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Various Artists’ 1-800 New Funk , featuring music primarily written and produced by Prince and performed by artists from Paisley Park Records and NPG Records, was released as an album in the US by NPG Records (catalog number 0061032NPG) on August 12, 1994, with a UK release in September 1994. While some tracks had been previously released, most were new and did not appear on any other albums. The booklet included images that might have been intended as album covers for each artist. Except for George Clinton’s track "Hollywood," all songs featured either writing or musical contributions from Prince. The album also included a new track by Prince, "Love Sign," credited as a duet by "Nona Gaye and ," with Nona Gaye listed as the main artist due to Prince's disputes with Warner Bros. over releasing his music independently. The album featured two singles: "Love Sign" (released solely as a promotional single) and "Standing At The Altar" (the only single from the album available commercially). "2gether" had been available earlier, associated with the New Power Generation album "Gold Nigga." "MPLS" and "If ♥ U 2night" were released in limited quantities earlier in 1994 as individual singles but were not linked to this compilation upon release (no upcoming album was mentioned on the singles' artwork). "If ♥ U 2night" was also reissued as a single in October 1995, alongside Mayte’s album "Child Of The Sun." Prince o(+> promoted the album through a video and a TV performance of "Love Sign," and a full-page ad in Billboard magazine was used to market the album, imitating Warner Bros.' advertisement from the month before for "Come" (which was released three days after "1-800 New Funk"). Although the album did not make it onto the US Billboard 200 chart, it did achieve a position of number 45 on the Billboard R&B Chart. LP VINYL Side 1: A1. MPLS - Minneapolis (4:26) 1 A2. Hollywood - George Clinton A3. Love Sign - Nona Gaye & (4:31) 2 A4. If ♥ U 2night - Mayte (4:19) 2 A5. Color - The Steeles (4:20) 2 Side 2: B1. 2gether - New Power Generation (5:07) 3 B2. Standing At The Altar - Margie Cox (3:54) 2 B3. You Will Be Moved - Mavis Staples (4:11) 4 B4. 17 - Madhouse (5:23) 5 B5. A Woman’s Gotta Have It - Nona Gaye (4:30) 5 B6. MPLS Reprise - Minneapolis (0:48) 1 All songs written by Prince (0(+>) except when indicated. 1 Written by Prince (credited to Sonny T.) 2 written by Prince (0(+>) 3 Written by Prince (credited to the New Power Generation) 4 Written by Prince 5 written by Prince (0(+>), Eric Leeds, Michael Bland, Sonny Thompson & Levi Seacer, Jr. 6 Written by Bobby Womack, Linda Womack and Darryl Carter CD MPLS - Minneapolis (4:26) 1 Hollywood - George Clinton Love Sign - Nona Gaye & (4:31) 2 If ♥ U 2night - Mayte (4:19) 2 Color - The Steeles (4:20) 2 2gether - New Power Generation (5:07) 3 Standing At The Altar - Margie Cox (3:54) 2 You Will Be Moved - Mavis Staples (4:11) 4 17 - Madhouse (5:23) 5 A Woman’s Gotta Have It - Nona Gaye (4:30) 6 MPLS Reprise - Minneapolis (0:48) 1 JAPAN CD FEATURING ADDITIONAL TRACKS MPLS - Minneapolis (4:26) 1 Hollywood - George Clinton Love Sign - Nona Gaye & (4:31) 2 If ♥ U 2night - Mayte (4:19) 2 Color - The Steeles (4:20) 2 2gether - New Power Generation (5:07) 3 Standing At The Altar - Margie Cox (3:54) 2 You Will Be Moved - Mavis Staples (4:11) 4 17 - Madhouse (5:23) 5 A Woman’s Gotta Have It - Nona Gaye (4:30) 6 MPLS Reprise - Minneapolis (0:48) 1 EXTRA TRACKS Standing At The Altar (Extended Version) - Margie Cox (5.59) The Most Beautiful Girl In The World (Sax Mix) - Brian Gallagher (4:29) The Most Beautiful Boy In The World - Mayte (4:34) All songs written by Prince (0(+>) except when indicated. 1 Written by Prince (credited to Sonny T.) 2 written by Prince (0(+>) 3 Written by Prince (credited to the New Power Generation) 4 Written by Prince 5 written by Prince (as ), Eric Leeds, Michael Bland, Sonny Thompson & Levi Seacer, Jr. 6 Written by Bobby Womack, Linda Womack and Darryl Carter

✦ Prince’s Earliest Studio Work, Reframed A historic collection of 1975–1979 recordings featuring a teenage Prince, André Cymone, and Pepe Willie — the foundation of the Minneapolis Sound ✦ Summary Released 12 February 1986, Minneapolis Genius is the first official collection of studio recordings by 94 East, the funk group formed in 1975 by Pepe Willie, who played a pivotal role in launching Prince’s early career. The album compiles tracks recorded between December 1975 and February 1979, capturing Prince at ages 17–20 as a guitarist, bassist, drummer, and arranger — long before his solo breakthrough. The collection includes “Just Another Sucker,” the only 94 East track co‑written by Prince, and features performances by Prince, André Cymone, and early collaborators under Willie’s direction. Although the cover subtitle labels them as “the historic 1977 recordings,” the sessions span a wider period. Originally released by Hot Pink Records Inc. with minimal promotion, the album did not chart, and its singles had no commercial impact. Over the years, the material has been reissued repeatedly — often without Pepe Willie’s consent — leading to legal disputes and a proliferation of semi‑official editions. A major Record Store Day 2024 reissue revived the material as a double‑LP, essentially repackaging the later Symbolic Beginning compilation under the Minneapolis Genius title. Prince himself had no involvement in any of the releases and was reportedly upset by their circulation, leading to tense exchanges with Willie in 1986 and again in the early 2000s. A fascinating, controversial, and essential document of Prince’s earliest studio years. ✦ Highlights • Released 12 February 1986 • First commercial release of 94 East recordings • Features Prince on all tracks (instrumentalist only) • Includes “Just Another Sucker,” co‑written by Prince • Sessions recorded 1975–1979 • Additional overdubs/remixes added 1984–1985 • No chart success; minimal promotion • Reissued many times, often without Pepe Willie’s approval • 2024 Record Store Day double‑LP reissue ✦ Track Details CD – Reissue of Original LP If You Feel Like Dancin’ — 7:11 Lovin’ Cup — 4:21 Games — 5:01 Just Another Sucker — 5:21 Dance To The Music Of The World — 5:09 One Man Jam — 6:17 MC – Original Cassette Side 1: If You Feel Like Dancin’ — 7:11 Lovin’ Cup — 4:21 Games — 5:01 Side 2: Just Another Sucker — 5:21 Dance To The Music Of The World — 5:09 One Man Jam — 6:17 2LP – Record Store Day Reissue (2024) Side 1: If You Feel Like Dancin’ — 7:11 Lovin’ Cup — 4:21 Games — 5:01 Side 2: Just Another Sucker — 5:21 Dance To The Music Of The World — 5:09 One Man Jam — 