Alphabet St.

Last updated

"Alphabet St."
Prince AlphabetSt.jpg
UK 7-inch single
Single by Prince
from the album Lovesexy
B-side "Alphabet St. (This is not music, this is a trip)"
ReleasedApril 23, 1988
RecordedDecember 30, 1987
Studio Paisley Park, Chanhassen, Minnesota, US
Genre
Length
  • 2:25 (7-inch and video edit)
  • 5:39 (12-inch and album version)
Label Paisley Park
Songwriter(s) Prince
Producer(s) Prince
Prince singles chronology
"I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man"
(1987)		"Alphabet St."
(1988)		"Glam Slam"
(1988)

"Alphabet St." is a song from American musician Prince's tenth album, Lovesexy (1988). It was the first single from that album and the album's only top 10 single, reaching the top 10 in both the UK and US. Initially written as an acoustic blues song, the song's final version includes a rap by Cat Glover and is full of samples. "Alphabet St." generally echoes themes from the rest of Lovesexy.

Contents

The B-side is a remix of "Alphabet St." called "Alphabet St. ("This is not music, this is a trip")". The title and other phrases are repeated at the beginning of the song, but essentially it is an instrumental with a few minor changes. "Alphabet St." was the first Prince single released as a CD, albeit only in the UK and Japan. A promo CD was issued in the US.

Critical reception

In his review of the song, Paul Clements from Melody Maker felt that "as a lighthearted bubblegum pastiche, it fairly shimmers. There's some judiciously spare scratch guitar, the usual assortment of percolating percussion, and a magnificent tumbling drum lick." He also noted its "almost shocking austerity", and concluded, "Hopefully, a ticklish harbinger of a long, deliciously hot summer." [3] Sean O'Hagan from NME wrote, "'Alphabet St' is, naturally, a record of rare brilliance. It unleashes its outre funk ideology over one of those patented Prince guitar riffs—a clipped, chunky groove that slips into the cerebral space once occupied by the subliminal 'Kiss' coda. From then on, the boy has it easy. 'Alphabet St' is meatier and a lot less meandering than much of the Madhouse future funk of 'Black', stating its case with a hip-shaking sass that is one of the maverick ruler's stock signatures." [4]

Music video

Directed by Patrick R. Epstein and produced on very short notice on March 20, 1988 [5] by filmmaker Michael R. Barnard, the music video for "Alphabet St." shows Prince walking and driving through an environment made out of letters. The video contains hidden messages. The first one appears after the end of the first verse ("She'll want me from my head to my feet"), where there is a split second image with the hidden message "Don't buy The Black Album , I'm sorry." The second image says B "heaven is so beautiful"; the third image is D "4 the light dance"; the fourth image is G "funk guitar"; the fifth image is H (heroin) "is 4 punks"; the sixth image, when Prince is in the Thunderbird, says "if U don't mind".

Track listings

A. "Alphabet St." (edit) – 2:25
B. "Alphabet St." (cont.) – 3:14
  1. "Alphabet St." (album version) – 5:38
  2. "Alphabet St. ("This is not music, this is a trip")" – 7:48
  1. "Alphabet St." (edit) – 2:25
  2. "Alphabet St." (LP version) – 5:38
  3. "Alphabet St." (extended version) – 5:40
  4. "Alphabet St. ("This is not music, this is a trip")" [Listed as "Alphabet St."] – 7:48

Personnel

Credits sourced from Benoît Clerc and Guitarcloud [7] [8]

Charts

Cover versions

Sampling

Related Research Articles

<i>Lovesexy</i> 1988 studio album by Prince

Lovesexy is the tenth studio album by American recording artist Prince. The album was released on May 10, 1988, by Paisley Park Records and Warner Bros. Records. The album was recorded in just seven weeks, from mid-December 1987 to late January 1988, at Prince's new Paisley Park Studios, after the cancellation of the infamous Black Album and most of the album is a solo effort from Prince, with a few exceptions. The lyrical themes of the record include positivity, self-improvement, spirituality, and God.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">When Doves Cry</span> 1984 single by Prince

