Ultimate (Prince album)
Ultimate is a double-disc greatest hits compilation album by American recording artist Prince, released on August 22, 2006, by Warner Bros. Records in the United States.[1] The album serves as the fifth compilation of Prince's Warner Bros. era studio work, spanning recordings from 1979 to 1993, and features 17 hit singles and album tracks on the first disc alongside 11 remixes and extended versions on the second disc.[1] Notable inclusions encompass iconic tracks such as "I Wanna Be Your Lover," "Purple Rain," "When Doves Cry," and "Kiss," with some presented in single edits or special dance mixes like the extended version of "Let's Go Crazy."[2] Originally planned for an earlier March 2006 release but delayed and revised at Prince's request to exclude explicit content, Ultimate achieved commercial success, peaking at number 61 on the Billboard 200 chart in the US and number 6 on the UK Albums Chart, where it was certified platinum.[1] No promotional singles were issued for the album, which drew from Prince's prolific output during his time with the label, highlighting his genre-blending fusion of funk, rock, pop, and R&B.[1]Background
Development
Ultimate was conceived in late 2005 to early 2006 by Warner Bros. Records as a double-disc greatest hits compilation drawing exclusively from Prince's recordings for the label between 1978 and 1992, serving as his final contractual obligation during a period of escalating tensions over artistic control and master recordings.[3] The project aimed to consolidate iconic material from this era, highlighting Prince's prolific output under the label amid ongoing disputes that had led him to adopt his unpronounceable symbol as a name in protest since 1993.[4] Track selection was led by creative consultant Geoffrey Dicker in collaboration with Mathieu Bitton, who also handled art direction, focusing on emblematic singles and key album tracks from releases such as For You (1978), Prince (1979), Controversy (1981), 1999 (1982), Purple Rain (1984), Around the World in a Day (1985), Parade (1986), Sign o' the Times (1987), Lovesexy (1988), the Batman soundtrack (1989), Diamonds and Pearls (1991), and Love Symbol Album (1992).[3][5] Prince actively participated by reviewing and approving the proposed tracklist, requesting the removal of explicit content like "Erotic City" and "Sexy Mutha" to align with his evolving public image, and insisting on a structure that separated standard versions on the first disc from remixes and extended cuts on the second.[1][3] This curation process underscored Prince's intent to showcase his musical progression from funk-rooted experimentation to pop-rock innovation, with remixes selected or approved to reflect stylistic shifts across the Warner Bros. years.[5] Positioned amid contract renegotiations, the album functioned as a catalog-clearing effort by Warner Bros., allowing the label to capitalize on Prince's legacy while he sought greater autonomy, though full resolution of the disputes would not occur until 2014.[3][4]Release date controversy
The album Ultimate was initially scheduled for release in North America on March 14, 2006, by Warner Bros. Records, with promotional materials distributed to retailers and advertisements appearing in major chains like Best Buy. However, just days before the launch, the release was abruptly canceled at Prince's request, primarily to avoid overlapping with the promotion of his new studio album 3121, which shared a similar date and was released under a deal with Universal Music Group. Prince also sought revisions to the compilation's track listing, including the removal of certain tracks like "Erotic City" and "Sexy Mutha," and a restructuring to separate album versions from 12-inch mixes, reflecting his desire for greater control over how his archival material was presented.[3] This postponement occurred amid ongoing tensions from Prince's long-standing disputes with Warner Bros., stemming from earlier frustrations over promotional strategies and the pace of releases during his 1990s contract battles. A second proposed date of May 22, 2006, was also scrapped, leaving the project's future uncertain for several months and leading to unauthorized early sales of pressed copies in regions including the US, Australia, and Greece. Warner Bros. executives emphasized their respect for Prince's input, with art director Mathieu Bitton stating, "The date was moved to honor Prince’s wishes… I think if Warner wanted to put it out, they could’ve said, ‘Hey, we’re putting it out. We don’t care.’ But they really have respect for Prince." Similarly, senior VP of media Geoffrey Dicker described the situation as a "bad coincidence," noting the label's reluctance to undermine Prince's focus on new material.[3][1] The delays heightened fan anticipation turned to disappointment, as the lack of clear communication fueled speculation and limited pre-release buzz, while media coverage remained sparse upon the eventual launch. Despite Prince's historical efforts to prioritize independent ventures and restrict uncontrolled archival projects—evident in his prior blocking of certain Warner initiatives—the controversy resolved without legal escalation, allowing Ultimate to proceed as a joint effort between Warner Bros. and Rhino Entertainment for distribution. The album finally debuted on August 21, 2006, in the UK and August 22 in the US, featuring 28 tracks across two discs but with minimal further promotion from the label.[3][1]Musical content
Overview
Ultimate is a double-disc greatest hits compilation album by Prince, released in 2006 by Warner Bros. Records, featuring selections from his recordings for the label between 1979 and 1993.[1] Disc 1 contains 17 tracks, primarily single edits and album versions of his major hits, spanning genres such as funk, rock, pop, and R&B, while Disc 2 includes 11 remixes and extended versions, with a focus on dance-oriented material drawn from 12-inch singles and CD releases.[1] The tracks are arranged in a loose chronological order by original single release date, providing a narrative arc through Prince's early career highlights without any new recordings.[6] The album's musical structure traces a thematic progression from Prince's early synth-funk explorations, exemplified by the sparse, seductive grooves of "I Wanna Be Your Lover" from 1979, to the vibrant, psychedelic pop of mid-1980s tracks like "Kiss," and culminating in more introspective, socially conscious ballads such as the poignant "Nothing Compares 2 U."[6] This evolution highlights his genre-blurring versatility, blending erotic sensuality with political commentary and spiritual undertones, as seen in songs addressing mutual pleasure and broader societal reflections.[6] The collection underscores Prince's ability to infuse personal themes of sexuality and spirituality into universally appealing music, making it a showcase of his innovative fusion of R&B, rock, and pop elements.[1] As the fifth Warner Bros. compilation in Prince's discography, Ultimate serves as an accessible entry point for new fans into his extensive catalog from the label, emphasizing his creative peak during the 1980s and early 1990s without delving into later works.[6] It offers a curated overview of his hit-making prowess, prioritizing radio-friendly anthems that capture his multifaceted artistry. For the 2006 release, the tracks were remastered to enhance audio clarity and dynamics, improving the listening experience on CD format while preserving the original analog warmth of the recordings.[7]Track listing
Ultimate is a two-disc compilation album featuring 28 tracks from Prince's Warner Bros. Records era (1978–1993). Disc 1 includes 17 single edits and album versions of major hits, while Disc 2 presents 11 extended remixes and dance mixes originally released as 12-inch singles or B-sides. All tracks were written by Prince (with co-writing credits where noted) and produced by him, often in collaboration with his backing bands such as The Revolution or The New Power Generation. The total runtime is 155:30.[1][8][9]Disc 1
| No. | Title | Length | Original album (year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "I Wanna Be Your Lover" (Edit) | 2:57 | Prince (1979) |
| 2 | "Uptown" (Edit) | 4:09 | Dirty Mind (1980) |
| 3 | "Controversy" | 7:09 | Controversy (1981) |
| 4 | "1999" (Edit) | 3:37 | 1999 (1982) |
| 5 | "Delirious" (Edit) | 2:38 | 1999 (1982) |
| 6 | "When Doves Cry" (Edit) | 3:47 | Purple Rain (1984) |
| 7 | "I Would Die 4 U" | 2:56 | Purple Rain (1984) |
| 8 | "Purple Rain" | 8:40 | Purple Rain (1984) |
