The limited-edition remastered 2LP clear vinyl release of Prince & The New Power Generation’s 1991 classic Diamonds And Pearls, featuring the hit singles “Gett Off,” “Cream,” and “Diamonds And Pearls.” RELEASE / PUBLICATION DETAILS Artist: Prince & The New Power Generation Title: Diamonds And Pearls (Remastered) Date: October 27, 2023 Label: Warner Records / NPG Records Format / Type: 2LP Album, Limited Edition, Remastered, Stereo, Clear 180g Vinyl Country: Worldwide Catalogue: R1 25379 / 603497843817 TRACK LIST Side A Thunder Daddy Pop Diamonds And Pearls Side B Cream Strollin' Willing And Able Gett Off Side C Walk Don't Walk Jughead Money Don't Matter 2 Night Push Side D Insatiable Live 4 Love THE STORY This limited clear vinyl edition presents the fully remastered original 1991 album, highlighting Prince & The New Power Generation at the height of their creative and commercial success with a perfect blend of funk, R&B, and pop. CONTEXT & NOTES Part of the 2023 Diamonds And Pearls reissue campaign, this 180g clear vinyl pressing features foil-wrap packaging with spot varnish and a hype sticker. It was released alongside the larger Super Deluxe Edition and other configurations. PERSONNEL Prince – vocals, guitars, keyboards, and all instruments (except where noted) The New Power Generation: Rosie Gaines, Tony M, Sonny T., Michael B., Tommy Barbarella, Levi Seacer Jr., and others PRODUCTION Remastered by: Bernie Grundman CHARTS Original 1991 album: UK #2, US #3 PACKAGING / ARTWORK HIGHLIGHTS Limited-edition clear 180g vinyl Foil-wrap cover with spot varnish Hype sticker on shrink-wrap Printed inner sleeves WHAT THE SLEEVE SHOWS The front cover features the iconic blue-toned image of Prince and a woman with pearls. The back cover includes track listings and credits. RELATED MATERIAL Full Diamonds And Pearls Super Deluxe Edition (12LP + Blu-ray) 4LP Deluxe Edition Standalone Live At Glam Slam RSD 2025 3LP Yellow Vinyl SOURCES Discogs, 45 Worlds, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts, Warner Records, sleevographia2, Prince Vault All album artwork, photographs, labels, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.

A rare and exclusive Prince release, “All A Share Together Now” / “7 (E Flat Version)” was given away free to attendees of the Prince Celebration at Paisley Park (June 8–11, 2023). Presented as a cassette-shaped USB stick with custom artwork, this limited edition contains previously unreleased or rare tracks from the Prince Vault. RELEASE DETAILS Artist: Prince Label: NPG Records / Legacy (Vault Series) Date: June 2023 Catalogue: None (exclusive gift) Format: Cassette-Shaped USB Stick Country: USA A-Side: “All A Share Together Now” Written by: Prince B-Side: “7 (E Flat Version)” Written by: Prince TRACK LIST Vault Series Vol. 1 USB/Cassette A. All A Share Together Now (3:46) B. 7 (E Flat Version) (5:02) LINKED RELEASES / VARIANTS Limited exclusive gift – No commercial catalogue number Given away at Paisley Park Prince Celebration 2023 PERSONNEL Prince — vocals, all instruments THE STORY This exclusive release was distributed free to attendees of the Prince Celebration at Paisley Park from June 8 to June 11, 2023. “All A Share Together Now” was recorded on September 4, 2006, and “7 (E Flat Version)” on August 9, 1992. The package replicates a cassette but functions as a USB stick containing these rare tracks from the Prince Vault. CONTEXT & NOTES This is currently the only physical release of these tracks. The limited edition was designed with custom artwork featuring Prince’s iconic symbols and Paisley Park imagery. The exact number produced is unknown, making it a highly sought-after collectible among Prince fans. International Issues Limited to Paisley Park event attendees (USA). RELATED MATERIAL Prince (2023) Diamond and Pearls Remastered (Album) For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page. SOURCES Discogs, Official Prince Vault, Prince Celebration 2023 All single artwork, photographs, labels, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.

