Uptown (Prince song)

"Uptown" was the lead single in the U.S. to Prince's third album, Dirty Mind.[4] Beginning with a lone drum intro, the track explodes into the keyboards of the chorus. The verses feature a more prominent funk guitar. The song breaks down to a more instrumental section toward the end that mainly consists of guitar, bass and drums with an occasional keyboard riff. The minimalist style of the song is representative of most of the Dirty Mind album. The song addresses the Uptown neighborhood of Minneapolis that was the city's hang-out spot for artists.

For the song by the Crystals, see Uptown (The Crystals song).
"Uptown"
Single by Prince
from the album Dirty Mind
B-side"Crazy You"
ReleasedSeptember 10, 1980
RecordedMinneapolis, May–June, 1980
Genre
Length
  • 7" edit: 4:09
  • Album: 5:30
LabelWarner Bros.
Songwriter(s)Prince
Producer(s)Prince
Prince singles chronology
"Bambi"
(1980)		 "Uptown"
(1980)		 "Dirty Mind"
(1980)
Prince (UK) singles chronology
"Sexy Dancer"
(1980)		 "Uptown"
(1980)		 "Do It All Night"
(1981)

Background

The song addresses prejudices and racism, referring to "Uptown" as a metaphor for an ideal place that is free of such things. Prince sings in the first person, and the song opens describing a chance meeting with an attractive woman who then asks in an offensive way if he is gay. The lyrics then rail against prejudice and racism as narrow minded, and exalt in an attitude and spirit that is free of such negativity. It is one of Prince's earliest efforts to blend political statements into his art.

Uptown is described as an area where one can be free to express oneself, and Prince was very fond of the concept. The song opened the Controversy Tour and made a few live appearances after that, notably in Prince's 2001 Hit + Run Tour. The single was backed with "Crazy You," from his debut album, For You.

Charts
Chart (1980) Peak
position
US Billboard Hot Soul Singles 5
US Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs 5
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References
  1. Patridge, Kenneth. "Prince's 'Dirty Mind' at 35: Classic Track-by-Track Album Review". Billboard. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
  2. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Dirty Mind - Prince." Allmusic. Retrieved on 2010-01-01.
  3. Walters, Barry (April 29, 2016). "Prince: Dirty Mind". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  4. "Prince - Uptown". Discogs.com. Retrieved 2016-10-17.
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