O'Connor's The Emperor's New Clothes and Bell Biv DeVoe's funk-pop wave, aligning with R&B's dominance before hip-hop's surge.
Legacy
The New Power Generation 7" single of October 23, 1990, heralds Prince's collaborative renaissance, christening his iconic band with funky prophecy. Though not a smash, it endures as a cornerstone of his 90s evolution. Collectors snag the sleeve; fans groove to its call for unity. Dive deeper at princevault.com.
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