This 2023 retail reissue is the first widely available standalone vinyl edition of Prince O(+>’s 1998 acoustic album The Truth. Artist: Prince O(+> Label: NPG Records / Legacy Date: June 7, 2023 Catalogue: 19439956891 Format: LP (Reissue) Country: European Union Written by: Prince Produced by: Prince Side A The Truth Don’t Play Me Circle Of Amour 3rd Eye Dionne Man In A Uniform Side B Animal Kingdom The Other Side Of The Pillow Fascination One Of Your Tears Comeback Welcome 2 The Dawn (Acoustic Version) LINKED RELEASES / VARIANTS 2021 Record Store Day limited edition Original 1998 release (as part of Crystal Ball box set) PERSONNEL Prince O(+> – vocals, acoustic guitar, all instruments, production THE STORY The Truth is Prince O(+>’s introspective acoustic album, recorded in late 1996 and early 1997. Originally released only as part of the Crystal Ball box set in 1998, it finally received a standalone retail vinyl reissue in 2023, making the full album widely available on vinyl for the first time. CONTEXT & NOTES This retail edition features the iconic close-up cover artwork of Prince and was released as a standard black vinyl pressing, following the limited 2021 Record Store Day version. CHART PERFORMANCE Original 1998 release (as part of Crystal Ball): US Billboard 200 – #62 RELATED MATERIAL Prince O(+> (1998) Crystal Ball (Box Set) For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page. SOURCES Prince Vault, Discogs, sleevographia2. All single artwork, photographs, labels, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.

The legendary March 30, 1985 Purple Rain Tour concert at Syracuse’s Carrier Dome finally arrives on vinyl for the first time — a stunning 3LP remixed and remastered live document of Prince and the Revolution at the peak of their powers. RELEASE / PUBLICATION DETAILS Artist: Prince and the Revolution Title: Prince and the Revolution: Live Date: June 3, 2022 Label: NPG Records / Legacy Recordings Format / Type: 3 x Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered, Box Set Country: Worldwide Catalogue: 19439957141 EU TRACK LIST LP I – Side A • Let's Go Crazy • Delirious • 1999 • Little Red Corvette • Take Me With U LP I – Side B • Yankee Doodle • Do Me, Baby • Irresistible Bitch • Possessed • How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore? LP II – Side C • Let's Pretend We're Married • International Lover • God • Computer Blue LP II – Side D • Darling Nikki • The Beautiful Ones • When Doves Cry LP III – Side E • I Would Die 4 U • Baby, I'm A Star LP III – Side F • Purple Rain THE STORY Recorded live on March 30, 1985 at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York during the Purple Rain Tour, this historic concert was finally released as a physical audio album on June 3, 2022. The 3LP set presents the full show remixed and remastered from the original multi-track masters, marking the first time this legendary performance became available on vinyl worldwide. CONTEXT & NOTES This release captures Prince and the Revolution at the absolute height of their 1980s dominance. The show features a powerful mix of hits from Purple Rain, 1999, and Controversy, along with extended versions and deep cuts. Originally released on VHS in 1985 and later as a digital audio release in 2020, the 2022 worldwide vinyl edition includes a 16-page book with never-before-seen photos and is presented in a deluxe slipcase box. PERSONNEL Prince – vocals, guitar, piano Wendy Melvoin – guitar, vocals Lisa Coleman – keyboards, vocals Dr. Fink – keyboards, vocals BrownMark – bass, vocals Bobby Z. – drums, percussion Sheila E. – percussion, vocals (special guest) Eric Leeds – saxophone The Revolution & additional musicians PRODUCTION Produced and Arranged by Prince Remixed by Chris James (2022) Mastered by Bernie Grundman Original Recording Engineered by David Tickle PACKAGING / ARTWORK HIGHLIGHTS Deluxe slipcase box with spot varnish Iconic group photograph on front cover 16-page full-color booklet with rare photos Hype sticker shaped like the Love Symbol Black vinyl in die-cut inner sleeves WHAT THE SLEEVE SHOWS The front cover features a dramatic group portrait of Prince and the Revolution against a vibrant purple, red, and gold concert backdrop with the Love Symbol. The back cover displays the full tracklist across three LPs with a stunning live stage photo. Inner sleeves and booklet contain additional photos and credits. RELATED MATERIAL See tags at foot of page. SOURCES Official release materials, Discogs, The Prince Estate and Sleevographia2 All album artwork, photographs, labels, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.

