Alphabet Street
Prince's first CD single, a funk-pop gem with hidden video messages.
"Alphabet St." is a song from American musician Prince's tenth album, Lovesexy (1988). It was the first single from that album and the album's only top 10 single, reaching the top 10 in both the UK and US. Initially written as an acoustic blues song, the song's final version includes a rap by Cat Glover and is full of samples. "Alphabet St." generally echoes themes from the rest of Lovesexy.
- role
- Second Single
Lore & Background
The B-side is a remix of "Alphabet St." called "Alphabet St. ("This is not music, this is a trip")". The title and other phrases are repeated at the beginning of the song, but essentially it is an instrumental with a few minor changes. "Alphabet St." was the first Prince single released as a CD, albeit only in the UK and Japan. A promo CD was issued in the US.
In Their Own Story
In his review of the song, Paul Clements from Melody Maker felt that "as a lighthearted bubblegum pastiche, it fairly shimmers. There's some judiciously spare scratch guitar, the usual assortment of percolating percussion, and a magnificent tumbling drum lick." He also noted its "almost shocking austerity", and concluded, "Hopefully, a ticklish harbinger of a long, deliciously hot summer." Sean O'Hagan from NME wrote, "'Alphabet St' is, naturally, a record of rare brilliance. It unleashes its outre funk ideology over one of those patented Prince guitar riffs—a clipped, chunky groove that slips into the cerebral space once occupied by the subliminal 'Kiss' coda." The single received critical acclaim from Cashbox magazine, with the reviewer praising Prince's "endless capacity to expand the reaches of sound," describing the track as a "herky-jerky little ditty that belies the sophistication within."
Reader's Guide
The music video for "Alphabet St." was directed by Patrick R. Epstein and produced on very short notice on March 20, 1988 by filmmaker Michael R. Barnard. It shows Prince walking and driving a late 60's Ford Thunderbird through an environment made out of letters. The video contains hidden messages, including "Don't buy The Black Album, I'm sorry," "heaven is so beautiful," "4 the light dance," "funk guitar," "is 4 punks," "if U don't mind," and "GOD I LOVE U ♡".
Did You Know?
- The song was initially written as an acoustic blues song.
- The B-side remix is titled "Alphabet St. ("This is not music, this is a trip")".
- "Alphabet St." was the first Prince single released as a CD, but only in the UK and Japan.
- The music video contains a hidden message apologizing for The Black Album.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who recorded Alphabet Street?
Prince performed this track as the lead single from his second studio album released in 1979. It remains a notable entry in his early solo catalog known simply as The Purple One.
What is the concept behind the lyrics?
The song features a cast of characters whose names correspond to different letters of the alphabet. This structure allows Prince to tell short stories about eccentric residents within a single neighborhood setting.
Which musical genres are featured on this track?
The composition blends funk, pop, and R&B styles into one cohesive sound. Fans often cite its rhythmic energy as representative of his formative years in the music industry.
When did Alphabet Street first become available to listeners?
It was officially released to the public during 1979 alongside the self-titled album that followed his debut. This timing established it as a key piece of his early discography.
Why is this song considered important by fans?
Listeners appreciate its imaginative storytelling and playful approach to songwriting from the start of his career. It stands out as a classic track due to its creative narrative method and enduring groove.
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