Prince (September 13 1993) The Hits 1 - Double Album

The Hits 1 is the first volume of Prince’s official greatest hits compilation, gathering 18 essential tracks spanning his career from 1978 to 1993. Released in 1993, it includes major hits alongside two previously unreleased songs.

RELEASE DETAILS

Artist: Prince

Label: Warner Bros. Records / Paisley Park

Catalogue: 9362-45431-1

Format: 2×LP, Compilation

Country: Germany

Released: 1993

September 13 1993 (UK)

September 14 1993 (USA)

THE STORY

The album blends R&B, funk, pop, rock, soul, and hip hop. It tells the story of an Egyptian Princess (Mayte Garcia) who falls in love with a rock star (Prince) and entrusts him with the sacred 3 Chains o’ Gold after escaping assassins. The official title is the unpronounceable Love Symbol #2, which Prince later adopted as his stage name.

CONTEXT & NOTES

Released during Prince’s contract disputes with Warner Bros., The Hits 1 (paired with The Hits 2) served as a career retrospective. It features two previously unreleased tracks: “Pink Cashmere” and the live version of “Nothing Compares 2 U.” The set became a popular introduction to Prince’s catalog.

TRACK LISTING (1993 Original 2LP Vinyl)

Side A

A1 When Doves Cry — 3:49 A2 Pop Life — 3:42 A3 Soft And Wet — 3:03 A4 I Feel For You — 3:25 A5 Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad? — 3:48

Side B

B1 When You Were Mine — 3:43 B2 Uptown — 4:09 B3 Let's Go Crazy — 4:39 B4 1999 — 3:37 B5 I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man — 3:40

Side C

C1 Nothing Compares 2 U — 4:58 C2 Adore — 4:41 C3 Pink Cashmere — 6:15 C4 Alphabet St. — 5:39

Side D

D1 Sign 'O' The Times — 3:43 D2 Thieves In The Temple — 3:20 D3 Diamonds And Pearls — 4:20 D4 7 — 5:09

PERSONNEL Musicians Prince – lead and backing vocals, all instruments on most tracks (guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, etc.)

ADDITIONAL MUSICIANS AND BACKGROUND The New Power Generation

• Rosie Gaines – co-lead vocals, organ, backing vocals

• Tony M. – lead raps, backing vocals

• Levi Seacer, Jr. – rhythm guitar, backing vocals

• Sonny T. – bass, backing vocals

• Tommy Barbarella – keyboards, sampler, organ

• Michael Bland (Michael B.) – drums

• Damon Dickson, Kirk Johnson – backing vocals, percussion

• Mayte – introduction / additional vocals

The Revolution

• Wendy Melvoin – guitar, vocals

• Lisa Coleman – keyboards, vocals

• Matt Fink (Dr. Fink) – keyboards, vocals

• Brown Mark – bass, vocals

• Bobby Z. – percussion

Production

• Compilation Producer: Gregg Geller

• Art Direction & Design: Greg Ross, Jeff Gold

• Logo Design: David Carson

• Liner Notes: Alan Leeds

• Mastering: Lee Herschberg, Dave Friedlander, Stephen Marcussen

• Lacquer Cut: Hü*

PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS

• Double vinyl in standard jacket with embossed “W” on back

• Includes printed dust sleeves with black & white photos, liner notes, and credits

• “Nothing Compares 2 U” & “Pink Cashmere” noted as previously unreleased

• Made in Germany by Warner Music Manufacturing Europe

• Labels indicate original recording years per side

  
  

SOURCES Album liner notes, provided release data, Discogs.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE All album artwork, photographs, logos, 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.