6:17 Side 3: If You See Me — 5:40 Games (Original Version) — 3:40 I’ll Always Love You — 3:55 Better Than You Think — 4:30 If We Don’t — 4:09 Side 4: You Can Be My Teacher — 4:06 Love, Love, Love — 3:53 Dance To The Music Of The World (Practice Session) — 6:04 If You See Me (Instrumental Version) — 5:39 Games (Instrumental Version) — 3:40 Better Than You Think (Instrumental Version) — 4:31 ✦ Reissues & Global Variants • 1986 — Original LP (Hot Pink Records Inc.) • 1986 — Cassette edition • 1995 — Symbolic Beginning (expanded versions) • 2002 — 94 East (additional Prince‑related tracks) • Multiple 1990s–2010s — Semi‑official European reissues (unauthorized) • 2024 — Record Store Day 2LP reissue ✦ Production and Context • Recorded 1975–1979 at various Minneapolis studios • Prince performs guitar, bass, drums, keys — no vocals • André Cymone appears throughout • Colonel Abrams served as early frontman • Pepe Willie produced and later remixed/overdubbed tracks (1984–85) • Named after Interstate 94, which displaced St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood • Prince had no involvement in any release and objected to their distribution • Disputes between Prince and Willie occurred in 1986 and early 2000s ✦ Singles Released Just Another Sucker — b/w Just Another Sucker If You Feel Like Dancin’ — b/w If You Feel Like Dancin’ (No chart impact) ✦ Chart Performance • Did not chart • Singles also failed to chart ✦ Discography Sidebar 94 East Collections: Minneapolis Genius — 1986 Symbolic Beginning — 1995 94 East — 2002 Minneapolis Genius (RSD 2LP) — 2024 ✦ Prince Era Mini‑Timeline Dec 1975 — 94 East formed 1975–1979 — Recording sessions with Prince 1985 — First commercial releases begin 12 Feb 1986 — Minneapolis Genius released 1995 — Symbolic Beginning expands the archive 2024 — Record Store Day reissue ✦ Glam Flashback Minneapolis Genius offers a rare glimpse into the embryonic stages of the Minneapolis Sound — raw, funky, and full of potential. Hearing a teenage Prince navigating studio sessions under Pepe Willie’s guidance is like watching lightning gather before the strike. Though the releases were controversial and unauthorized from Prince’s perspective, the recordings remain a vital historical document, capturing the moment Minneapolis began to find its voice. ✦ Image & Artwork Copyright Notice All images, photographs, and artwork referenced or displayed in this post remain the property of their respective copyright holders. They are included strictly for historical, educational, and archival purposes under fair‑use principles. No ownership is claimed, and all rights belong to the original creators, photographers, designers, and publishers. ✦ Sources Wikipedia, Prince Vault

✦ The first independent release by — and a global phenomenon A landmark single that broke Prince free from Warner Bros., launched NPG Records, and became his first UK No. 1 hit ✦ Summary Released in the USA on February 9, 1994 as a 7" single, The Most Beautiful Girl in the World marked a seismic turning point in Prince’s career. It was the first single credited to Symbol , the first release from NPG Records, and the first Prince‑related single issued independently of Warner Bros. — a bold declaration of artistic autonomy. Although later included on The Gold Experience (Prince’s 17th album and the first credited to ), the single arrived with no album attached, functioning as a standalone statement. Coming only five months after The Hits/The B‑Sides, it was clearly positioned as a break from the past — a new identity, a new label, a new era. The single became a worldwide success, reaching No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and becoming Prince’s first UK No. 1 single. Allegations circulated that Prince’s team purchased large quantities of the single to boost chart performance, though nothing was ever proven. Three months later, Prince released The Beautiful Experience, an EP containing multiple radically different versions of the song — each with its own title rather than remix labels. Additional CD singles followed for the Staxowax and Mustang Mix versions, each treated as separate releases. The originally planned B‑side, New World, was blocked by Warner Bros., prompting Prince to create the Beautiful version instead, built from similar musical elements. The result was one of the most complex, multi‑format, multi‑identity single campaigns of Prince’s entire career. ✦ Highlights • Released 9 February 1994 (USA) • First single credited to • First release from NPG Records • First Prince‑related single issued independently of Warner Bros. • Later included on The Gold Experience • Prince’s first UK No. 1 single • Reached No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 • Spawned The Beautiful Experience EP and multiple remix singles • Originally planned B‑side (“New World”) blocked by Warner Bros. ✦ Track Details (Due to the enormous number of variants, this section summarizes the US formats only.) 7" – USA (NPG/Bellmark – BR‑72514‑4) A. The Most Beautiful Girl in the World B. Beautiful (B‑side version created after “New World” was blocked) Cassette Singles – USA Standard Cassette (BR‑72514‑4) The Most Beautiful Girl in the World Beautiful 4U Cassette Longbox (no catalog number) 4U (The Most Beautiful Girl in the World) Staxowax Cassette (BR 72516 4) The Most Beautiful Girl in the World (Staxowax Mix) Alternate Cassette (BR 72519‑4) The Most Beautiful Girl in the World CD Singles – USA Standard CD (BR 72514‑2) The Most Beautiful Girl in the World Beautiful Staxowax CD (BR 72516‑2) Staxowax Mix Mustang Mix CD (BR 72521‑2) Mustang Mix 4U CD Longbox (no catalog number) 4U (The Most Beautiful Girl in the World) Promo CDr (no catalog number) The Most Beautiful Girl in the World 12" Vinyl – USA Standard 12" (BR72514‑1) The Most Beautiful Girl in the World Misprint 12" (BR‑72514‑2) Incorrect catalog number printed ✦ Reissues & Global Variants • Multiple US cassette, CD, and 12" editions • 4U longbox editions (cassette + CD) • Staxowax and Mustang Mix singles • The Beautiful Experience EP (1994) • International variants not listed here (US‑only entry) ✦ Production and Context • First independent release by Prince/ • First release on NPG Records • Warner Bros. allowed only one independent track — Prince responded by issuing multiple versions • “New World” blocked as B‑side → “Beautiful” created instead • Artwork varied widely across formats • Campaign designed to assert artistic freedom • EP and remix singles treated as separate releases ✦ Singles Released The Most Beautiful Girl in the World — 9 February 1994 The Beautiful Experience (EP) — May 1994 Staxowax CD Single — 1994 Mustang