Gold (Prince song)

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"Gold"
"Gold" cover
German CD single
Single by Prince
from the album The Gold Experience
B-side(s) "Rock 'N' Roll Is Alive! (And It Lives In Minneapolis)
"Image:prince.eye.gif Hate U" (Extended Remix) (CD)
Released 30 November 1995
Format 7" single
Cassette single
CD single
Recorded Paisley Park Studios, September 1993 – 1994
Genre Pop, Rock
Length 7" edit: 4:43
Album: 7:23
Label Warner Bros. Records/NPG Records
Writer(s) Prince
Producer(s) Prince
Chart positions
  • #92 R&B
  • #88 US
  • #10 UK
Prince singles chronology
"Purple Medley"
(1995)
"Gold"
(1995)
"NYC Live"
(1997)
Prince (UK) chronology
"Purple Medley"
(1995)
"Gold"
(1995)
"Dinner with Delores"
(1996)

"Gold" is a song by Prince (then known as Image:prince symbol.svg) from his 1995 album The Gold Experience. Obviously proud of the number, Prince was touting the song as the next "Purple Rain" to reporters before the album's release. Indeed, the song is quite anthemic, though it lacks the singalong chorus of "Purple Rain". It is also much more synth-based as opposed to the dominate guitar of "Purple Rain". A rousing guitar solo is present in "Gold", but much later in the mix. Another difference between the songs is that "Purple Rain" was recorded live (and later edited in the studio) while "Gold" is a studio creation from the get-go, featuring Prince's multi-layered vocals. The lyrics proclaim "all that glitters ain't gold", instructing the listener to look beneath the surface and not take everything at face value.

The B-side was "Rock 'N' Roll Is Alive (And It Lives In Minneapolis)", a response to the song "Rock and Roll Is Dead" by Lenny Kravitz. The song compliments the rock-based "Gold" and features rousing guitar solos and live drumming as well as various studio tricks throughout the track. The chorus is sample recorded from a live audience. Prince would later use the technique on several songs for the New Power Generation release, Newpower Soul. The track was one of the few new songs Prince released as B-sides since the 1980s. Prince also made a special remix of the song called the "Tony Fly Mix" to be played on the local Minneapolis DJ's radio program. The remix remains unreleased.

A maxi single on CD and vinyl also included the extended remix of ""Image:prince.eye.gif Hate U".

A limited edition gold CD single was released in the UK, housed in a gold jewel case. The track listing was the same as the standard CD single.

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