Prince » Tracks » 1999

Prince – 1999 (6:13)

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About This Track

“1999” is one of Prince’s best-known songs, and a defining moment in his rise to superstar status. The apocalyptic yet upbeat party anthem saw chart success in 1983, peaking at #12 in the US and #25 in the UK (reaching #2 in the UK when re-released in 1985). The album version of the song starts with a slowed-down voice, reassuring the listener “Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you. I only want you to have some fun. ” Prince shares lead vocals on the track with members of his band The Revolution, namely Dez Dickerson, Lisa Coleman and Jill Jones. Originally conceived to be a three-part harmony, it was later decided to separate out the voices that started each verse. The verse melody was reused by Prince (writing under the name “Christopher”) in the song “Manic Monday,” originally written for Apollonia 6’s eponymous 1984 album, but withdrawn at the last minute and eventually given to The Bangles. The synth chords inspired Phil Collins’ song “Sussudio” as well as Marillion’s “Incommunicado”.

The B-side, the piano ballad “How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore?”, became a fan favorite. It was covered first by Stephanie Mills, then by Alicia Keys and performed by Canadian Idol winner Eva Avila.

In 1985, “1999” was released as a 12” single in the U.S. with “Little Red Corvette” as the B-side, and “How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore?”/”D.M.S.R.” in the UK.
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Albums featuring this track

  • The Very Best of Prince
    Prince Play
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  • 1999
    Prince Play
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  • The Hits/The B-Sides (disc 1)
    Prince Play
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  • Ultimate
    Prince Play
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See all 28 albums

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  • cousinbull

    alpha 10,1983

    Monday evening

  • Vi_Nguyen1901

    Most exciting song ever made! I was very fortunate to see this live, it was the best thing ever, that funky riff drove the crowd all insane with joy.

    10 days ago

  • alistaircooke

    I went to club the other night that cost 20 quid to get in. ...still didn't stop me partying like it was 19.99

    15 days ago

  • granpubah

    2 k zero zero party over oops out of time.

    23 days ago

  • nishas711

    class of '99, baby!

    last month

  • supermediadave

    Didn't we rejoice when 1999 came and went. It was great.

    last month

  • KingFahtah

    mommy why does everybody have a bum??

    last month

  • wreckastow

    i just love him!

    last month

  • ajmandaones

    soo freaking great!

    March 2012

  • december1968

    See my movie and Revolution written backwards on the front of this album. do you remember that!

    December 2011

  • pogopatterson

    Mommy, why does everybody have a bomb?

    December 2011

  • CAVermeer

    Saw this LIVE and in person last night - GREAT SHOW!

    December 2011

  • ScarletRevolver

    So catchy!

    November 2011

  • TrilSinatra

    Prince goes in....

    November 2011

  • ShaneSpear

    It's kind of easy to forget this is kind of a political song about the fear of nuclear war in the 80s.

    October 2011

  • PubliKEnemy08

    This classic will never age

    October 2011

  • cdlove

    a true Artist..not many of them left, party on!

    September 2011

  • kissmylips22

    Gonna shout again PARTY!!!!!!!Get that Lion out and let him Roar!!!!!

    August 2011

  • kissmylips22

    Have Some FUN!!!!

    August 2011

  • rocker_ego777

    This song is soooooo fuckin' funky

    July 2011
See all 212 shouts

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