Mix CD Single — 1994 ✦ Chart Performance (USA) • Billboard Hot 100 — No. 3 (26 weeks) • Billboard R&B Singles — No. 2 (23 weeks) • Billboard Adult Contemporary — No. 25 (17 weeks) ✦ Mini Discography The Most Beautiful Girl in the World — 1994 The Beautiful Experience (EP) — 1994 The Gold Experience — 1995 ✦ Mini‑Timeline Feb 1994 — Single released independently via NPG Records Mar 1994 — Peaks at No. 3 on Billboard Hot 100 May 1994 — The Beautiful Experience EP released 1995 — Included on The Gold Experience ✦ Glam Flashback The Most Beautiful Girl in the World wasn’t just a hit — it was a declaration. Prince broke free from Warner Bros., reinvented himself as , launched NPG Records, and delivered one of the most romantic, accessible songs of his career. The single’s global success proved he could thrive outside the traditional industry system, and its sprawling remix campaign showcased his creativity at full throttle. A love song, a manifesto, and a rebirth. ✦ Image & Artwork Copyright Notice All images, photographs, and artwork referenced or displayed in this post remain the property of their respective copyright holders. They are included strictly for historical, educational, and archival purposes under fair‑use principles. No ownership is claimed, and all rights belong to the original creators, photographers, designers, and publishers. ✦ Sources Prince Vault Wikipedia Discogs

✦ Prince’s dance‑floor protégée steps into the spotlight A high‑energy, NPG‑driven debut crafted almost entirely by Prince and the New Power Generation ✦ Summary Released on February 9, 1993, Carmen Electra is the self‑titled debut — and only — studio album by Carmen Electra, created under the close guidance of Prince. Recorded between Spring 1991 and Summer 1992, the project was conceived as a dance‑driven, hip‑hop‑infused showcase for Electra’s persona, blending Minneapolis funk, rap, and club‑ready production. Although most of the album was newly recorded, several tracks trace back to earlier Prince eras: “Good Judy Girlfriend” (1988) and “Fantasia Erotica” (1989) were reworked for the project. Additional Prince‑influenced tracks — including “Carmen On Top” and “The Juice” — were recorded but ultimately left unreleased. The album produced four singles: “Go Go Dancer” and “Fantasia Erotica” (both released before the album), “Everybody Get On Up”, and “Fun”, which received a limited release in 1998. Originally titled On Top and planned for July 1992 to coincide with Electra’s opening slot on the Diamonds and Pearls Tour, the album was delayed by six months and received minimal promotion upon release. It did not chart. Despite its commercial fate, the album stands as a vivid snapshot of Prince’s early‑’90s creative world — playful, provocative, and deeply tied to the NPG’s evolving sound. ✦ Highlights • Released February 9, 1993 • Written, produced, and largely performed by Prince and the NPG • Recorded 1991–1992, with roots in 1988–1989 sessions • Originally titled On Top • Release delayed six months • Four singles issued (one post‑album) • Did not chart but remains a cult Prince‑associated project ✦ Track Details CD – 1993 Go Go Dancer — 4:45 Good Judy Girlfriend — 1:59 Go On (Witcha Bad Self) — 4:09 Step To The Mic — 3:16 S.T. — 4:03 Fantasia Erotica — 4:36 Everybody Get On Up — 4:01 Segue — 0:29 Fun — 3:42 Just A Little Lovin’ — 4:02 Segue — 0:46 All That — 4:29 Segue — 0:12 This Is My House — 3:28 Cassette – 1993 Side 1: Go Go Dancer — 4:45 Good Judy Girlfriend — 1:59 Go On (Witcha Bad Self) — 4:09 Step To The Mic — 3:16 S.T. — 4:03 Fantasia Erotica — 4:36 Side 2: Everybody Get On Up — 4:01 Segue — 0:29 Fun — 3:42 Just A Little Lovin’ — 4:02 Segue — 0:46 All That — 4:29 Segue — 0:12 This Is My House — 3:28 ✦ Reissues & Global Variants • CD and cassette only • No vinyl release at the time • “Fun” reissued as a limited single in 1998 • No deluxe or expanded editions ✦ Production and Context • Produced by Prince with the New Power Generation • Recorded at Paisley Park, Record Plant, Sunset Sound, and Studios 301 • Tracks date from 1988–1992 • Project designed to launch Carmen Electra as a dance/rap performer • Album title changed from On Top • Release delayed from July 1992 to February 1993 • Minimal promotion contributed to lack of chart success ✦ Singles Released Go Go Dancer — 1992 Fantasia Erotica — 1992 Everybody Get On Up — 1993 Fun — 1998 (limited release) ✦ Chart Performance • Album did not chart • Singles did not chart ✦ Mini Discography Go Go Dancer (Single) — 1992 Fantasia Erotica (Single) — 1992 Carmen Electra (Album) — 1993 Fun (Single) — 1998 ✦ Mini‑Timeline Spring 1991 — Recording begins Summer 1992 — Recording completed July 1992 — Planned release (delayed) February 9, 1993 — Album released 1998 — “Fun” receives limited single release ✦ Glam Flashback Carmen Electra is pure early‑’90s Minneapolis energy — a neon‑lit blend of hip‑hop, dance, and Prince’s unmistakable production flair. It captures a moment when Prince was building a universe of protégés, each reflecting a different facet of his creativity. Though the album never found commercial traction, it remains a fascinating artifact of the era: bold, playful, and unmistakably NPG. ✦ Image & Artwork Copyright Notice All images, photographs, and artwork referenced or displayed in this post remain the property of their respective copyright holders. They are included strictly for historical, educational, and archival purposes under fair‑use principles. No ownership is claimed, and all rights belong to the original creators, photographers, designers, and publishers. ✦ Sources Prince Vault Wikipedia Discogs

✦ 0(+>’s most intimate Gold Experience single — expanded into a worldwide maxi‑release A global rollout featuring multiple mixes, regional variants, and one of the most emotionally charged singles of the era ✦ Summary Released worldwide on September 19, 1995, I Hate U (The Hate Experience) served as one of the major singles from The Gold Experience, the first full studio album credited to . The track stands as one of the most personal and emotionally raw songs of the era — a slow‑burning, confessional ballad that blends courtroom drama, heartbreak, and spiritual conflict. The maxi‑single campaign was extensive, spanning UK & Europe, USA, Canada, and Australia, each with its own configuration of mixes. The flagship 12" edition included the Extended Remix, the Album Version, and the Quiet Night Mix by Eric Leeds. The US 12" added the 7" Edit, while CD editions worldwide offered all four mixes in varying orders. Pressed across multiple plants (including Damont in the UK), the release is notable for its consistent artwork, its global rollout, and its tight integration with the Gold Experience campaign. Commercially, the single performed strongly, reaching No. 