"When Doves Cry" is a song by American musician Prince, and the lead single from his sixth studio album Purple Rain. According to the DVD commentary of the film Purple Rain (1984), Prince was asked by director Albert Magnoli to write a song to match the theme of a particular segment of the film that involved intermingled parental difficulties and a love affair. The next morning, Prince had composed two songs, one of which was "When Doves Cry". According to Prince's biographer Per Nilsen, the song was inspired by his relationship with Vanity 6 member Susan Moonsie.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manic Monday</span> 1986 single by the Bangles

"Manic Monday" is a song by the American pop rock band the Bangles, which was the first single released from their second studio album, Different Light (1986). The song was written by American musician Prince, under the pseudonym "Christopher". Originally it was intended for the group Apollonia 6 in 1984. Lyrically, it describes a woman who is waking up to go to work on Monday, wishing it was still Sunday so that she could continue relaxing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kiss (Prince song)</span> 1986 single by Prince and the Revolution

"Kiss" is a song composed, written, and produced by American musician Prince. Released by the Paisley Park label as the lead single from Prince and the Revolution's eighth studio album, Parade (1986), on February 5, 1986, it was a No. 1 hit worldwide, holding the top spot of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks. The single was certified gold in 1986 for shipments of 1,000,000 copies by RIAA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Wish U Heaven</span> 1988 single by Prince

"I Wish U Heaven" is a song by Prince, and the third single from his 1988 album, Lovesexy. The 12" single is a substantially extended three-part suite which runs over ten minutes. This song was a replacement for "The Line", an upbeat jam featuring Boni Boyer and Sheila E. on backing vocals. "I Wish U Heaven" is a joyful, spiritual song with few lyrics

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Arms of Orion</span> 1989 single by Prince

"The Arms of Orion" is a 1989 song by American musician Prince and Scottish singer and actress Sheena Easton. It was the third single to be taken from Prince's 1989 Batman soundtrack album. It was a #36 pop hit for them on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1989.

"I Feel for You" is a song written by American musician Prince that originally appeared on his 1979 self-titled album. The most successful and best-known version was recorded by R&B singer Chaka Khan and appeared on her 1984 album of the same name. It became the recipient of two Grammy Awards for Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for Khan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Batdance</span> 1989 song by Prince

"Batdance" is a song by American musician Prince, from the 1989 Batman soundtrack. Helped by the film's popularity, the song reached number one in the US, becoming Prince's fourth American number-one single and served as his first number-one hit since "Kiss" in 1986.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cream (Prince song)</span> 1991 single by Prince and the New Power Generation

"Cream" is a song by American singer-songwriter Prince and his backing band the New Power Generation, released in September 1991 by Paisley Park and Warner as the second single from Prince's 13th studio album, Diamonds and Pearls (1991). In a 2004 MTV special, Prince joked that he wrote the song while looking at himself in the mirror. "Cream" became Prince's fifth and last number-one single on the US Billboard Hot 100, staying at the top for two weeks. The song entered the top 10 in 15 other countries worldwide, peaking within the top three in Australia, Canada, Norway, and Switzerland. Its music video was directed by Rebecca Blake.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gett Off</span> 1991 single by Prince and the New Power Generation

"Gett Off" is a song written and produced by American musician Prince, released in June 1991 by Paisley Park and Warner Bros. as the lead single from his thirteenth album, Diamonds and Pearls (1991). The album was his first with his backing band the New Power Generation. "Gett Off" was a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, reaching number four in the United Kingdom; the maxi-single was too long and pricey to appear on the UK Singles Chart, so this release was classified as an album, peaking at number 33 on the UK Albums Chart in August 1991.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Raspberry Beret</span> 1985 single by Prince and the Revolution

