Letitgo

Last updated
"Letitgo"
Prince Letitgo.jpg
Single by Prince
from the album Come
B-side
  • "Solo"
  • "Alexa De Paris"
  • "Pope"
ReleasedAugust 9, 1994
RecordedMarch 16, 1994 [1]
Studio Paisley Park, Chanhassen
Length
  • 5:33 (album version)
  • 4:15 (7-inch edit)
Label Warner Bros.
Songwriter(s) Prince
Producer(s)
  • Prince (original versions)
  • Quincy "QD3" Jones III, Gerald "G Bomb" Baillergeau, J. Swift (remixes)
Prince singles chronology
"The Most Beautiful Girl in the World"
(1994)		"Letitgo"
(1994)		"Space"
(1994)

"Letitgo" is a song by American musician Prince from his fifteenth studio album, Come (1994). Despite statements that the album consisted entirely of "old" material, "Letitgo" was actually newly composed for the album. The mid-tempo song relies heavily on a drum machine pattern and bass guitar with synthesizers in the refrain. A keyboard and percussion solo appear toward the end. The song is sung in falsetto in unison with another track layered in his regular, lower register. Kathleen Bradford provides backing vocals, while Eric Leeds provides flute accompaniment.

Contents

The track was produced, arranged, composed and performed by Prince, with the additions of Kathleen Bradford on background vocals, Eric Leeds on flute and additional keyboards by Ricky Peterson. The lyrics speak of Prince's disappointment with Warner Bros. Records' decision not to release music as quickly as Prince created it. He chides them that they will be sorry when he leaves the company.

The B-side was the album track "Solo", a downbeat number with Prince's voice only accompanied by harp, which was composed by David Henry Hwang. The title refers not to a musical solo, but actually that Prince's mood is "so low". It ties in with the slightly more upbeat "Letitgo". In addition, a CD single was released in the UK containing an edit of "Letitgo", "Solo", the extended version of "Alexa de Paris" (originally the B-side to "Mountains" in 1986) and "Pope", which was originally on The Hits 2 from 1993. A maxi single on CD and vinyl included several remixes of the track provided by Quincy "QD3" Jones III, Chronic Freeze., J-Sw!ft and Gerald "G Bomb" Baillergeau.

Critical reception

Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "On what could be one of the final projects issued under the name Prince, punters are given a dark jack/funk ditty, pumped with a thick bassline and a wicked hook that is truly irresistible. Given the heat he is enjoying at radio under his alter-ego, the future of this superior effort looks mighty bright. One of many reasons to dive into the new Come collection." [2] In 2019, Alexis Petridis from The Guardian commented, "By 1994, Prince was more interested in fighting with his record company than the quality of his releases. Come was evidently thrown together to fulfill his contract. But even when he didn't really care, he couldn't turn his talent off completely. "Letitgo" isn't a classic, but nor is it a disaster. Perhaps he made more of an effort because it's about his desire to leave the Warners label." [3]

Chuck Campbell from Knoxville News Sentinel called it a "snoozer single". [4] In his weekly UK chart commentary, James Masterton described it as "a fairly nondescript piece of Prince funk", [5] while Dave Jennings from Melody Maker viewed it as "a monstrously tedious, tired piece of wine-bar funk". [6] Pan-European magazine Music & Media wrote, "After the royalty in exile as Symbol, he now returns in his original identity with a mean swingbeat track of early Janet Jackson proportions. Will he keep the ballet army under control?" [7] Alan Jones from Music Week gave "Letitgo" four out of five, calling it "one of his seductive rolling funk numbers". [8]

Chart performance

"Letitgo" was moderately successful on the charts, peaking at number 31 on the US Billboard Hot 100, number 10 on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart, number 13 on the Rhythmic chart, number 17 on the Mainstream/Pop chart and number 30 on the UK Singles Chart.

Music video

The accompanying music video for "Letitgo" contains clips from the 3 Chains o Gold motion picture. It contains Prince signing a contract with an early version of his love symbol signature.