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100, No. 3 on the R&B chart, and charting across Europe. ✦ Highlights • Released worldwide on September 19, 1995 • Major single from The Gold Experience • Multiple regional maxi‑single variants • Includes Extended Remix, Album Version, Quiet Night Mix, and 7" Edit • Strong US chart performance (Hot 100 No. 12, R&B No. 3) • Pressed by Damont (UK) • Artwork features the iconic Love Symbol and courtroom‑themed imagery ✦ Track Details 12" – UK & Europe (9362‑43573‑0 / WO315T) A1. I Hate U (Extended Remix) — 6:17 B1. I Hate U (Album Version) — 5:58 B2. I Hate U (Quiet Night Mix by Eric Leeds) — 3:55 Pressed by Damont Barcode: 093624357308 Label Code: LC 0392 Rights Society: GEMA/BIEM, ASCAP ✦ All Variants (Complete List) Every variant you supplied is included below. 1. USA – 12" Maxi‑Single Warner Bros. Records – 9 43592‑0 / NPG Records – 9 43592‑0 A1. I Hate U (Extended Remix) — 6:17 A2. I Hate U (7" Edit) — 4:27 B1. I Hate U (Quiet Night Mix by Eric Leeds) — 3:55 B2. I Hate U (Album Version) — 6:07 2. USA – CD Maxi‑Single (FLP Case) Warner Bros. Records – 9 43592‑2 / NPG Records – 2‑43592 I Hate U (7" Edit) — 4:27 I Hate U (Extended Remix) — 6:17 I Hate U (Quiet Night Mix by Eric Leeds) — 3:55 I Hate U (Album Version) — 6:07 3. Australia – CD Maxi‑Single WEA Records / Warner Bros. Records / NPG Records – 9362435922 I Hate U (7" Edit) I Hate U (Extended Remix) I Hate U (Quiet Night Mix) I Hate U (Album Version) 4. UK & Europe – 12" Maxi‑Single Warner Bros. Records – 9362‑43573‑0 / NPG Records – WO315T A1. I Hate U (Extended Remix) — 6:17 B1. I Hate U (Album Version) — 5:58 B2. I Hate U (Quiet Night Mix by Eric Leeds) — 3:55 5. Canada – CD Maxi‑Single Warner Bros. Records – CD 43592 / NPG Records – CD 43592 I Hate U (Extended Remix) — 6:17 I Hate U (7" Edit) — 4:27 I Hate U (Quiet Night Mix by Eric Leeds) — 3:55 I Hate U (Album Version) — 6:07 ✦ Reissues & Global Variants • No picture disc • No cassette single • Artwork consistent across regions • US 12" includes unique 7" Edit not present on UK 12" • Australian CD uses simplified tracklist formatting ✦ Production and Context • Produced, arranged, composed, and performed by and The New Power Generation • Part of the Gold Experience era, during the height of the name‑change period • Quiet Night Mix arranged by Eric Leeds • Themes of betrayal, desire, and emotional conflict • One of the most lyrically explicit emotional statements of the mid‑’90s ✦ Singles Released I Hate U — September 19, 1995 ✦ Chart Performance USA • Billboard Hot 100 — No. 12 (10 weeks) • Billboard Hot R&B Singles — No. 3 (20 weeks) Europe Belgium (Flanders) — No. 43 (2 weeks) Germany — No. 62 (9 weeks) Netherlands (Top 40) — No. 20 (3 weeks) UK (Gallup Singles Chart) — No. 20 (3 weeks) ✦ Mini Discography The Most Beautiful Girl in the World — 1994 The Gold Experience — 1995 I Hate U (The Hate Experience) — 1995 ✦ Mini‑Timeline September 19, 1995 — Maxi‑single released worldwide September 23, 1995 — US chart debut October 1995 — European chart entries Late 1995 — Final Gold Experience single campaign ✦ Glam Flashback I Hate U is one of the most emotionally charged singles of the ’90s — a courtroom confession wrapped in velvet‑smooth production and NPG sophistication. The maxi‑single campaign amplified its impact, offering extended mixes, late‑night jazz textures, and the raw album version. It remains a defining moment of the Gold Experience era, capturing at his most vulnerable and theatrical. ✦ Image & Artwork Copyright Notice All images, photographs, and artwork referenced or displayed in this post remain the property of their respective copyright holders. They are included strictly for historical, educational, and archival purposes under fair‑use principles. No ownership is claimed, and all rights belong to the original creators, photographers, designers, and publishers. ✦ Sources Prince Vault Wikipedia Discogs

✦ The definitive Purple Rain dancefloor explosion The Special Dance Mix backed with the legendary “Erotic City,” issued at the height of Prince’s imperial era ✦ Summary Released in the United States on August 29, 1984, the Let’s Go Crazy 12" maxi‑single delivered one of the most iconic extended mixes of Prince’s career. As the opening track of both the Purple Rain album and film, “Let’s Go Crazy” was already a cultural force — but the 7:35 Special Dance Mix pushed the song into full club‑anthem territory. The B‑side, “Erotic City (Make Love Not War Erotic City Come Alive)”, became one of Prince’s most influential and controversial tracks, despite never appearing on a studio album. Its sexually explicit lyrics led to widespread debate and radio edits, and it remains one of the most celebrated B‑sides in pop history. The US 12" was issued in multiple pressing variations — including SRC, ARC, misprints, represses, and two promo‑only editions — all sharing the same core tracklist. Early copies feature the “Specially‑Priced 2‑Cut Maxi Single” banner and flower‑design labels, with some copies gold‑stamped for promotion. Commercially, the single was a major success, becoming Prince’s second US No. 1 hit, topping the Hot 100, R&B, and Dance charts. ✦ Highlights • Released August 29, 1984 (USA) • Features the 7:35 Special Dance Mix • B‑side: “Erotic City” — 7:24 • Multiple US pressing variants (SRC, ARC, misprints, represses, promos) • “Let’s Go Crazy” became Prince’s second US No. 1 single • “Erotic City” became a legendary B‑side • Artwork includes “Specially‑Priced 2‑Cut Maxi Single” banner • Early copies issued without barcode ✦ Track Details 12" – US (9 20246‑0 A / 0‑20246) A. Let’s Go Crazy (Special Dance Mix) — 7:35 B. Erotic City (“Make Love Not War Erotic City Come Alive”) — 7:24 Credits: Produced, arranged, composed, and performed by Prince and the Revolution Published by Controversy Music (ASCAP) Pressed by Specialty Records Corporation (SRC) ℗ 1984 Warner Bros. Records Inc. / WEA International Inc. ✦ All US 12" Variants 1. SRC Pressing (Standard) 12", 45 RPM, Maxi‑Single Warner Bros. Records – 9 20246‑0 A / 0‑20246 • Special Dance Mix / Erotic City • “Specially‑Priced 2‑Cut Maxi Single” • Flower‑design labels • No barcode 2. Misprint / Repress (SRC) 12", 45 RPM, Maxi‑Single Warner Bros. Records – 9 20246‑0 A / 0‑20246 • Same tracklist • Label or sleeve misprints • Repressing with identical catalog numbers 3. Promo – PRO‑A‑2173 12", 33⅓ RPM, Promo Warner Bros. Records – PRO‑A‑2173 A. Let’s Go Crazy (Edit) — 3:46 B. Let’s Go Crazy (Album Version) — 4:40 4. Promo – PRO‑A‑2182 12", 33⅓ RPM, Promo Warner Bros. Records – PRO‑A‑2182 A. Let’s Go Crazy (Special Dance Mix) — 7:35 B. Let’s Go Crazy (Album Version) — 4:40 5. ARC Pressing 12", 45 RPM, Maxi‑Single Warner Bros. Records – 9 20246‑0 A / 0‑20246 • ARC pressing plant variant • Same tracklist 6. ARC Repress 12", 45 RPM, Maxi‑Single Warner Bros. Records – 9 20246‑0 A / 0‑20246 • Repress with ARC identifiers • Same tracklist ✦ Reissues & Global Variants • US 12" only — no picture disc • Multiple represses with identical catalog numbers • Promo editions issued at two speeds (33⅓ and 45 RPM) • International 12" editions handled in separate posts ✦ Production and Context • Opening track of Purple Rain (album + film) • Extended mix originally intended for the album • Edited down when “Take Me With U” was added to the LP • “Erotic City” became a club staple and radio‑edit controversy • Linn LM‑1 drum machine central to the track’s sound • Two guitar solos performed by Prince ✦ Chart Performance (USA) Billboard Hot 100 — No. 1 (2 weeks) Billboard Black Singles — No. 1 (1 week) Billboard Dance/Disco Top 80 (listed with “Erotic City”) — No. 1 (1 week) ✦ Mini Discography Purple Rain (Album) — 1984 Let’s Go Crazy (US 7") — 1984 Let’s Go Crazy (US 12") — 1984 Erotic City (B‑side) — 1984 ✦ Mini‑Timeline June 25, 1984 — Purple Rain album released July 1984 — Film premieres August 29, 1984 — US 12" maxi‑single released September 1984 — Reaches No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 ✦ Glam Flashback The US 12" of Let’s Go Crazy is pure Purple Rain electricity — the extended sermon‑funk explosion that defined Prince’s mid‑’80s sound. Paired with the notorious “Erotic City,” it became one of the most influential maxi‑singles of the decade, a club essential, and a cornerstone of Prince’s imperial era. ✦ Image & Artwork Copyright Notice All images, photographs, and artwork referenced or displayed in this post remain the property of their respective copyright holders. They are included strictly for historical, educational, and archival purposes under fair‑use principles. No ownership is claimed, and all rights belong to the original creators, photographers, designers, and publishers. ✦ Sources Prince Vault Wikipedia Discogs

✦ The extended Purple Rain dancefloor edition A UK‑exclusive 12" pairing featuring the full 7:35 extended mix of “Let’s Go Crazy” and the uncut album version of “Take Me With U,” backed with the legendary “Erotic City” ✦ Summary Released in the United Kingdom in 1985, the Let’s Go Crazy / Take Me With U 12" single offered fans a high‑energy, club‑ready expansion of the Purple Rain era. Unlike the 7" edition — which paired the two tracks as a double‑A‑side — the 12" added a third powerhouse: “Erotic City (Make Love Not War Erotic City Come Alive)”, one of Prince’s most influential B‑sides. The release features the 7:35 extended version of “Let’s Go Crazy,” a mix that became a staple of Prince’s live shows and DJ sets. The 12" was issued in multiple UK variants, including PRS and Damont pressings, generic‑sleeve editions, and an Island‑publisher variant. All share the same catalog number family (W2000T / 920 317‑0). The sleeve famously includes a warning about the explicit lyrical content of “Erotic City,” making it one of the few Prince singles to carry such a notice during the 1980s. ✦ Highlights • Released 1985 (UK) • Features the 7:35 extended version of “Let’s Go Crazy” • Includes “Take Me With U” (album version) • Adds “Erotic City” — 7:24 full version • Multiple UK pressing variants (PRS, Damont, generic sleeve, Island publisher) • Sleeve includes explicit‑content warning • Produced, arranged, composed, and performed by Prince and the Revolution ✦ Track Details 12" – UK (W2000T / 920 317‑0) A1. Let’s Go Crazy (Extended Version) — 7:35 A2. Take Me With U — 3:51 B. Erotic City (Make Love Not War Erotic City Come Alive) — 7:24 Credits: Produced, arranged, composed, and performed by Prince and the Revolution Published by Island Music Ltd. Pressed by PRS Ltd. Plated at Musitech Distributed by WEA Records Ltd. ℗ 1984 / 1985 WEA International Inc. Sleeve note: WARNING! Erotic City contains sexually explicit lyrics that could be offensive ✦ All UK 12" Variants (Complete List) Every variant you supplied is included below. 1. PRS Pressing 12", 45 RPM, Stereo Warner Bros. Records – W2000T / 920 317‑0 / W2000 (T) / 920317‑0 UK — 1985 2. Generic Sleeve Edition 12", 45 RPM, Stereo Warner Bros. Records – W2000 (T) / W2000 T / (920317‑0) UK — 1985 3. Damont Pressing 12", 45 RPM, Stereo Warner Bros. Records – W2000T / W2000 (T) / 920 317‑0 UK — 1985 4. Damont Pressing – Island Publisher Variant 12", 45 RPM, Stereo Warner Bros. Records – W2000T / W2000 (T) / 920 317‑0 UK — 1985 ✦ Reissues & Global Variants • No UK picture disc • No colored vinyl • US 12" editions differ and are handled separately • Multiple UK pressings due to manufacturing differences (PRS, Damont) ✦ Production and Context • Extended version of “Let’s Go Crazy” became a fan‑favourite • “Erotic City” considered one of Prince’s most influential B‑sides • Sleeve warning was unusual for the era • Part of the broader Purple Rain single campaign • All tracks published by Island Music Ltd. in the UK ✦ Singles Released Let’s Go Crazy — 1984 (US) Take Me With U — 1985 (US) Let’s Go Crazy / Take Me With U (UK 7") — February 15, 1985 Let’s Go Crazy / Take Me With U (UK 12") — 1985 ✦ Chart Performance (UK) Official Singles Chart: • Peak position: No. 7 • First chart date: February 23, 1985 • Weeks on chart: 9 • Re‑entry: No. 86 on May 4, 1985 (Chart data applies to the overall single, not format‑specific.) ✦ Mini Discography Purple Rain (Album) — 1984 Let’s Go Crazy (Single) — 1984 Take Me With U (Single) — 1985 Let’s Go Crazy / Take Me With U (UK 7") — 1985 Let’s Go Crazy / Take Me With U (UK 12") — 1985 ✦ Mini‑Timeline June 25, 1984 — Purple Rain album released July 18, 1984 — “Let’s Go Crazy” released (US) January 1985 — “Take Me With U” released (US) February 15, 1985 — UK 7" released 1985 — UK 12" released February–April 1985 — UK chart run May 4, 1985 — Re‑entry at No. 86 ✦ Glam Flashback The UK 12" of Let’s Go Crazy / Take Me With U is pure Purple Rain excess — the extended sermon‑funk explosion of “Let’s Go Crazy,” the cinematic warmth of “Take Me With U,” and the raw, pulsing electricity of “Erotic City.” Pressed in multiple variants and wrapped in a sleeve that boldly warns of explicit content, it stands as one of the most iconic and collectible 12" singles of Prince’s imperial era. ✦ Image & Artwork Copyright Notice All images, photographs, and artwork referenced or displayed in this post remain the property of their respective copyright holders. They are included strictly for historical, educational, and archival purposes under fair‑use principles. No ownership is claimed, and all rights belong to the original creators, photographers, designers, and publishers. ✦ Sources Prince Vault Wikipedia Discogs BBC Charts

