#1 Alert!
Gold Record Alert!
Song#: 2005 Date: 08/04/1984
Debut: 45
Peak: 1 (2 weeks)
Weeks: 19
Genre: Rock, R&B, Soundtrack
Pop Bits: As Prince's "When Doves Cry" was enjoying its fifth and final week in the #1 spot, this second single from the Purple Rain soundtrack blasted onto the chart. Just like "Doves," this song would find itself topping the Pop, R&B, and Dance charts. It would be the first single released from Prince that was fully credited to Prince & the Revolution. Also happening this same week this song debuted, Purple Rain ascended to the #1 spot on the album chart. It would be the first week of a 24-week consecutive reign atop the chart.
ReduxReview: Prince wrote a standout song here but ended up making it even better and more memorable with that spoken word eulogy beginning. All it takes is one little organ chord and a "dearly beloved" and you know you are in for a good time. Add to that the unusual concert-like ending and a classic was born.
ReduxRating: 9/10
Trivia: The flip side of this single provided a bit of controversy. The song "Erotic City" was notable for featuring the vocals of Sheila E and for its potentially offensive language. During portions of the song, Sheila E sings the line "we can fuck until the dawn." This line along with some other sexual references made the song a bit notorious. However, at the time Sheila E and a few others claimed that the line was "we can funk until the dawn." This clarifying statement helped the song get some radio airplay, despite being the b-side. Regardless which word was actually used, the FCC later deemed the song indecent due to the language and would even fine stations for playing the unedited version.
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