"Raspberry Beret" is a song written by American musician Prince and the lead single from Prince & the Revolution's 1985 album Around the World in a Day.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sign o' the Times (song)</span> 1987 single by Prince

"Sign o' the Times" is the lead single from American musician Prince's 1987 studio album of the same name. The song was originally intended for two separate Prince studio albums meant to be released in 1986, both shelved: Dream Factory and Crystal Ball. Prince performed all vocals and instruments on the song. "Sign o' the Times" was reportedly written and composed on a Sunday, when Prince usually wrote his most introspective songs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glam Slam</span> 1988 single by Prince

"Glam Slam" is a song by American musician Prince, and the second single from his tenth album, Lovesexy (1988). The song has sexual overtones with a spiritual undertone and fits the Lovesexy theme of integrating God and sex. The song is complex musically, recalling "Life Can Be So Nice" from Parade. It ends with a chorus of strings. A 12" single remix of the song by Shep Pettibone and Steve Peck mainly includes dance beats and extra instrumentation and samples.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Partyman</span> 1989 single by Prince

"Partyman" is a song by American musician Prince from his 1989 Batman album, and the follow-up to his number one hit, "Batdance". The song is one of the few on the album to be prominently featured in the film, accompanying the scene in which the Joker and his minions deface exhibits in the Gotham City Art Museum before meeting Vicki Vale.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thieves in the Temple</span> 1990 single by Prince

"Thieves in the Temple" is a song by American musician Prince from the 1990 soundtrack album Graffiti Bridge. Added at the last minute, it was the final song recorded for the album. "Thieves in the Temple" topped the US R&B chart and became a number six hit in the US, and a number seven hit in the UK. The single also peaked at number nine on the dance chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Power Generation (song)</span> 1990 single by Prince

"New Power Generation", or "N.P.G.", is a song by American musician Prince from the 1990 album and film Graffiti Bridge. It is an anthem for his backing band, The New Power Generation, who were officially co-credited on his album covers for a time, and continued to back him up until 2013, albeit with a changing lineup. The song saw minimal chart attention, and was not as successful as its predecessor, "Thieves in the Temple".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Name Is Prince</span> 1992 single by Prince and the New Power Generation

"My Name Is Prince" is a song by American musician Prince and his backing band the New Power Generation, released in September 1992 by Paisley Park and Warner Bros. as the second single from their 1992 Love Symbol album. The song is about Prince himself and his musical prowess. The rap sequence is performed by NPG member Tony M. The intro to the song features vocal samples from Prince's earlier songs "I Wanna Be Your Lover", "Partyup", and "Controversy". Its music video was directed by Parris Patton and featured Kirstie Alley and Lauren Green.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">7 (Prince song)</span> 1992 single by Prince and the New Power Generation

"7" is a song by American musician Prince and the New Power Generation, from their 1992 Love Symbol Album. It was released in late 1992 as the third single from the album, and became the most successful in the United States. It features a sample of the 1967 Lowell Fulsom song "Tramp" and is composed of heavy drums and bass in an acoustic style. It has a distinct Middle Eastern style of music, and a Hindu reincarnation theme, and an opera-like chorus which features Prince's multi-tracked vocals. The lyrics have religious and apocalyptic themes. The song is ambiguous and can be interpreted in many ways, as the "7" mentioned in the chorus could be the song referring to the Seven Deadly Sins or the seven Archon of Gnosticism or the seven names of God in the Old Testament. The song received positive reviews and peaked within the top forty of many of its major markets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pink Cashmere</span> 1993 single by Prince

"Pink Cashmere" is a song by American musician Prince, released as a single from his 1993 compilations, The Hits 2 and The Hits/The B-Sides.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Future (song)</span> 1990 single by Prince