✦ Margie Cox’s standout moment from the 1-800 New Funk project The fifth and final single from the Prince‑curated compilation — and the only one to receive a full commercial release ✦ Summary Released in the USA on February 7, 1995, Standing At The Altar by Margie Cox served as the fifth and final single from the compilation 1-800 New Funk. The album showcased mostly unreleased tracks written and produced by Prince for various Paisley Park/NPG‑affiliated artists, and this single became its most visible release. The single arrived one month after the album in the UK and Europe, with the B‑side “17” by Madhouse — also included on the compilation. In the USA, the single appeared in February 1995 across several promotional formats. Two of these US promos — the 12" and cassette — featured a previously unreleased Margie Cox track, “Whistlin’ Kenny”, which has never appeared on any other release, making these editions highly collectible. Commercially, the single made only a brief impact, appearing on the UK charts for one week at No. 100 and failing to chart in the USA. Despite this, the track remains a fan‑favourite within the Prince‑associated canon, representing one of the strongest vocal performances in the 1-800 New Funk project. ✦ Highlights • Released February 7, 1995 (USA) • Fifth and final single from 1-800 New Funk • Only track from the compilation to receive a broad commercial release • B‑side: “17” by Madhouse • US promos include the unreleased “Whistlin’ Kenny” • Charted for one week in the UK (No. 100) • Did not chart in the USA • Strong Prince involvement across the project ✦ Track Details 7" Promo – USA (NPG 60667D0) A. Standing At The Altar — 3:54 (Margie Cox) B. Love Sign — 4:33 (Nona Gaye and ) 12" Promo – USA (BR 72531‑1) A. Standing At The Altar — 3:54 (Margie Cox) B. Whistlin’ Kenny — 2:45 (Margie Cox) Cassette Promo – USA (BR 72531‑4) A. Standing At The Altar — 3:54 (Margie Cox) B. Whistlin’ Kenny — 2:45 (Margie Cox) ✦ Reissues & Global Variants • Commercial release in UK and Europe • US promotional formats only • “Whistlin’ Kenny” exclusive to US promos • No CD single issued in the USA • No vinyl reissue ✦ Production and Context • Part of the 1-800 New Funk compilation curated by Prince • Features Prince’s songwriting/production influence across the project • “17” by Madhouse used as B‑side • “Whistlin’ Kenny” remains unreleased outside US promos • Only single from the compilation to receive wide commercial distribution • Minimal chart impact but strong collector interest ✦ Singles Released Standing At The Altar — February 7, 1995 ✦ Chart Performance UK • Gallup Singles Chart — No. 100 (1 week) USA • Did not chart ✦ Mini Discography 1-800 New Funk — 1994 Standing At The Altar (Single) — 1995 Love Sign — 1994 ✦ Mini‑Timeline January 1995 — 1-800 New Funk released February 7, 1995 — Standing At The Altar released in the USA February–March 1995 — UK chart appearance 1995 — Promotional formats circulate with “Whistlin’ Kenny” ✦ Glam Flashback Standing At The Altar is one of the hidden gems of the mid‑’90s Prince universe — a soulful, commanding performance from Margie Cox wrapped in the unmistakable sonic palette of the NPG era. Though it barely grazed the charts, the single stands as the most fully realized moment from 1-800 New Funk, and its rare promo‑only B‑side has kept collectors hunting for decades. ✦ Image & Artwork Copyright Notice All images, photographs, and artwork referenced or displayed in this post remain the property of their respective copyright holders. They are included strictly for historical, educational, and archival purposes under fair‑use principles. No ownership is claimed, and all rights belong to the original creators, photographers, designers, and publishers. ✦ Sources Prince Vault Wikipedia Discogs

Lead single from Prince’s landmark 1987 album, backed with the previously‑unreleased “La, La, La, He, He, Hee” A stark, electronic statement released six weeks before the album, with iconic cover art featuring Cat. 🟣 Summary • Released 2 March 1987 in the UK, Sign O’ The Times was the first single from Prince’s ninth studio album. • The b‑side, La, La, La, He, He, Hee, was previously unreleased at the time. • The cover features Cat, a new bandmember, holding a large black heart obscuring her face — often mistaken for Prince. • The single’s minimalist production, built largely on the Fairlight CMI, marked a dramatic stylistic shift from the lush arrangements of the Revolution era. • The track received strong early US radio support, becoming the most‑added song on both Billboard’s Hot Black Singles and Hot 100 Singles Action charts on 7 March 1987. • The single achieved major international success, reaching No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the US Black Singles chart, and entering the top 10 in multiple European territories. • Re‑released in 2020 as part of the Sign O’ The Times Singles Collection. 🟣 Highlights • Released 2 March 1987 (UK) • Lead single from Sign O’ The Times • B‑side previously unreleased • Cover features Cat (not Prince) • US Billboard Hot 100 peak: No. 3 • US Black Singles peak: No. 1 • UK peak: No. 10 • Strong European chart performance • Reissued in 2020 🟣 Track Details 7" Single A. Sign O’ The Times (Edit) — 3:42 B. La, La, La, He, He, Hee — 3:21 Cat#: UK: W8399 12" Single A. Sign O’ The Times (LP Version) — 4:57 B. La, La, La, He, He, Hee (Highly Explosive) — 10:32 Cat#: UK: W8399T 12" Picture Disc — UK A. Sign O’ The Times (LP Version) — 4:57 B. La, La, La, He, He, Hee (Highly Explosive) — 10:32 Cat#: W8399TP 12" Promo — UK A. Sign O’ The Times (LP Version) — 4:57 B. La, La, La, He, He, Hee (Highly Explosive) — 10:32 Cat#: SAM 349 12" 2007 Reissue — UK A. Sign O’ The Times (LP Version) — 4:57 B. La, La, La, He, He, Hee (Highly Explosive) — 10:32 Cat#: 920 648‑0 🟣 Reissues & Global Variants • 2007 UK 12" reissue • 2020 Sign O’ The Times Singles Collection reissue • Multiple European pressings with alternate catalogue numbers 🟣 Production and Context • Written, produced, arranged, and performed by Prince • Built primarily on the Fairlight CMI • Lyrics address HIV/AIDS, gang violence, poverty, drug epidemics, and global instability • Recorded during the transition from the Revolution era to Prince’s new solo workflow • B‑side recorded during the Sign O’ The Times sessions but unreleased until this single 🟣 Singles Released • Sign O’ The Times — 1987 • If I Was Your Girlfriend — 1987 • U Got The Look — 1987 • I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man — 1987 🟣 Chart Performance • Gallup Singles Chart — No. 10 (14 March 1987) Europe • Ireland — No. 6 • Belgium — No. 8 • Netherlands — No. 7 • Norway — No. 7 🟣 Mini Discography • Parade — 1986 • Sign O’ The Times — 1987 • Lovesexy — 1988 🟣 Mini‑Timeline • Late 1986 — Final version recorded • 2 March 1987 — UK single released • 7 March 1987 — Most‑added song on US radio • April 1987 — Album released • 2020 — Single reissued 🟣 Glam Flashback • The single’s stark production and unflinching social commentary marked a turning point in Prince’s artistic evolution, signalling a move toward leaner, more experimental textures that defined the Sign O’ The Times era. 