Track listings

  1. "Letitgo" (Caviar radio edit) – 4:59
  2. "Letitgo" (Cavi' street edit) – 5:02
  3. "Letitgo" (Instrumental) – 5:02
  4. "Letitgo" (On the Cool-Out Tip radio edit) – 4:34
  5. "Letitgo" (Sherm Stick edit) – 5:42
  6. "Letitgo" ((-) Sherm Stick edit) – 5:42
  7. "Letitgo" (original radio edit) – 4:15
  8. "Letitgo" (original album version) – 5:33
  1. "Letitgo" (edit) – 4:15
  2. "Solo" – 3:48
  1. "Letitgo" (edit) – 4:15
  2. "Solo" – 3:48
  3. "Alexa de Paris" (extended version) – 4:54
  4. "Pope" – 3:28

Charts

Release history

Release history and formats for "Letitgo"
RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
United StatesAugust 9, 1994
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • 12inch vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
 Warner Bros. [ citation needed ]
United KingdomAugust 30, 1994 [29]

Related Research Articles

<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">Again (Janet Jackson song)</span> 1993 single by Janet Jackson

"Again" is a song by American singer and songwriter Janet Jackson from her fifth album, Janet (1993). The song was also included as the closing song to the 1993 film Poetic Justice. Written and produced by Jackson and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the ballad was released as the album's third single on October 12, 1993, by Virgin Records, and talks about the reconnection with an old lover. Originally an experimental sound Jam and Lewis was considering for the album, they did not give the song serious contemplation until the film producers from Poetic Justice requested a ballad for the soundtrack.

<i>Come</i> (album) 1994 studio album by Prince

Come is the fifteenth studio album by American recording artist Prince. It was released on August 16, 1994, by Warner Bros. Records. At the time of its release, Prince was in a public dispute with Warner Bros. A lack of promotion from the label and Prince himself resulted in Come under-performing on American record charts, stalling at No. 15, and becoming his first album since Controversy (1981) to not yield any top 10 singles in the US. However, it was more successful overseas, reaching the top 10 across Europe and topping the UK Albums Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alphabet St.</span> 1988 single by Prince

"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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scar Tissue</span> 1999 single by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Scar Tissue" is the first single from American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers' seventh studio album, Californication (1999). Released on May 25, 1999, the song spent a then-record 16 consecutive weeks atop the US Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart as well as 10 weeks atop the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, and it reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also successful in Iceland, New Zealand, and Canada, reaching numbers one, three, and four, respectively. In the United Kingdom, it charted at number 15 on the UK Singles Chart.

<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">I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man</span> Single by Prince

"I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man" is a song written and recorded by American musician Prince. It was released as the final single from his ninth studio album Sign o' the Times (1987), becoming the third top-ten hit off the album. It has since been covered by numerous artists.

<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">The Most Beautiful Girl in the World (Prince song)</span> 1994 single by Prince

"The Most Beautiful Girl in the World" is a song by American musician Prince, released in various forms on the 1994 remixes EP The Beautiful Experience and later on his seventeenth album, The Gold Experience (1995). In his singles chronology, it was his third major release since changing his stage name to an unpronounceable "Love Symbol". In his albums chronology, it along with the EP was his second release after changing his name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Space (Prince song)</span> 1994 single by Prince

"Space" is a song by American musician Prince from his fifteenth album, Come (1994). The B-side of the single is actually the album track. The A-side is the Universal Love Radio Remix of "Space", with completely new lyrics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang</span> 1993 single by Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg

"Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang" is a song by American rapper Dr. Dre, featuring fellow American rapper Snoop Dogg, on Dre's debut solo album, The Chronic (1992). As the album's first single it reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 on March 20, 1993, behind "Informer" by Snow, outperformed The Chronic's other singles, "Fuck wit Dre Day ", which peaked at number 8, and "Let Me Ride", which peaked at number 34. The single also reached number 1 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, and was a number 31 hit in the UK. Its music video was directed by Dr. Dre himself.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Hate U (Prince song)</span> 1995 song by Prince

"I Hate U" is a song by American musician Prince, released on September 12, 1995, as the lead single from his seventeenth studio album, The Gold Experience (1995).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Greatest Romance Ever Sold</span> 1999 single by Prince

"The Greatest Romance Ever Sold" is a song recorded by American musician Prince, under his unpronounceable stage name called the "Love Symbol". It was released as the only single from his twenty-third studio album Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic (1999). It was issued on October 5, 1999, in several different formats, including a 12-inch single, CD single, and a maxi single. Prince solely wrote and produced it, while Mike Scott provided guitar strings for the track. Several music critics found the single reminiscent to the works on his previous studio album, Diamonds and Pearls (1991).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Need You Tonight</span> 1987 single by INXS

"Need You Tonight" is a song by the Australian rock band INXS, released as the first single from their 1987 album, Kick, as well as the fourth song on the album. It is the only INXS single to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also achieved their highest charting position in the United Kingdom, where the song reached number two on the UK Singles Chart; however, this peak was only reached after a re-release of the single in November 1988. On its first run on the UK charts in October 1987, it stalled at No. 58. It was one of the last songs recorded for the album, yet it would arguably become the band's signature song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ordinary World (song)</span> 1992 single by Duran Duran

