Prince (October 22, 1990) – "New Power Generation" b/w "New Power Generation Part II" Single: Worldwide
Updated: Aug 21
New Power Generation was released as the third single in the USA and the fourth in Europe from Prince’s Graffiti Bridge soundtrack. In Europe, it followed Melody Cool by Mavis Staples and Round And Round by Tevin Campbell, making it the second single credited directly to Prince in that region. Issued two months after the album, the single received a worldwide release.
The 7" and cassette editions paired the main track with New Power Generation
Part II, while the 12" and CD maxi‑singles expanded the release with several additional tracks.
These pieces, although individually titled, were built around the musical foundation of New Power Generation, a format Prince later revisited on Gett Off and Cream. Early configurations of the maxi‑single included further material that ultimately remained unreleased.
The single reached number 64 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 27 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Singles Chart. Release dates included:
• 22 October 1990 — UK 7"
• 23 October 1990 — US 7"
• 29 November 1990 — US maxi‑single
• 25 March 1991 — Japan CD
A Side
New Power Generation (LP Version)
The track served as an anthem for Prince’s backing band, The New Power Generation, who were co‑credited on album covers for several years and continued performing with him until 2013.
Although the song did not match the commercial success of Thieves In The Temple, it remained a central statement of the Graffiti Bridge era.
“N.P.G.” originated as Bold Generation, recorded in January 1982 during sessions for The Time’s What Time Is It?.
Prince revisited the track in 1989, heavily reworking it while retaining Morris Day’s original drum track deep in the mix. The arrangement blends funk rhythms with carnival‑styled organ lines and distorted guitar, delivering a message of empowerment and resilience.
Part II features contributions from Tevin Campbell, Mavis Staples, T.C. Ellis and Robin Power, along with samples from unreleased songs including My Tree, Oobey Doop and Positive Place.
The 12" and CD maxi‑single editions broadened the release with a series of additional tracks built around the core structure of N.P.G., including N.P.G. (Funky Weapon Remix), T.C.’s Rap, Brother With A Purpose, Get Off, The Lubricated Lady, and Loveleft, Loveright.
In Europe, both a three‑track and a six‑track 12" configuration were issued, while the UK received only a single 12" edition that added Melody Cool (Extended Remix) performed by Mavis Staples.
The Japanese CD maxi‑single combined all material from the US maxi‑single with the additional tracks previously released on Thieves In The Temple, creating the most comprehensive version of the release.
PRODUCTION
Produced by Prince Label: Warner Bros. / Paisley Park Records
Critical response to New Power Generation highlighted its blend of funk, attitude and social messaging. Andy Healy of Albumism felt that Prince “delivered” a funk‑heavy track built on a mix of dance rhythms and socially conscious themes.
Larry Flick of Billboard described the song as another multiformat gem from Graffiti Bridge, noting its imaginative, ethereal qualities and the distinctive vocal presence Prince brought to the performance, supported by appearances from Mavis Staples and Tevin Campbell.
Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune referred to the track as the manifesto‑like lead statement of the album, while Duncan Holland of Music Week remarked that Prince’s ability to merge multiple styles resulted in a track that, although relatively routine for him, still had the potential to reach the Top 10. A reviewer for People Magazine highlighted the song’s “up‑side‑your‑head” funk, emphasising its direct and energetic impact.
RELEASE HISTORY
Released worldwide between October 1990 and March 1991. Third US single and fourth European single from Graffiti Bridge. 7" and cassette editions paired with Part II. 12" and CD maxi‑singles expanded with multiple additional tracks. Early unreleased configurations existed. Reached #64 US Hot 100 and #27 US R&B.