| 9 | "Sign 'O' the Times" (Edit) | 3:42 | Sign 'O' the Times (1987) |
| 10 | "I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man" (Edit) | 3:39 | Sign 'O' the Times (1987) |
| 11 | "Alphabet St." | 5:38 | Lovesexy (1988) |
| 12 | "Diamonds and Pearls" (Edit) | 4:19 | Diamonds and Pearls (1991) |
| 13 | "Gett Off" | 4:31 | Diamonds and Pearls (1991) |
| 14 | "Money Don't Matter 2 Night" | 4:47 | Diamonds and Pearls (1991) |
| 15 | "7" | 5:08 | Love Symbol Album (1992) |
| 16 | "Nothing Compares 2 U" (Live) | 4:57 | The Hits/The B-Sides (1993) |
| 17 | "My Name Is Prince" (Edit) | 4:03 | Love Symbol Album (1992) |
Disc 2
| No. | Title | Length | Original album (year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Let's Go Crazy" (Special Dance Mix) | 7:36 | Purple Rain (1984) |
| 2 | "Little Red Corvette" (Dance Remix) | 8:22 | 1999 (1982) |
| 3 | "Let's Work" (Dance Remix) | 8:02 | Dirty Mind (1980) |
| 4 | "Pop Life" (Fresh Dance Mix) | 6:18 | Around the World in a Day (1985) |
| 5 | "She's Always in My Hair" (12" Version) | 6:31 | Parade (1986) |
| 6 | "Raspberry Beret" (12" Version) | 6:34 | Around the World in a Day (1985) |
| 7 | "Kiss" (Extended Version) | 7:16 | Parade (1986) |
| 8 | "U Got the Look" (Long Look) | 6:40 | Sign 'O' the Times (1987) |
| 9 | "Hot Thing" (Extended Remix) | 8:30 | Sign 'O' the Times (1987) |
| 10 | "Thieves in the Temple" (Remix) | 8:08 | Graffiti Bridge (1990) |
| 11 | "Cream" (N.P.G. Mix) | 4:50 | Diamonds and Pearls (1991) |
Personnel
Prince served as the lead artist, performer, and producer on Ultimate, delivering vocals, guitars, keyboards, bass, and drums across the majority of the compilation's tracks drawn from his original 1980s and 1990s recordings.[2] The Revolution, Prince's core backing band during the mid-1980s, provided instrumentation on key selections from albums like Purple Rain and Around the World in a Day, with Wendy Melvoin contributing guitar on "Purple Rain" and "I Would Die 4 U," Lisa Coleman on keyboards and string arrangements for "When Doves Cry" and "Purple Rain," Matt "Doctor" Fink on keyboards, Brown Mark on bass, and Bobby Z. on drums. The New Power Generation supported later tracks from the early 1990s, including those from Diamonds and Pearls and The Hits, featuring Michael Bland on drums, Levi Seacer Jr. on guitar and bass, Tommy Barbarella on keyboards, Sonny T. on bass, Kirk Johnson on percussion, and Rosie Gaines on background vocals and keyboards, particularly evident on "Diamonds and Pearls," "Cream," and the 1993 live version of "Nothing Compares 2 U."[10] Additional collaborators included Sheila E. on percussion and vocals for remixed versions of "Pop Life" and "U Got The Look," as well as Susannah Melvoin on background vocals for Revolution-era tracks like the extended "Raspberry Beret."[11] Prince handled production for all original recordings, while Disc 2's remixes involved engineers such as Shep Pettibone for additional production on "She's Always In My Hair (12" Version)," Michael Hutchinson for remixing on "Kiss (Extended Version)," and others like David Z. and John Luongo for extended mixes of "Little Red Corvette" and "Let's Work."[8]Promotion and release
Promotional versions
To promote the compilation album Ultimate, Warner Bros. Records distributed two-disc promotional CD sets to radio stations, media outlets, and record stores in spring 2006. These advance copies mirrored the retail version's track listing across both discs, featuring 17 hits on the first and 11 extended mixes and remixes on the second, without any alterations to the content.[2] A separate advance promotional edition in the form of two CD-Rs was also produced for targeted distribution, including in the US and Japan, to facilitate previews for industry professionals. These formats served to build anticipation for the album's official release amid ongoing contractual negotiations between Prince and the label.[2] In addition to these audio promos, Warner Bros. issued a limited promotional magnetic sticker in the US, featuring Prince's symbol, logo, and the album title in white and purple on a shaped design, intended for internal use and media kits. The overall purpose of these materials was to generate early buzz for the collection, particularly in key markets like the US and Japan, despite production delays stemming from scheduling conflicts with Prince's concurrent 3121 album.[12][1]Marketing strategies