"Ordinary World" is a song by English rock band Duran Duran, released in December 1992 as the first single from their self-titled album (1993), commonly known as the Wedding Album. The ballad reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Top 40/Mainstream chart, the Canadian RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart, and the Italian Singles Chart. It also peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 2 in Iceland and Sweden, and No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Glamorous Life</span> 1984 single by Sheila E

"The Glamorous Life" is a song written by Prince, recorded by American percussionist Sheila E. and produced by both. The song has lyrics which reflect a cynicism for the decadence and materialism of the song's protagonist, referred to in the third person, who "wants to lead a glamorous life", although she is aware that "without love, it ain't much".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Word Up! (song)</span> 1986 single by Cameo

"Word Up!" is a funk and R&B song originally recorded by American funk band Cameo in 1986. It was released as the first single from their thirteenth album of the same name. The song was written by band members Larry Blackmon and Tomi Jenkins. Its frequent airing on American dance, R&B, and contemporary hit radio, as well as its MTV music video, helped the single become the band's best known hit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Half the Man (Jamiroquai song)</span> 1994 single by Jamiroquai

"Half the Man" is a song by British funk/acid jazz band Jamiroquai, released in November 1994 by S2 Records as a single from their second studio album, The Return of the Space Cowboy (1994). The song peaked at number 15 on the UK Singles Chart. Its music video was directed by Paul Boyd. "Half the Man" is in the key of D major.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Inside Out (Shara Nelson song)</span> 1993 single by Shara Nelson

"Inside Out" is a song by British singer and songwriter Shara Nelson, released in November 1993 on Cooltempo Records as the third single from her first solo album, What Silence Knows (1993). In August 1994, it was re-released as part of a remix single with "Down That Road". The song, which was co-written by Nelson, peaked at number 34 on the UK Singles Chart and number ten on the UK Dance Singles Chart. A music video was also produced to promote the single.

"Happy" is a song originally recorded by British funk band Hi-Tension in 1984, titled as "You Make Me Happy". In 1987, it was covered by Surface from their self-titled album. A hit single, Surface's version reached number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 16 on the Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart. "Happy" was also featured on Surface's album Perfect 10 and was produced by Bernard Jackson, David "Pic" Conley and David Townsend.

References

  1. ↑ "Letitgo". Prince Vault.
  2. ↑ Flick, Larry (August 20, 1994). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard . p. 79. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  3. ↑ Petridis, Alexis (September 12, 2019). "Prince's 50 greatest singles – ranked!". The Guardian . Retrieved November 16, 2020.
  4. ↑ Campbell, Chuck (August 26, 1994). "Prince Digs Into Vaults, Comes Out With Little". Knoxville News Sentinel .
  5. ↑ Masterton, James (September 4, 1994). "Week Ending September 10th 1994". Chart Watch UK. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
  6. ↑ Jennings, Dave (September 3, 1994). "Singles". Melody Maker . p. 44. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  7. ↑ "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . August 20, 1994. p. 7. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  8. ↑ Jones, Alan (September 3, 1994). "Market Preview: Mainstream - Singles" (PDF). Music Week . p. 18. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
  9. ↑ "Prince – Letitgo". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  10. ↑ "Prince – Letitgo" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  11. ↑ "Prince – Letitgo" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  12. ↑ "Adult Contemporary Europe Top 25" (PDF). Music & Media . September 17, 1994. p. 22. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
  13. ↑ "European Dance Radio Top 25" (PDF). Music & Media . October 8, 1994. p. 21. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
  14. ↑ Week 33, 1994.
  15. ↑ "Prince – Letitgo" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  16. ↑ "Prince – Letitgo" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  17. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 36, 1994" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  18. ↑ "Prince – Letitgo" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  19. ↑ "Prince – Letitgo". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  20. ↑ "Prince – Letitgo". VG-lista. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  21. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100 04 September 1994 - 10 September 1994". Official Charts Company . Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  22. ↑ "Prince – Letitgo". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  23. ↑ "Prince: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  24. ↑ "Prince Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  25. ↑ "Prince Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  26. ↑ "Prince Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  27. ↑ "Prince Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  28. ↑ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 1994". Billboard. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  29. ↑ "Single Releases". Music Week . August 27, 1994. p. 27.
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.