Prince’s infectious funk track Hot Summer released as a limited 7" single exclusively with the August 2021 issue of Rolling Stone Germany, backed with a live version of “The Bird Artist: Prince Title: Hot Summer Date: July 29, 2021 Label: NPG Records / Legacy / The Prince Estate Format / Type: Vinyl, 7", Single (Rolling Stone Germany Covermount) Country: Germany Catalogue: 125282 TRACK LIST Side A Hot Summer (3:32) Side B The Bird (Live at The Forum, April 28, 2011) (4:00) THE STORY Issued as a covermount with the August 2021 edition of Rolling Stone Germany, this 7" single promotes the Welcome 2 America album. The A-side is the studio version of Hot Summer, while the B-side features a live performance of “The Bird” recorded at The Forum in Los Angeles. CONTEXT & NOTES This was one of the early promotional singles for the Welcome 2 America project. The B-side is an edited live version from the 2011 concert (originally featured on the deluxe Blu-ray). The single was not commercially available separately and came only with the magazine. PERSONNEL Side A (Studio) Prince – vocals, guitar, keyboards Tal Wilkenfeld – bass Chris Coleman – drums Mr. Hayes – keyboards, percussion Shelby J., Liv Warfield, Elisa Fiorillo – vocals Side B (Live) Prince & The New Power Generation (full band) PRODUCTION Produced, Arranged, Composed and Performed by Prince CHARTS Weekly Charts Germany iTunes: Peak #93 PACKAGING / ARTWORK HIGHLIGHTS Standard 7" sleeve with Rolling Stone branding Exclusive magazine covermount release WHAT THE SLEEVE SHOWS The single uses promotional imagery from the Welcome 2 America campaign, including Prince in top hat and fur boots. The labels and sleeve contain basic track information. RELATED MATERIAL See tags at foot of page. SOURCES Rolling Stone Germany, Official Prince Estate / Legacy release information, Discogs, and sleevographia2 All album artwork, photographs, labels, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.

Hot Summer is the fifth song of the tenth posthumous album Welcome 2 America released in 2021 (the first full previously‑unreleased studio album of Prince material). The track premiered on Minnesota public radio station 89.3 The Current’s website on June 7, 2010, Prince’s 52nd birthday. July 22, 2021 – Hot Summer is made available to stream and download as a preview track from the forthcoming Welcome 2 America album. Hot Summer was released as the A‑side of a 7" vinyl single distributed as cover mount with the August 2021 edition of Rolling Stone magazine in Germany in July 2021. While specific recording dates are not known, it is assumed to have been recorded in mid‑March 2010 at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, Minnesota, amidst sessions that yielded material for the Welcome 2 America album that remained unissued during Prince’s lifetime, but was posthumously released in 2021. The version on Welcome 2 America is a slightly different mix than was played on 89.3 The Current in 2010, with the prominent keyboard‑line buried deeper in the mix. RELEASE HISTORY • July 22, 2021 — Hot Summer made available to stream and download as a preview track from the forthcoming Welcome 2 America album • June 7, 2010 — First released via online stream on 89.3 The Current • July 2021 — 7" vinyl single distributed with Rolling Stone Germany RECORDING Mid‑March 2010 — Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, MN, USA (Tracking) March – April 2010 — Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, MN, USA (Vocal overdubs) Spring 2010 — Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, MN, USA (Additional production by Morris Hayes) Recording Personnel Prince — all vocals and instruments Chris Coleman — drums Tal Wilkenfeld — bass guitar Morris Hayes — keyboards Shelby J. — background vocals Elisa Dease — background vocals Liv Warfield — background vocals and adlibs 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.

