Released November 30, 1995 | Genre Pop rock | |
B-side "Rock 'N' Roll Is Alive! (And It Lives in Minneapolis)"
"I Hate U" (Extended Remix) (CD) Format 7" single
Cassette single
CD single Recorded Paisley Park Studios, May 1995 Length 7" edit: 4:43
Album: 7:23 | ||
"Gold" is a song by Prince (his stage name at that time being an unpronounceable symbol) 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.
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 complements 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. 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 "I 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.
Chart performance
The song achieved little initial success in the US, with minor Mainstream radio play and no R&B/Hip-Hop or Rhythmic radio play, and weak sales. It peaked at number 88 and stayed on the Hot 100 for two weeks. The single was far more successful in the United Kingdom, where it reached number 10.