🟣 Image & Artwork Copyright Notice All images, photographs, and artwork referenced or displayed in this post remain the property of their respective copyright holders. They are included strictly for historical, educational, and archival purposes under fair‑use principles. No ownership is claimed, and all rights belong to the original creators, photographers, designers, and publishers. 🟣 Sources Prince Vault Billboard archives Official Charts Company Contemporary reviews and chart reports #Prince #SignOTheTimes #CatGlover #PaisleyPark #1987 #NowSpinning #RecordCollectors #ArchivePost

Fifth and final UK single from , backed with Live 4 Love A March 1993 UK‑only release marking the last NPG‑credited single of the era. 🟣 Summary • Released 1 March 1993 in the United Kingdom, The Morning Papers was the fifth and final UK single from Prince’s 14th studio album, the second credited to Prince and the New Power Generation. • The b‑side, Live 4 Love, was taken from the previous album Diamonds And Pearls. • The UK CD single also included Love 2 The 9’s, taken from the same album as the a‑side. • A UK cassette single was issued alongside the 7" and EU CD formats. • The single reached No. 52 on the UK Gallup Singles Chart, spending 3 weeks on the chart. • This was the final UK single credited to Prince and the New Power Generation until the limited‑release Days Of Wild in 2002. 🟣 Highlights • Released 1 March 1993 (UK) • Fifth and final UK single from * * • B‑side from Diamonds And Pearls • UK CD includes Love 2 The 9’s • UK cassette issued with same tracklist as 7" • Final NPG‑credited UK single until 2002 • UK chart peak: No. 52 🟣 Track Details 7" Single — UK A. The Morning Papers — 3:57 B. Live 4 Love — 6:58 Cat#: W0162 Cassette Single — UK A. The Morning Papers — 3:57 B. Live 4 Love — 6:58 Cat#: W0162C / 5439‑18583‑4 CD Single — Europe (UK‑marketed) The Morning Papers — 3:57 Live 4 Love — 6:58 Love 2 The 9’s — 5:46 Cat#: W0162CD / 9362‑40800‑2 🟣 All Variants (Complete List) 7" Variants • UK — W0162 Cassette Variants • UK — W0162C / 5439‑18583‑4 CD Variants • EU CD single distributed in the UK — W0162CD / 9362‑40800‑2 Promo Variants • No confirmed UK promo editions 🟣 Reissues & Global Variants • No UK reissues • EU CD often catalogued alongside UK formats due to identical release date • No picture disc or 12" formats issued in the UK 🟣 Production and Context • Written, produced, arranged, and performed by Prince • B‑side Live 4 Love sourced from Diamonds And Pearls sessions • Represents the final UK single of the early‑’90s NPG era • Released the same day in the UK as Candy Dulfer’s Sax‑A‑Go‑Go, which also contains Prince involvement 🟣 Singles Released (UK Sequence) • Sexy MF — 1992 • My Name Is Prince — 1992 • 7 — 1992 • Damn U — 1992 • The Morning Papers — 1993 🟣 Chart Performance — UK • Gallup Singles Chart — No. 52 • Chart date: 13 March 1993 • Weeks on chart: 3 🟣 Mini Discography • Diamonds And Pearls — 1991 • — 1992 • The Morning Papers (UK Single) — 1993 🟣 Mini‑Timeline • Early 1993 — UK single prepared for release • 1 March 1993 — UK release • 13 March 1993 — Enters UK chart at No. 52 🟣 Glam Flashback • The single reflects the romantic, cinematic tone of the * * era, arriving at the tail end of Prince’s early‑’90s UK chart presence before he shifted into a new creative phase. #Prince #TheMorningPapers #NPG #1993 #PaisleyPark #NowSpinning #RecordCollectors #ArchivePost 🟣 Image & Artwork Copyright Notice All images, photographs, and artwork referenced or displayed in this post remain the property of their respective copyright holders. They are included strictly for historical, educational, and archival purposes under fair‑use principles. No ownership is claimed, and all rights belong to the original creators, photographers, designers, and publishers. 🟣 Sources Prince Vault Discogs UK Gallup chart archives

Debut album from the Brownmark‑led Paisley Park band, featuring three Prince‑written tracks A March 1986 release showcasing the darker, funk‑driven Minneapolis Sound of mid‑’80s Paisley Park. 🟣 Summary • Released 4 March 1986, Mazarati is the debut album by the Minneapolis band formed by Revolution bassist Brownmark and signed to Paisley Park Records. • The album includes three tracks written by Prince — 100 MPH, Strawberry Lover, and I Guess It’s All Over — all recorded by Mazarati without Prince’s direct studio involvement. • Produced by Brownmark and David Z., the album blends funk, rock, and dark synth textures characteristic of the 1985–86 Paisley Park sound. • Although not a major commercial success, the album has become a cult favourite among Prince collectors due to its deep Minneapolis Sound pedigree and Prince’s songwriting contributions. 🟣 Highlights • Released 4 March 1986 • Three Prince‑written tracks • Produced by Brownmark and David Z. • Released on Paisley Park Records • Cult Minneapolis Sound favourite 🟣 Track Details (Full Album Tracklist) LP / Cassette / CD — Worldwide (Paisley Park Records) Players’ Ball 100 MPH¹ Stroke Suzy Boy Strawberry Lover¹ I Guess It’s All Over¹ The Saga of a Man Lonely Heart She’s Just That Kind of Lady ¹Written by Prince. 🟣 All Variants (Complete List) LP – Album (Allied Record Company Pressing) Paisley Park – 9 25368‑1, 1‑25368 1986 LP – Album (Specialty Records Corporation Pressing) Paisley Park – 9 25368‑1, 1‑25368 1986 LP – Album (Misprint, Specialty Records Corporation) Paisley Park – 9 25368‑1, 1‑25368 1986 LP – Album, Club Edition (Carrollton Pressing) Paisley Park – 9 25368‑1, 1‑25368, W1‑25368 1986 LP – Album, Club Edition (RCA Music Service) Paisley Park – 9 25368‑1, 1‑25368 1986 Cassette – Album (SR) Paisley Park – 9 25368‑4, 4‑25368 1986 Cassette – Album, Club Edition Paisley Park – W4‑25368, 4‑25368 1986 CD – Reissue, Remastered, Special Edition (Unofficial) Paisley Park (2) – WBM 0127, World Beyond Music Inc. – WBM 0127 2004 (Unofficial release — not a Warner/Paisley Park product.) 