Major 2021 tribute issue of Guitar Player magazine commemorating the 5th anniversary of Prince’s passing, with an in-depth exploration of his guitar secrets, studio techniques, road stories, and lasting influence as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. PUBLICATION: Date: July 2021 Country: United States Section / Pages: Special Tribute Issue (Cover + Multiple Features) Title: FIVE YEARS GONE: PRINCE THE STORY Guitar Player dedicated its July 2021 issue to Prince, featuring a striking cover image of him in a shimmering green-and-gold outfit playing guitar. The extensive tribute includes exclusive interviews with former band members and collaborators, detailed analysis of his guitar rigs and playing style, studio anecdotes, and reflections on his innovative approach to the instrument. Articles such as “Royal Intrigue” and pieces on his home rigs and live performances celebrate Prince’s unparalleled guitar mastery. CONTEXT AND NOTES Released exactly five years after Prince’s death on April 21, 2016, this special issue stands as one of the most comprehensive guitar-focused tributes to Prince. It highlights not only his flashy, virtuosic playing but also his deep musicality, innovation, and the mystery surrounding his private creative process. FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Era: Posthumous Tribute (2021) Tone: Reverent, technical, celebratory Photography: Iconic cover shot of Prince in full stage regalia + multiple interior live and studio images Key “His Guitar Secrets Revealed” WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS Bold Guitar Player cover with Prince in a sparkling green outfit Interior spreads including “Royal Intrigue,” interviews, gear discussions, and tributes from fellow musicians RELATED MATERIAL Prince (2021) Welcome 2 America Album Release Prince (July 18, 2021) “Prince Is Back” – The Sunday Times Culture Cover Story Prince (2016–2021) Posthumous Releases & Tributes Also see tabs at the foot of this post. All magazine scans, photographs and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.

This 2021 Record Store Day reissue marks the first standalone vinyl release of Prince’s 1998 acoustic album The Truth. Artist: Prince O(+> Label: NPG Records / Legacy Date: June 12, 2021 Catalogue: 19075935501 (or similar RSD variant) Format: 180g LP (Reissue) Country: Worldwide Written by: Prince Produced by: Prince TRACK LIST Side 1 The Truth (3:35) Don’t Play Me (2:48) Circle Of Amour (4:44) 3rd Eye (4:54) Dionne (3:14) Man In A Uniform (3:08) Side 2 Animal Kingdom (4:01) The Other Side Of The Pillow (3:22) Fascination (4:55) One Of Your Tears (3:27) Comeback (2:00) Welcome 2 The Dawn (Acoustic Version) (3:18) LINKED RELEASES / VARIANTS Original 1998 release (as part of Crystal Ball 3CD set) PERSONNEL Prince – vocals, acoustic guitar, production THE STORY The Truth is Prince’s 21st studio album and the first to be marketed as an “acoustic” project. Recorded in late 1996 and early 1997, it was originally released in January 1998 exclusively as part of the Crystal Ball box set. The album features a raw, stripped-down sound with a strong emphasis on acoustic guitar and intimate songwriting. The 2021 Record Store Day reissue finally brought the album to standalone vinyl for the first time. CONTEXT & NOTES Pressed on 180g black vinyl with the iconic close-up cover artwork of Prince. This limited RSD release was highly sought after by collectors. The album was later given a wider retail re-release in 2023. CHART PERFORMANCE Original 1998 release (as part of Crystal Ball): US Billboard 200 – #62 US Top R&B Albums – #59 RELATED MATERIAL Prince (1998) Crystal Ball (Box Set) For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page. SOURCES Prince Vault, Discogs, sleevographia2. All single artwork, photographs, labels, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.

Prince’s powerful and socially conscious track “Born 2 Die” was released as the second preview single from the highly anticipated posthumous album Welcome 2 America, exactly eight weeks before the full album dropped. RELEASE DETAILS Artist: Prince Label: NPG Records / Legacy Recordings Date: June 3, 2021 Format: Digital Download & Streaming Country: Worldwide THE STORY “Born 2 Die” is the third track on Welcome 2 America, Prince’s first fully unreleased studio album issued posthumously. The song was premiered simultaneously on BBC Radio 6 and Prince’s official YouTube channel (maintained by his Estate) on June 3, 2021. It features Prince’s signature guitar work, powerful vocals, and thought-provoking lyrics reflecting on social issues affecting the Black community. CONTEXT AND NOTES The track was originally recorded on March 12, 2010 at Paisley Park Studios during sessions for Welcome 2 America. Additional vocal overdubs and production by Morris Hayes took place in spring 2010. Prince was inspired to finish the song after hearing Dr. Cornel West say on YouTube, “I love my brother Prince, but he’s no Curtis Mayfield,” to which Prince reportedly replied, “Oh really? We will see.” The song was released during a time of renewed social justice movements, making its themes particularly resonant. RECORDING INFORMATION Initial Tracking: March 12, 2010 – Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, MN Additional Work: March–April 2010 (vocal overdubs) & Spring 2010 (Morris Hayes production) PERSONNEL Prince – vocals, guitar Chris Coleman – drums Tal Wilkenfeld – bass guitar Morris Hayes – keyboards, strings, percussion Liv Warfield, Shelby J., Elisa Dease – backing vocals & ad-libs TRACK DETAILS Length: 5:03 Version: Studio version (final mix with additional production) RELATED MATERIAL Welcome 2 America album (July 30, 2021) Prince (July 2021) “Five Years Gone: Prince” – Special Tribute Issue – Guitar Player Magazine (US) Prince (October 14, 2021) Do Me, Baby (Demo) - 7" Single Also see tabs at the foot of this post. All magazine scans, photographs and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.

