✦ Come On – Single: Nov. 1998

The New Power Generation hits the dancefloor with a playful, remix‑packed symbol‑era standout

✦ Summary

Come On was released on November 9, 1998 across the UK and Europe as the sole single from Newpower Soul, credited to The New Power Generation but unmistakably driven by Prince’s creative direction.

Featuring Chaka Khan on smooth background vocals, the track blended house, funk, and late‑’90s R&B into a sleek, club‑ready groove. Its music video — with Prince disguised as an elderly prankster roaming a London park, intercut with Beautiful Strange performance footage — became one of the era’s most memorable visual moments. Issued in six formats, including a 12-inch, multiple CD editions, a maxi‑single, and a cassette, Come On peaked at No. 65 on the UK Singles Chart for one week.

A 1‑800‑NEW‑FUNK exclusive added a rare remix of The One, making the release a treasure trove for collectors.

✦ Highlights

• Released November 9, 1998 in the UK & Europe on NPG Records/BMG

• Only single from Newpower Soul

• Backing vocals by Chaka Khan

• Music video features Prince in disguise + Beautiful Strange footage

• Six formats issued: 12-inch, CD single, CD promo, cardboard-sleeve CD, maxi CD, cassette

• Peaked at No. 65 on the UK Singles Chart

• 1‑800‑NEW‑FUNK edition included exclusive The One remix

✦ Track Details

Primary Single Track

Come On — 4:30 (Album Edit)

Written‑By & Produced by The Artist (Formerly Known As Prince) and KAJ

Backing Vocals: Chaka Khan

Engineer: HMBuff

Recorded at Paisley Park Studios

Remixes & Additional Versions (varies by format)

• Come On (Doug E. Fresh Mix) — 4:57

• Come On (Remix) — 8:13 (feat. Larry Graham, Walter Chancellor Jr.)

• Come On (Hypermix) — 7:58

• Come On (Latenitemix) — 4:10

• Come On (Acapella) — 3:27

• The One (Remix) — exclusive to 1‑800‑NEW‑FUNK edition

Formats

• 12-inch Vinyl (74321607161)

• CD Single (74321 63472 2)

• CD Promo (74321607162)

• CD Single – Cardboard Sleeve (74321607172)

• Maxi CD (74321 62918 2)

• Cassette Single (74321 634724)

Label: NPG Records / BMG

Published by Emancipated Music

✦ Chart Performance

United Kingdom: No. 65 (1 week, Nov. 21, 1998)

International: No major chart entries documented

✦ Discography

Newpower Soul Era Singles:

Come On — Single: Nov. 1998

The One — Promo/Exclusive Remix: 1998

Newpower Soul — Album: 1998

Beautiful Strange — Video Release: 1998

✦ Prince Era Mini‑Timeline

1998 — Newpower Soul released

Nov. 9, 1998 — Come On single released in UK & Europe

Late 1998 — Beautiful Strange video premieres

1999 — Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic era begins

✦ Glam Flashback

Come On is pure late‑’90s Prince mischief — a funky, confident groove wrapped in humour, swagger, and a playful visual identity. The London‑park disguise, the Chaka Khan harmonies, and the avalanche of remixes made it a standout moment in the Newpower Soul era. Though it only brushed the UK charts, the single’s multi‑format rollout and infectious energy have cemented it as a cult favourite among collectors and symbol‑era devotees.

✦ Sources

Prince Vault, Discogs, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History, YouTube