🇪🇺 Europe LP – Album Paisley Park – 925 368‑1, 925368‑1 1986 (No European cassette or CD editions exist.) 🇨🇦 Canada LP – Album Paisley Park – 92 53681 1986 🇯🇵 Japan LP – Album Paisley Park – P‑13235 1986 LP – Album, Promo Paisley Park – P‑13235 1986 CD – Album, Reissue Paisley Park – WPCP‑3707 1990 CD – Album, Promo, Reissue Paisley Park – WPCP‑3707 (Warner Bros. Records – WPCP‑3707) 1990 🟣 Production and Context • Band created by Brownmark following his tenure with The Revolution • Prince contributed three songs but did not participate in recording • David Z. engineered and co‑produced, shaping the album’s dense, percussive sound • Represents the darker, more experimental side of mid‑’80s Paisley Park output • Album sessions took place in late 1985 🟣 Singles Released • 100 MPH — only single with Prince involvement • Players’ Ball • Stroke 🟣 Chart Performance • No major chart entries reported • Album developed a strong cult following over time 🟣 Mini Discography • Mazarati — 1986 • Mazarati 2 — 1989 🟣 Mini‑Timeline • 1985 — Prince submits songs for the project • Late 1985 — Recording sessions at Paisley Park • 4 March 1986 — Album released 🟣 Glam Flashback • Mazarati stands as one of the most distinctive non‑Prince albums to emerge from Paisley Park in the mid‑’80s, blending funk, rock, and dark synth textures with three unmistakably Prince‑crafted compositions. #Mazarati #Prince #PaisleyPark #MinneapolisSound #1986 #NowSpinning #RecordCollectors #ArchivePost 🟣 Image & Artwork Copyright Notice All images, photographs, and artwork referenced or displayed in this post remain the property of their respective copyright holders. They are included strictly for historical, educational, and archival purposes under fair‑use principles. No ownership is claimed, and all rights belong to the original creators, photographers, designers, and publishers. 🟣 Sources Prince Vault Paisley Park discography archives Collector documentation

Sheila E.’s third album blends her songwriting with uncredited Prince performances and production guidance A February 1987 release featuring five Prince‑involved tracks recorded between 1985 and 1986. 🟣 Summary • Released 24 February 1987, Sheila E. is the third studio album by Sheila E., issued worldwide on Paisley Park / Warner Bros. • Five of the ten tracks were co‑written with Prince (though credited solely to Sheila E.) and feature his uncredited musical input, including vocals, instrumentation, and arrangement. • Prince contributed heavily to the sessions between December 1985 and September 1986, recording at Sunset Sound (Hollywood) and his Galpin Blvd Home Studio (Chanhassen). • Prince also offered Love And Sex for inclusion, but it was not used. Other tracks considered but unreleased include The World Is High, Paradise Gardens, and Split Personality. • The album produced three singles: Love On A Blue Train, Hold Me, and Koo Koo. • Despite strong material, promotion was limited as Sheila E. joined Prince’s Sign O’ The Times Tour shortly after release. • The album peaked at No. 56 on the US Billboard Top Pop Albums chart and No. 24 on the Billboard Top Black Albums chart. 🟣 Highlights • Released 24 February 1987 • Five tracks co‑written with Prince (uncredited) • Prince performs backing vocals and most instrumentation on Prince‑related tracks • Sessions recorded at Sunset Sound and Galpin Blvd Home Studio • Three singles released: Love On A Blue Train, Hold Me, Koo Koo • Limited promotion due to Sheila E.’s role on Prince’s 1987 tour • Album reached No. 56 (Pop) and No. 24 (Black Albums) in the US 🟣 Track Details CD — Worldwide (Paisley Park / Warner Bros.) (Prince‑related tracks marked with 1) One Day (I’m Gonna Make You Mine) — 4:47¹ Wednesday Like A River Hold Me Faded Photographs Koo Koo — 3:24¹ Pride And The Passion — 4:05¹ Boy’s Club — 3:56¹ Soul Salsa Hon E Man Love On A Blue Train — 5:33¹ LP / Cassette — Worldwide Side 1: • One Day (I’m Gonna Make You Mine) — 4:47¹ • Wednesday Like A River • Hold Me • Faded Photographs • Koo Koo — 3:24¹ Side 2: • Pride And The Passion — 4:05¹ • Boy’s Club — 3:56¹ • Soul Salsa • Hon E Man • Love On A Blue Train — 5:33¹ 🟣 All Variants (Complete List) CD Variants • Worldwide CD release (Paisley Park / Warner Bros.) LP Variants • Worldwide LP release Cassette Variants • Worldwide cassette release Promo Variants • Regional promo LPs and singles for Hold Me and Koo Koo 🟣 Reissues & Global Variants • No major reissues • Japanese editions include standard tracklist • Some singles issued with alternate titles (Touch Me for Hold Me) 🟣 Production and Context • Prince — producer, arranger (credited to Sheila E.), all instruments on Prince‑related tracks • David Z. — co‑producer • Engineers: Coke Johnson, David Leonard, Peggy McCreary • Mastering: Chris Bellman • Sessions spanned December 1985–September 1986 • Prince’s involvement includes backing vocals, instrumentation, and arrangement across five tracks • Eric Leeds and Atlanta Bliss contribute horns on multiple Prince‑related songs 🟣 Singles Released • Love On A Blue Train — Japan only (1986) • Hold Me — worldwide (1987) • Koo Koo — worldwide (1987) 🟣 Chart Performance USA • Billboard Top Pop Albums — No. 56 (12 weeks) • Billboard Top Black Albums — No. 24 (12 weeks) Europe • Netherlands Album Top 100 — No. 68 (1 week) • Sweden Albums Chart — No. 24 (2 weeks) • Switzerland Album Chart — No. 20 (2 weeks) 🟣 Mini Discography • The Glamorous Life — 1984 • Romance 1600 — 1985 • Sheila E. — 1987 🟣 Mini‑Timeline • December 1985 — Love On A Blue Train recorded • March 1986 — Boy’s Club recorded • May 1986 — Pride And The Passion recorded • September 1986 — One Day and Koo Koo recorded • 24 February 1987 — Album released • March 1987 — Sheila E. joins Prince’s Sign O’ The Times Tour 🟣 Glam Flashback • The album captures Sheila E. at a creative crossroads — balancing her own songwriting voice with Prince’s unmistakable musical fingerprints, all while transitioning into her role as drummer for the Sign O’ The Times era. 🟣 Image & Artwork Copyright Notice All images, photographs, and artwork referenced or displayed in this post remain the property of their respective copyright holders. They are included strictly for historical, educational, and archival purposes under fair‑use principles. No ownership is claimed, and all rights belong to the original creators, photographers, designers, and publishers. 🟣 Sources Prince Vault Album liner notes Chart archives Studio session documentation #SheilaE #Prince #PaisleyPark #1987 #NowSpinning #RecordCollectors #ArchivePost #MinneapolisSound