Cosmic Day was made available on streaming and download platforms as a preview of the Sign O’ The Times Super Deluxe Edition. The official announcement stated that The Prince Estate and Warner Records were pleased to release the song and handwritten lyrics for Cosmic Day from Prince’s legendary vault. Cosmic Day was recorded on November 15, 1986 at Sunset Sound, and is one of the most revered recordings from the expanded reissue of Sign O’ The Times. Sign O’ The Times (Super) Deluxe Edition is an elaborated remastered reissue of Prince’s ninth full-length studio album Sign O’ The Times and the ninth posthumous album release overall. In the three-CD Deluxe Edition, the remastered original album is augmented by one CD containing 13 B-sides, extended versions and edits from the Sign O’ The Times era. The more elaborate Super Deluxe Edition includes three additional discs containing 45 previously unreleased songs or versions from the Sign O’ The Times era, a two-CD set featuring the 20 June 1987 show in Utrecht, the Netherlands from the Sign O’ The Times Tour, and a 2 hour 13 minutes DVD release of the concert on 31 December 1987, Paisley Park Studios, New Years Eve show. The DVD also includes the promo videos for Sign O’ The Times, U Got The Look and I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man. The Prince Estate started to work on Sign O’ The Times Deluxe Edition in 2019, following the release of 1999. The original album was remastered by Bernie Grundman, who also did the mastering of the initial release in 1987. Grundman also worked on the third disc, Promo mixes and B-Sides Remastered which contains all the edited versions, remixes and B-sides that were officially released on singles to promote the album in 1987. All other songs on the release have the 2020 remaster label as well, but are in fact first mastered by Grundman and released for the first time in 2020. The fourth, fifth and sixth volumes of the CD-version, Vault Tracks I, Vault Tracks II and Vault Tracks III contain 29 previously unreleased songs (some in different versions) and eleven previously unreleased versions (alternate or initial takes) of songs recorded between May 1979 and July 1987. Seven tracks were mixed by Niko Bolas in 2020 specifically for this release and duplicates as closely as possible the original mixes. The Prince Estate originally intended to also include the Sign O’ The Times film on DVD in the Super Deluxe Edition set, but the legal complications over the rights prevented them from doing so. Artist: Prince Title: Cosmic Day Label: The Prince Estate / Warner Records Country: Worldwide Date: August 6, 2020 Format: Digital / Streaming / Download Tracklist: Cosmic Day RECORDING Recorded on November 15, 1986 at Sunset Sound. RELEASE HISTORY Released August 6, 2020 on streaming and download platforms as a preview of Sign O’ The Times Super Deluxe Edition. Handwritten lyrics were also released. Notes: One of the most revered recordings from the expanded reissue of Sign O’ The Times. SOURCES Prince Official, 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.

The August 2020 edition of The Ultimate Music Guide to Prince features a stunning cover portrait with the bold declaration “NOTHING COMPARES PRINCE: THE COMPLETE STORY”. Publication: The Ultimate Music Guide (Uncut) Date: August 2020 Country: United Kingdom Location: London Section: Special Edition Cover THE STORY This fully updated deluxe edition pays tribute to Prince with a comprehensive career overview. The striking cover shows Prince in a flamboyant, feathered white-and-pink outfit holding a guitar, capturing his iconic style and stage presence. The guide includes every album reviewed, rediscovered classic interviews, and insights into new releases. CONTEXT AND NOTES Released in 2020, this special collector’s edition arrived during a period of renewed global appreciation for Prince’s immense catalogue following his passing. It serves as both a visual celebration and an in-depth reference guide to one of music’s greatest artists. FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Special edition magazine cover Era: 2020 (Posthumous career retrospective) Tone: Reverent, celebratory, comprehensive Photography: Dramatic, colourful studio/live-style portrait of Prince WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS Iconic cover image of Prince with curly hair, white feathered ruff, and ornate jacket holding a guitar Bold headline “NOTHING COMPARES PRINCE THE COMPLETE STORY” Teaser lines: “Every Album Reviewed”, “Classic Interviews Rediscovered”, “Inside The New Releases” “Fully Updated Deluxe Edition” badge and Uncut branding RELATED MATERIAL This Ultimate Music Guide cover is a strong retrospective piece that complements other Prince magazine features in the scrapbook. For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page. All magazine scans, photographs and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.