CHARTS & CERTIFICATIONS
America
USA: Billboard Hot 100 — Entry: 3 Nov 1990 — Peak: 64 — Weeks: 5
USA: Billboard Hot R&B — Entry: 3 Nov 1990 — Peak: 27 — Weeks: 11
Europe Belgium — Peak: 42 — Weeks: 5
Ireland — Peak: 11 — Weeks: 2
Netherlands — Peak: 21 — Weeks: 5
UK — Peak: 26 — Weeks: 4
PERSONNEL
Prince — vocals, instruments
Rosie Gaines — vocals
New Power Generation — vocals, spoken word Morris Day — drums T.C. Ellis — rap Tevin Campbell — vocals Mavis Staples — vocals Robin Power — vocals
New Power Generation — Format & Catalogue Table
Artist: Prince Title: New Power Generation Label: Warner Bros. / Paisley Park Records Country: Worldwide Date: October 22, 1990
Format | Tracks | Catalogue Numbers |
7" | A. New Power Generation (3:39) B. New Power Generation Part II (2:57) | US: 7‑19525 UK: W9525 DE: 5439‑19525‑7 AU: MX306045‑6 |
Cassette Single | A. New Power Generation (3:39) B. New Power Generation Part II (2:57) | US: 4‑19525 UK: W9525C |
Cassette Maxi | A1. N.P.G. (Funky Weapon Remix) (5:01) A2. T.C.’s Rap (3:11) — featuring T.C. Ellis A3. Brother With A Purpose (4:18) — featuring Tony Mosley B1. Get Off (4:41) B2. The Lubricated Lady (2:39) B3. Loveleft, Loveright (5:00) | US: 4‑21783 |
12" (UK / DE / AU) | A1. New Power Generation (3:39) B1. New Power Generation Part II (2:57) B2. Melody Cool (Extended Remix) (6:04) — Mavis Staples | UK: W9525T DE: 7599‑21801‑0 AU: MX306085‑6 |
12" (US / DE) | A1. N.P.G. (Funky Weapon Remix) (5:01) A2. T.C.’s Rap (3:11) — featuring T.C. Ellis A3. Brother With A Purpose (4:18) — featuring Tony Mosley B1. Get Off (4:41) B2. The Lubricated Lady (2:39) B3. Loveleft, Loveright (5:00) | US: 0‑21783 DE: 7599‑21783‑1 |
12" Picture Disc | A1. New Power Generation (3:39) B1. New Power Generation Part II (2:57) B2. Melody Cool (Extended Remix) (6:04) — Mavis Staples | UK: W9525TP |
12" Promo (US) | A. New Power Generation (3:39) B. New Power Generation (3:39) | US: PRO‑A‑4515 |
12" Promo (US) | A. N.P.G. (Funky Weapon Remix) (5:06) B. N.P.G. (Funky Weapon Remix) (5:06) | US: PRO‑A‑4578 |
3" CD (Japan) | 1. New Power Generation (3:39) 2. New Power Generation Part II (2:57) | JAP: WPDP‑6259 |
5" CD (UK / DE) | 1. New Power Generation (3:39) 2. New Power Generation Part II (2:57) 3. Melody Cool (Extended Remix) (6:04) — Mavis Staples | UK: W9525CD DE: 7599‑21801‑2 |
5" CD (US) | 1. N.P.G. (Funky Weapon Remix) (5:01) 2. T.C.’s Rap (3:11) — featuring T.C. Ellis 3. Brother With A Purpose (4:18) — featuring Tony Mosley 4. Get Off (4:41) 5. The Lubricated Lady (2:39) 6. Loveleft, Loveright (5:00) | US: 9 21783‑2 |
5" CD (Japan) | 1. Thieves In The Temple (Remix) (8:03) 2. Thieves In The House Mix (6:50) 3. Temple House Dub (5:06) 4. N.P.G. (Funky Weapon Remix) (5:01) 5. T.C.’s Rap (3:11) — featuring T.C. Ellis 6. Brother With A Purpose (4:18) — featuring Tony Mosley 7. Get Off (4:41) 8. The Lubricated Lady (2:39) 9. Loveleft, Loveright (5:00) | JAP: WPCP‑4200 |
CD Promo (US) | 1. New Power Generation (3:39) 2. New Power Generation Part II (2:57) | US: PRO‑CD‑4515 |
CD Promo (US) | 1. N.P.G. (Funky Weapon Remix) (5:01) | US: PRO‑CD‑4578 |
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia. BBC Official Charts Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2
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