1999 (song)

"1999" is one of Prince's most well-known songs and a defining point in his rise to superstar status. The monumentally apocalyptic, yet upbeat party anthem moved many people and saw great chart success in 1983, peaking at #12 in the US and #3 in the UK. The song starts with a slowed down voice representing God reassuring the listener "Don't worry, I won't hurt you. I only want you to have some fun." This gives way into the drum machine pattern and then splashes into the main tune. Prince shares lead vocals on the track with members of his band The Revolution, namely Dez Dickerson and Lisa Coleman. Originally conceived to be a 3-part harmony, it was later decided to separate out the voices that started each verse. After the main part of the song there is a jam, followed by Prince imitating a little girl asking "Mommy, why does everybody have a bomb?"

Related Topics:
Prince - 1983 - God - Drum machine - The Revolution - Dez Dickerson - Lisa Coleman - Harmony

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The B-side piano ballad "How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore?" became a fan favorite and a cover version by Alicia Keys was a hit in 2001. The song had a

Related Topics:
B-side - Piano - Ballad - Cover version - Alicia Keys - 2001 - 12" Single

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On New Year's Eve 1999, Prince (under the name ) held a concert entitled "Rave Un2 The Year 2000" at his Paisley Park Studios Soundstage. He played the song at midnight and vowed never to play it again. So far he has kept to his promise, however he has recently been known to use the opening riff of "1999" as an intro to "Baby I'm A Star".

Related Topics:
New Year's Eve - 1999 - Paisley Park

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