I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man is the fourth track on the second disc of Prince’s ninth album Sign O’ The Times, and seven months after the album’s release, it became the album’s fourth single. A live version was also included in the concert movie Sign O’ The Times. In 1993, the single edit was included as the tenth track on Prince’s first compilation album The Hits 1 (also included as the first disc of The Hits / The B‑Sides). On July 16, 2020, the 1979 Version was made available on streaming and download platforms as a preview of the Sign O’ The Times Super Deluxe Edition, accompanied by a photo of Prince’s original handwritten lyrics written on a 12" record sleeve. RECORDING Basic tracking for the original 1979 version took place on May 23, 1979, at Hollywood Sound Recorders in Los Angeles, California, during sessions focused on overdubs and mixing for the Prince album. On June 3, 1986, the track was taken out of the vault and reviewed for possible inclusion on the Dream Factory album. Prince then re‑recorded the song from scratch on July 16, 1986 at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, California, and it was included as the tenth track of the July 18, 1986 configuration of Dream Factory. When the album developed into the triple‑album Crystal Ball, the song was included as the seventh and final track on the second disc of the November 30, 1986 configuration, which was eventually pared down and became Sign O’ The Times. The original 1979 version was officially released in September 2020 as the first track on Vault Tracks Part 1 within the Sign O’ The Times Super Deluxe Edition. STYLE & THEMES The 1979 version is leaner and more direct than the 1986 re‑recording, showcasing Prince’s early‑era production style. Thematically, the song explores emotional honesty, romantic hesitation, and the difficulty of replacing someone in a relationship. TRACK‑BY‑TRACK NOTES • I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man (1979 Version) — Early vault version recorded in 1979; released digitally in 2020 as a preview for Sign O’ The Times Super Deluxe Edition. RELEASE HISTORY • July 16, 2020 — Digital release of the 1979 Version as a preview for Sign O’ The Times Super Deluxe Edition. • September 2020 — Included on Vault Tracks Part 1 within the Super Deluxe Edition. • 1987 — Re‑recorded version released on Sign O’ The Times. • Late 1987 — Became the album’s fourth single. PERSONNEL Prince — vocals, instruments, production PRODUCTION Produced by Prince Label: NPG Records / Warner Bros. Catalogue numbers: COUNTRY VARIANTS Artist: Prince Title: I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man (1979 Version) Label: NPG Records / Warner Bros. Country: USA Catalogue: [cat numbers] Date: July 16, 2020 Format: Digital Single Tracklist (7"): A — I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man (1979 Version) Tracklist (7" Promo): A — I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man (1979 Version) B — I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man (1979 Version) Notes: Released as a preview for Sign O’ The Times Super Deluxe Edition. Accompanied by Prince’s handwritten lyric sheet on a 12" sleeve. NSTAGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT BLOCK The Prince Estate and @WarnerRecords are pleased to unveil the original recording and handwritten lyrics for "I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man," a song Prince wrote during the sessions for his 1979 self‑titled album. It was recorded at Hollywood Sound Recorders, Studio A on May 23, 1979, and is the oldest recording in the forthcoming Super Deluxe Edition of Sign O' The Times. 🟣 The track was retrieved from the vault by Prince in June 1986 and re‑recorded, with Prince adding a guitar solo and updating the sound. That updated version was included on the abandoned Dream Factory and Crystal Ball projects, and was eventually released on Sign O' The Times. 🟣 The new Sign O' The Times expanded reissue will be available September 25 via all physical, digital and streaming partners, with the classic album remastered for the first time. The Super Deluxe edition features 63 previously unreleased tracks and a 2+ hour video of a concert at Paisley Park on December 31, 1987. 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.