"The Future" is a song from American musician Prince's 1989 Batman soundtrack, and the final single released from the album. The single was not the album version, but a remixed version by S'Express' Mark Moore and William Orbit. "The Future" was released as a single only in Europe. The standard European 7-inch single was backed with the album version of "Electric Chair", but on the maxi-single, "Electric Chair" was also remixed by Moore and Orbit. Moore and Orbit's remix of "The Future" is house-inspired, whereas Prince's original is minimalistic. Moore and Orbit substituted a muted, pulsating beat in place of the original elements of Prince's song. Moore and Orbit also removed Prince's original bassline, synthline, and snippets of sampled dialogue. This would be the last time Orbit would work with Prince for several years. In most countries, neither "The Future" nor its B-side were a hit on the pop or dance floors. The single peaked at #9 in the Dutch charts.

References

  1. ↑ Purple Products Archived October 19, 2014, at the Wayback Machine . Entertainment Weekly
  2. ↑ Molanphy, Chris (October 30, 2017). "Le Petty Prince Edition". Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia (Podcast). Slate . Retrieved July 9, 2023.
  3. ↑ Clement, Paul (April 30, 1988). "Singles". Melody Maker . p. 32. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  4. ↑ O'Hagan, Sean (April 30, 1988). "Singles". NME . p. 18. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  5. ↑ "Video: Alphabet St". Prince Vault.
  6. ↑ "Track Listing". Aprilsnow030.ueuo.com. Archived from the original on July 17, 2011. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  7. ↑ Clerc, Benoît (October 2022). Prince: All the Songs. Octopus. ISBN   9781784728816.
  8. ↑ "Lovesexy". guitarcloud.org. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  9. ↑ "Australian (ARIA) Top 50 Singles Chart Week Ending 19th June, 1988". ARIA . Retrieved October 24, 2017. N.B. "Alphabet St." peaked on the Kent Music Report chart in the week before ARIA commenced producing the chart in-house. However, it is listed as peaking at No. 17 in David Kent's book (after the ARIA chart became Australia's official chart), and as No. 26 on the australian-charts.com reference, which only contains data from when ARIA produced the chart in-house.
  10. ↑ "Prince – Alphabet St." (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
  11. ↑ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 8714." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  12. ↑ "Top 3 in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 5, no. 24. June 11, 1988. p. 24. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  13. ↑ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 5, no. 22. May 28, 1988. p. 24. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  14. ↑ Nyman, Jake (2005). Suomi soi 4: Suuri suomalainen listakirja (in Finnish) (1st ed.). Helsinki: Tammi. ISBN   951-31-2503-3.
  15. ↑ "Prince – Alphabet St." (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
  16. ↑ "Íslenski Listinn Topp 10 (3. júní 1988)". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). June 3, 1988. p. 44. Retrieved July 26, 2018.
  17. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Alphabet Street". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  18. ↑ "Classifiche". Musica e Dischi (in Italian). Retrieved May 28, 2022. Set "Tipo" on "Singoli". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "Prince".
  19. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 22, 1988" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  20. ↑ "Prince – Alphabet St." (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
  21. ↑ "Prince – Alphabet St.". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
  22. ↑ "Prince – Alphabet St.". VG-lista. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
  23. ↑ "Prince – Alphabet St.". Singles Top 100. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
  24. ↑ "Prince – Alphabet St.". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
  25. ↑ "Prince: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  26. ↑ "Prince Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  27. ↑ "Prince Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
  28. ↑ "Prince Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  29. ↑ "Cash Box Top 100 Singles" . Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  30. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – Prince – Alphabet St." (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
  31. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten 1988" (in Dutch). Ultratop . Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  32. ↑ "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 1988". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  33. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1988" (in Dutch). MegaCharts . Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  34. ↑ "End of Year Charts 1988". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  35. ↑ "1988 The Year in Music & Video" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 100, no. 52. December 24, 1988. p. Y-23. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 28, 2021. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
  36. ↑ Tweet (February 27, 2008). "Speech of Arrested Development: Songwriter Interviews". Songfacts.com. Archived from the original on September 17, 2008. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.