New Power Generation (song)

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"New Power Generation"
"New Power Generation" cover
UK 7" single
Single by Prince
from the album Graffiti Bridge
B-side(s) "New Power Generation (Part II)"
"Brother with a Purpose" (12")
"Get Off" (12")
"The Lubricated Lady" (12")
"Loveleft, Loveright" (12")
"Melody Cool" (Extended Remix) (UK 12")
Released 23 October 1990
Format 7" single
12" single
CD single
CD Maxi single
Recorded Paisley Park Studios, Autumn, 1989
Genre Pop, Funk
Length Album/7" pt 1: 3:39
Funky Weapon Remix: 5:01
Label Paisley Park Records/Warner Bros. Records
Writer(s) Prince
Producer(s) Prince
Chart positions
  • #27 R&B
  • #64 U.S.
  • #26 UK
Prince singles chronology
"Thieves In the Temple"
(1990)
"New Power Generation"
(1990)
"Gett Off"
(1991)

"New Power Generation", or "N.P.G." is a song by Prince from the 1990 album and movie 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 continue to back him up, albeit with a changing lineup. The song saw minimal chart attention and was not as successful as its predecessor, "Thieves In the Temple".

"N.P.G." is a funk number featuring drumming by Morris Day and vocal help by Rosie Gaines. The funk is cut by some carnival-like organ playing and distorted guitar. The song is generally a positive message of overcoming odds. The part 2 continuation of the song features contributions from a number of artists, as well as samples of several unreleased songs. Tevin Campbell and Mavis Staples sing in part 2, and a rap is delivered by T.C. Ellis. Unreleased songs sampled include "My Tree", "Oobee Doop" and "Positive Place".

The B-side for the single was "New Power Generation, pt. 2", also from Graffiti Bridge.

The 12" and CD maxi release contained numerous previously unheard remixes and bonus material. It began with a "Funky Weapon Remix" of "N.P.G." which combined parts 1 and 2 of the song, but removed all other singers besides Prince. Next was "T.C.'s Rap". This mix was the "True Confessions" rap by rapper T.C. Ellis, whom Prince would later assist on a 1991 album. Another rap follows called "Brother with a Purpose". The main song was slowed down and Tony M. delivers an original rap atop the tune.

"Get Off" is next, which is a new song over the beat of "N.P.G." Some ideas from this track would later be incorporated in the similarly titled "Gett Off" from Diamonds and Pearls. "Get Off" continues as an instrumental called "The Lubricated Lady". The final track is a song about a threesome called "Loveleft, Loveright", which itself was sampled in "New Power Generation, pt. 2". The song ends with the same spoken segment from Prince that begins the EP.

The 12" single released in the U.K. included "Melody Cool" (Extended Remix), sung by Mavis Staples. In Japan, the CD maxi single included all the tracks from the U.S. maxi single, plus those from "Thieves In the Temple".

Contents

[edit] Track listing

[edit] 7"

  1. "New Power Generation" – (3:39)
  2. "New Power Generation" (Part II) – (2:57)

[edit] UK. 12"

  1. "New Power Generation" – (3:39)
  2. "New Power Generation" (Part II) – (2:57)
  3. "Melody Cool" (Extended Remix) (featuring Mavis Staples) – (6:04)

[edit] Maxi Single

  1. "N.P.G." (Funky Weapon Remix) – (5:01)
  2. "T.C.'s Rap" (featuring T.C. Ellis) – (3:11)
  3. "Brother with a Purpose" (featuring Tony Mosley) – (4:18)
  4. "Get Off" – (4:41)
  5. "The Lubricated Lady" – (2:39)
  6. "Loveleft, Loveright" – (5:00)

[edit] External link

  • "New Power Generation" lyrics