Celebrating 20 years since the release of his iconic 28th studio album ‘Musicology’ (2004), the rare Prince B-side United States Of Division has been released across digital platforms.
Available via NPG Records and Paisley Park Enterprises, in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment, the track was initially offered as a virtual B-side download for Cinnamon Girl exclusively from Prince’s NPG Music Club and eventually as a non-LP bonus track for the UK CD single of Cinnamon Girl
Billed as “a powerful protest song that sees Prince boldly confronting the social and political issues that continue to plague the nation to this day”, United States Of Division originally arrived in the midst of the US war in Iraq and serves as a reminder of Prince’s passion for social commentary.
Speaking about this era of Prince’s career, ‘Musicology’ Executive Producer L. Londell McMillan notes: “Some called it his comeback, Prince called it ‘Musicology’. The brilliance of this classic album was coupled with the commercial success executed on his tour with ticket sales, resulting in Prince’s highest chart position since the ’80s.
“Prince was simply awesome and the music world owes him a great debt for his creativity and innovation.”
In an archival interview clip, Prince describes how his creative process had changed at this stage in his career: “This record…remember it’s made by someone who’s been there and back. Hopefully people feel that and listen to it with that set of ears. Music is music ultimately. If it makes you feel good? Cool.”
