The Family (July 19, 1985) – "The Screams Of Passion" b/w "Yes" 7" Single: USA

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BACKGROUND

The Screams Of Passion was the first single released from The Family’s debut and only album The Family.

Issued four weeks before the album, it marked the first release of any kind by the group and the first Prince‑related release to feature strings arranged by Clare Fischer.

The single contained both an edit and an extended version of the track, with the b‑side Yes also taken from the album. It was released in North America, the UK, and Europe.

RECORDING

Recorded in 1985 at Sunset Sound, Hollywood, California. The track features orchestral arrangements by Clare Fischer and production overseen by Prince and The Family.

STYLE & THEMES

A lush, cinematic funk ballad blending orchestral strings with Minneapolis‑style rhythm and synth textures.

Thematically, the song explores sensuality, longing, and emotional intensity — a hallmark of mid‑1980s Prince‑associated productions.

TRACK‑BY‑TRACK NOTES

• The Screams Of Passion — A‑side; first single from The Family, featuring Clare Fischer’s string arrangements.

• Yes — B‑side; album track from The Family.

RELEASE HISTORY

• July 19, 1985 — US release (Warner Bros. / Paisley Park).

• August 1985 — UK and European release.

• Four weeks later — The Family album released.

CHARTS & CERTIFICATIONS

• US Billboard Hot 100 — 63

• US Billboard Black Singles — 9

• US Billboard Hot Dance/Disco – Club Play — 10

PERSONNEL

St. Paul Peterson — vocals, keyboards Susannah Melvoin — vocals Jerome Benton — percussion

Jellybean Johnson — drums

Eric Leeds — saxophone

Prince — production, songwriting, instrumentation

Clare Fischer — string arrangements

PRODUCTION

Produced by Prince and The Family Label: Paisley Park / Warner Bros. Catalogue numbers:

• 7‑28953 (7")

• 9‑20360‑0 A (12")

• PRO‑A‑2336 (12" Promo)

COUNTRY VARIANTS

Artist: The Family

Title: The Screams Of Passion Label: Paisley Park / Warner Bros. Country: USA Catalogue: 7‑28953 / 9‑20360‑0 A / PRO‑A‑2336

Date: July 19, 1985

Format: 7" Single

Tracklist (7"):  

A — The Screams Of Passion (Edit) (3:10) B — Yes (4:27)

Tracklist (7" Promo):  

A — The Screams Of Passion (Edit) (3:10) B — The Screams Of Passion (Edit) (3:10)

Tracklist (12"):  

A — The Screams Of Passion (Extended Version) (6:45)

B — Yes (4:27)

Tracklist (12" Promo):

A — The Screams Of Passion (Edit) (3:10) B — The Screams Of Passion (Edit) (3:10)

SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia. BBC Official Charts Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2 All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.

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