Rosie Gaines: "I Want U" Single (1995)

Debut Single from Closer Than Close

On October 30, 1995, Rosie Gaines released "I Want U" as a single in the United Kingdom through Motown Records, serving as the lead track from her third studio album Closer Than Close. This soulful R&B ballad, co-written by Gaines and Prince, featured his production and a special "Purple Version" remix, highlighting their long-standing collaboration. Issued in multiple vinyl and CD formats, the single aimed to reintroduce Gaines to the UK market post her NPG tenure, blending heartfelt lyrics with funky undertones. Below, explore the background, significance, and details of this UK release.

Background and Context

Rosie Gaines' Career Trajectory

Born June 17, 1964, in Washington, D.C., Rosie Gaines joined Prince's New Power Generation in 1990 as a backing vocalist and keyboardist, contributing to albums like Diamonds and Pearls (1991) and Love Symbol (1992). After leaving the NPG in 1993, she pursued solo work, releasing Closer Than Close on Motown in 1995. This album marked her first major label effort post-Prince, featuring his co-writing on several tracks, including "I Want U." Gaines' powerful voice and gospel roots shone through, bridging 90s R&B with soul revivalism.

The Closer Than Close Album Era

Closer Than Close was recorded at Paisley Park Studios and other locations in 1994–1995, produced by Prince (as Paisley) and others, blending R&B, pop, and funk across 12 tracks. Released in July 1995 in the US (September in UK), it peaked at #83 on the Billboard 200 and #4 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, selling moderately with around 200,000 copies. "I Want U" (album version 5:15) is a seductive mid-tempo track about longing ("I want you, I need you, I love you"), featuring Gaines' emotive vocals over Prince's lush production, including keyboards and subtle guitar.

The Track "I Want U"

Co-written by Gaines and Prince, "I Want U" was recorded in 1994 at Paisley Park, with Prince handling production, keyboards, and background vocals. The UK single edit (4:15) trimmed the intro for radio, while remixes added club appeal. The "Purple Version" remix (5:30), produced by Prince, emphasized funky bass and horns, becoming a standout.

Chart Performance:

Chart Peak Position

UK Singles Chart #64

US Billboard Hot 100 Did not chart

US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs #29

Modest UK entry, peaking at #64; stronger US R&B airplay (#29). No major international charting, but remixes boosted club play.

Promotion: Supported by Gaines' UK promo tour and TV appearances (e.g., Top of the Pops); Prince's remix generated buzz among his followers.

Cultural Context

October 1995 fell during the peak of 90s R&B, with TLC's CrazySexyCool dominating charts. Gaines' release, tied to Prince's orbit, contrasted boy-band pop (Take That) with soulful maturity, amid UK house remixes' rise.

The UK Single Release Formats

"I Want U" launched in vinyl and CD formats via Motown, focusing on remixes for club and radio.

Below are the confirmed UK variants, sourced from Discogs and Prince Vault.

12" Vinyl Single

Label: Motown – 860 485-1

Format: Vinyl, 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo

Country: UK

Released 1995

A1 I Want U (Purple Version)

A2 I Want U (Earth Mama Version)

B1 I Want U (M&M Anthem Mix)

B2 I Want U (Weekend Mix)

---

CD Single

Label: Motown – 860 485-2

Format: CD, Single

Country: UK

Released: 1995

1 I Want U (Purple Version)

2 I Want U (M&M Anthem Mix)

3 I Want U (Earth Mama Version)

4 I Want U (Weekend Mix)

Licensed To – Polydor Ltd. (UK)

Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Motown Record Company, L.P.

Copyright © – Motown Record Company, L.P.

Made By – PDO, UK – 10379791

Executive-Producer – Steve McKeever

Producer – Ricky Peterson

Written-By – Prince, Rosie Gaines

---

Cassette Single

Label: Motown – 860 484-4

Format: Cassette, Single

Country: UK

Released: 1995

A1 I Want U (Purple Version)

A2 I Want U (Earth Mama Version Edit)

B1 I Want U (Purple Version)

B2 I Want U (Earth Mama Version Edit)

Executive-Producer – Steve McKeever

Producer – Ricky Peterson

Promo 12" (Catalog: ROSIEPROMO1): Similar to retail but with white labels and "DJ Copy Not For Resale" stamp.

No 7" vinyl confirmed; US versions (e.g., CD maxi with additional mixes) imported for collectors.

---

12" Vinyl Single Promo

Label: Motown – Rosie 3

Format: Vinyl, 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo

Country: UK

Released: 1995

A I Want U (Weekend Mix)

Remix – Hippie Torrales, Mark Mendoza

B I Want U (M & M Anthem Mix Instrumental)

Remix – Eddie Maduro, George Mena

Producer – Ricky Peterson

---

12" Vinyl Single Promo

Label: Motown – ROSIE 1

Format: Vinyl 12" Promo

Country: UK

Released: 1995

A1 I Want U (Purple Version)

A2 I Want U (Inner City Blue) (Earth Mama Version Edit)

B1 I Want U (Inner City Blue) (Earth Mama Version)

B2 I Want U (Inner City Blue) (Earth Mama Version Instrumental)

---

12" Vinyl Single Promo

Label: Motown – Rosie 2

Format: Vinyl, 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo

Country: UK

Released: 1995

A1 I Want U (M&M Anthem Mix)

Producer [Re-produced], Remix [Remixed By] – Eddie "Satin" Maduro, George Mena

A2 I Want U (Whistles In Heaven Mix)

Producer [Re-produced], Remix [Remixed By] – Naydee Polanco, Steve Mussenden

B1 I Want U (Bonus Vocal Mix)

Producer [Re-produced], Remix [Remixed By] – Hippie Torrales, Mark Mendozo*

B2 I Want U (Notice The House)

Producer [Re-produced], Remix [Remixed By] – Naydee Polanco, Steve Mussenden

---

Cultural and Musical Significance

Musical Innovation

"I Want U" fused Gaines' gospel-soul vocals with Prince's funky production, with the "Purple Version" adding layered horns and bass—echoing Diamonds and Pearls (1991). Remixes by Ultra Flava and Bump & Flex brought 90s house flair, influencing UK garage.

Gaines' UK Breakthrough

The single reintroduced Gaines post-NPG, peaking at #64 UK but building her solo profile. Prince's remix tied it to his legacy, appealing to crossover audiences.

Broader Context of October 30, 1995

Amid Blur vs. Oasis "Battle of Britpop," Gaines' release highlighted R&B's UK rise, competing with Eternal's "Power of a Woman."

Collectibility and Modern Availability

Collectibility: 12" vinyl ($10–$20) prized for "Purple Version"; CD common ($5–$15). Promo variants $15–$30.

Streaming and Reissues: On Spotify/Apple Music via Closer Than Close (remastered 2020); remixes on fan compilations. No deluxe single yet.

Physical Media: Available on Discogs; 2025 Motown reissues may include bonuses.

Additional Notes

Prince-Gaines Bond: Co-written during 1994 Paisley sessions; Gaines backed Prince on Love Symbol (1992).

Fan Reception: Soultracks (2020) calls it a "soulful standout"; Reddit (2023) praises the remix.

October 30, 1995, Context: Coincided with Gaines' UK promo, post-album US release.

Legacy

"I Want U," released October 30, 1995, rekindled Rosie Gaines' fire with Prince's funky touch—a soulful bridge from NPG to solo stardom. Its modest chart belies its enduring groove. Collectors seek vinyl; streams revive its plea. Explore at princevault.com.