The Time (September 17, 1982) – "777‑9311" b/w "Grace" Format: Netherlands
Released on 17 September 1982, 777‑9311 was the first single taken from The Time’s second album What Time Is It?. Issued four weeks before the album, the single appeared only in the USA and the Netherlands. The B‑side, Grace, did not feature on any album. Although credited to The Time, Prince largely wrote and performed both tracks, with his involvement remaining uncredited.
Both tracks were created during the sessions for What Time Is It?. Prince handled most instrumentation and arrangement, shaping the tight, minimalist funk sound associated with The Time’s early releases.
STYLE & THEMES
The A‑side delivers sharp, rhythmic Minneapolis funk with a distinctive bassline and playful vocal phrasing. The B‑side offers a shorter, groove‑ driven companion piece with the same era’s stripped‑down aesthetic.
TRACK‑BY‑TRACK NOTES
• 777‑9311 — A minimalist funk track built around a memorable bassline and Prince’s signature rhythmic precision.
• Grace — A non‑album B‑side showcasing tight grooves and early Minneapolis sound.
RELEASE HISTORY
Released 17 September 1982 in the USA and the Netherlands.
Catalogue numbers USA: 7‑29952 / Netherlands: WB 17 994.
Issued as a New Black Funk reissue in the Netherlands.
The single preceded the album by four weeks.
CHARTS & CERTIFICATIONS
USA — Billboard Black Singles: #2
Artist: The Time
Title: 777‑9311
Label: Warner Bros.
Country: Netherlands
Catalogue: WB 17 994
Date: September 17, 1982
Format: 7" Single
Tracklist (7"):
A — 777‑9311 (Edit) — 3:28
B — Grace — 2:37
Notes: New Black Funk reissue. USA and Netherlands only. B‑side non‑album track.
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia. BBC Official Charts Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2
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