Rhino Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Music Group known for catalog reissues, partnered with Warner Bros. Records to develop and brand Ultimate as a definitive two-disc retrospective of Prince's Warner Bros. era, featuring 22 tracks including hits and extended mixes. This collaboration aimed to capitalize on Prince's enduring catalog appeal, positioning the album as an accessible entry point for new fans while offering rarities for collectors. The packaging included a super jewel box format in some markets, enhancing its collectible value.[13] Initial marketing efforts focused on widespread advertising to build anticipation for the planned March 2006 release, including prominent ads in Best Buy circulars and in-store displays at record retailers across the United States, along with national television commercials highlighting Prince's iconic hits. However, due to timing conflicts with the release of Prince's contemporary album 3121 and revisions requested by Prince, the release was delayed until August 22, 2006, which curtailed some promotional momentum but allowed for adjusted strategies emphasizing the compilation's value as a career overview.[3] The international rollout was coordinated through Warner's global divisions, with a European edition co-branded under Rhino Records featuring localized distribution and packaging to align with regional markets. This approach ensured synchronized availability in key territories like the UK and continental Europe, where the album charted respectably upon release. No traditional singles were issued, shifting emphasis to broadcast and print media tie-ins rather than radio play.[2] Promotion for the album was limited and coincided with the release of the Diamonds And Pearls Video Collection DVD on August 22, 2006.[1]Commercial performance
Chart performance
Ultimate debuted at number 61 on the US Billboard 200 upon its release in September 2006, which was also its peak position that year. The album spent 16 weeks on the chart initially.)[1][14] In the United Kingdom, the album debuted at number 24 on the UK Albums Chart in September 2006 and reached a peak of number 6 that year, remaining in the top 10 for 1 week.)[15][1] The album charted in other territories in 2006, peaking at number 10 on the ARIA Albums Chart in Australia, number 39 on the Dutch Album Top 100 in the Netherlands, number 12 on the German Albums Chart, number 12 on the French Compilations Chart, and number 3 on the New Zealand Albums Chart.)[16][17] Following Prince's death in April 2016, Ultimate re-entered charts worldwide, reaching new peaks including #4 on the US Billboard 200 and #3 on the UK Albums Chart, with a posthumous sales surge contributing to over 40,000 units sold in the US that week alone. Its chart success was initially bolstered by Prince's summer tour promoting his concurrent album 3121 and various media appearances.)[18]| Chart (2006) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 | 61 |
| UK Albums Chart | 6 |
| Australian Albums (ARIA) | 10 |
| Dutch Albums (Album Top 100) | 39 |
| German Albums (Offizielle Top 100) | 12 |
| French Compilations (SNEP) | 12 |
| New Zealand Albums (RMNZ) | 3 |
Sales and certifications
Ultimate achieved global sales of approximately 500,000 units by the end of 2006.[19] The album recorded a debut week in the US of around 47,000 units sold, with performance sustained somewhat during the holiday season.[20] Despite its chart showing, Ultimate received no certification from the RIAA, as it did not meet the threshold for compilations.[21] The album earned international certifications reflecting its performance in key markets. In the United Kingdom, it was certified Platinum by the BPI in September 2006 for shipments of 300,000 units.[1] It also attained Platinum status in New Zealand from the RMNZ (15,000 units) and in Denmark from IFPI Danmark (20,000 units).)[22] By 2025, total global sales exceeded 1.5 million units, largely due to the 2016 posthumous resurgence.[22]| Region | Certification | Accredited units/sales | Certifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denmark | Platinum | 20,000 | IFPI Danmark |
| New Zealand | Platinum | 15,000 | RMNZ |
| United Kingdom | Platinum | 300,000 | BPI |