Prince (Spring 2001) “The Work Part 1” – Promo CD Single US

This NPG Music Club exclusive promo CD single was the first commercial release from Prince’s 2001 album The Rainbow Children, featuring the lead track alongside the duet “U Make My Sun Shine” with Angie Stone.

Artist: Prince

Label: NPG Records

Date: Spring 2001

Catalogue: 27Y61 7135 THEWORK Format: Promo CD Single (Cardboard Slip Sleeve)

Country: USA

A-Side: “The Work Part 1” (3:39)

B-Side: “U Make My Sun Shine” (with Angie Stone) (5:52)

Written by: Prince

Produced by: Prince

TRACK LIST

1. The Work Part 1 (3:39)

2. U Make My Sun Shine (with Angie Stone) (5:52)

   
   

PERSONNEL Prince – vocals, guitar, Fender Rhodes piano, production

John Blackwell – drums

Larry Graham – bass

Kip Blackshire & Milenia – backing vocals

The Hornheadz – horns

THE STORY 

“The Work Part 1” was the first single released from Prince’s critically acclaimed album The Rainbow Children. It was made available exclusively through the NPG Music Club as a limited CD single in spring 2001. The B-side, the soulful duet “U Make My Sun Shine” with Angie Stone, had previously been released as a standalone single.

Due to its exclusive NPG Music Club distribution, the single was not eligible for Billboard charts.

CONTEXT & NOTES 

Housed in a cardboard slip-in sleeve with striking Rainbow Children era artwork of Prince. This was Prince’s primary method of releasing music directly to fans during this independent period. The disc is a vibrant pink/magenta color with white text.

CHART PERFORMANCE 

None (limited NPG Music Club release)

RELATED MATERIAL 

Prince (2001) The Rainbow Children (Album)

For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page.

SOURCES 

Prince Vault, Discogs, sleevographia2.

All single artwork, photographs, labels, 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.