Difference between revisions of "Album: Welcome 2 America"

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|album name            = Welcome 2 America
 
|album name            = Welcome 2 America
 
|album image            = [[Image:Welcome2america.jpg|200px|Welcome 2 America album artwork]]
 
|album image            = [[Image:Welcome2america.jpg|200px|Welcome 2 America album artwork]]
−
|date                  = [[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/July 30|30 July 2021]] ''(announced)''
+
|date                  = [[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/July 30|30 July, 2021]]
 
|length                = 54:21 (studio album only)
 
|length                = 54:21 (studio album only)
 
|label                  = [[NPG Records|NPG Records, Inc.]] under exclusive license to Legacy Recordings
 
|label                  = [[NPG Records|NPG Records, Inc.]] under exclusive license to Legacy Recordings
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|next album link        =  
 
|next album link        =  
 
<!-------ALBUM TEXT ------->
 
<!-------ALBUM TEXT ------->
−
|introduction          = '''Welcome 2 America''' has been announced for release in July 2021. It is the first full previously-unreleased studio album of [[Prince]] material to be released posthumously, and the tenth posthumous album release overall. Recorded in 2010, the album was tentatively planned for release in 2011, likely as a follow-up to [[Album: 20Ten|20Ten]] and in conjunction with the [[Welcome 2 America Tour]], which ran from December 2010 to May 2011. The album was abandoned at the time for unknown reasons, however. The album as announced for release in July 2021 makes use of what’s believed to be the final configuration of the album.
+
|introduction          = '''Welcome 2 America''' is the first full previously-unreleased studio album of [[Prince]] material to be released posthumously, and the tenth posthumous album release overall. Recorded in 2010, the album was tentatively planned for release in 2011, likely as a follow-up to [[Album: 20Ten|20Ten]] and in conjunction with the [[Welcome 2 America Tour]], which ran from December 2010 to May 2011. The album was abandoned at the time for unknown reasons, however. If released at that time, it would have been [[Prince]]’s 36th full-length studio album. The posthumous release makes use of what’s believed to be the final configuration of the album. Contrary to some previous releases by [[The Prince Estate]], there were no technical necessity to do new mixes of the songs.  
  
 
A deluxe edition of the album includes a blu-ray video of the [[28 April 2011|28 April 2011: The Forum: Inglewood, CA, USA]] show on the [[Welcome 2 America Tour]] (part of the "Twenty One Nite Stand" in California).
 
A deluxe edition of the album includes a blu-ray video of the [[28 April 2011|28 April 2011: The Forum: Inglewood, CA, USA]] show on the [[Welcome 2 America Tour]] (part of the "Twenty One Nite Stand" in California).
 +
  
 
<b>Sessions and compiling</b>
 
<b>Sessions and compiling</b>
  
−
The tracks tentatively planned for inclusion on the album were thought to be recorded in 2010 and early 2011, although specific recording dates are not known, and the official press release states that the album was recorded in "Spring 2010." [[Hot Summer]] and [[Stand Up And B Strong]] are known to have been recorded in Spring 2010 (before the release of the [[Album: 20Ten|20Ten]] album), and may have been the earliest tracks recorded for this album, but this is unconfirmed. [[Morris Hayes]] co-produced the album with [[Prince]] (as "[[Morris Hayes|Mr. Hayes]]").
 
  
 +
The bulk of the album was recorded by [[Prince]] with [[Chris Coleman]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tal_Wilkenfeld Tal Wilkenfeld] in a very dense few days of recording at [[Paisley Park Studios]], Chanhassen, Minnesota, USA, from [[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/March_10|10 March 2010]] to [[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/March_19|19 March 2010]]. Additional recordings with [[Shelby J.]], [[Liv Warfield]], [[Elisa Dease]] and [[Morris Hayes]] took place during the following summer.
 
[[Black Muse]] and [[Cause And Effect]] are two more tracks assumed to have been recorded around the same time but it’s unclear if they were at any point slated for inclusion on the album.
 
[[Black Muse]] and [[Cause And Effect]] are two more tracks assumed to have been recorded around the same time but it’s unclear if they were at any point slated for inclusion on the album.
 +
  
 
<b>Musicians input</b>
 
<b>Musicians input</b>
  
−
Drummer [[Chris Coleman]] and bass guitarist [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tal_Wilkenfeld Tal Wilkenfeld] make their only appearances on a [[Prince]] album, on all but on track ([[When She Comes]] on the album.  
+
'''Welcome 2 America''' contained more contributions from others than its predecessor, [[Album: 20Ten|20Ten]] and is a band-oriented album, with musicians and/or vocalists appearing on all tracks. Drummer [[Chris Coleman]] and bass guitarist [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tal_Wilkenfeld Tal Wilkenfeld] make their only appearances on a [[Prince]] album. [[Shelby J.]], [[Liv Warfield]] and [[Elisa Dease]], who had been present throughout [[Album: 20Ten|20Ten]], appear on all of the songs. [[Shelby J.]] is also the co-lead vocalist on [[Running Game (Son Of A Slave Master)]] and provides a rap on [[Same Page, Different Book]]. [[Morris Hayes]] co-produced half of the songs of the album. [[1010 (Rin Tin Tin)]] is the only song to feature [[Prince]] as the sole musician (with [[Shelby J.]], [[Liv Warfield]] and [[Elisa Dease]] on backing vocals). [[John Blackwell]] plays drums on [[1000 Light Years From Here]].
  
−
<!-- While musical credits are not known for many of the album’s tracks (specifically [[Born 2 Die]], [[Check The Record]], [[Running Game (Son Of A Slave Master)]], [[Stand Up And B Strong]] and [[Welcome 2 America]]), it is clear that the album contained more contributions from others than its predecessor, [[Album: 20Ten|20Ten]]. Background singers including [[Shelby J.]], [[Liv Warfield]] and [[Elisa Dease]], who had been present throughout [[Album: 20Ten|20Ten]], appeared on [[Same Page, Different Book]] and [[Welcome 2 America]], with [[Shelby J.]] providing a rap on the former track. [[Elisa Dease]] also provides co-lead vocals on [[Stand Up And B Strong]].  <<<<< ALL THIS NEEDS TO BE RE-WRITTEN -->
 
  
 
<b>Track releases</b>
 
<b>Track releases</b>
  
−
[[Hot Summer]] was premiered on Minnesota public radio station [http://minnesota.publicradio.org/radio/services/the_current/ 89.3 The Current’s website] on [[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/June 7|7 June 2010]], [[Prince]]’s 52nd birthday, prior to the album’s intended release. [[Same Page, Different Book]] was streamed as audio only over a static video on [[3rd_Eye_Girl_Streams|3rd Eye Girl YouTube channel]] in January 2013. [[1000 Light Years From Here]] was released in 2015 on [[Album: Hitnrun Phase Two|Hitnrun Phase Two]], included in full as a 3:05 coda to the track [[Black Muse]] (as such, the title [[1000 Light Years From Here]] is not used on the album’s tracklist). [[When She Comes]] was also released on [[Album: Hitnrun Phase Two|Hitnrun Phase Two]], although the version intended for '''Welcome 2 America''' was more stripped-down, with just piano and not the accordion used on the released version.
+
[[Hot Summer]] was premiered on Minnesota public radio station [http://minnesota.publicradio.org/radio/services/the_current/ 89.3 The Current’s website] on [[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/June 7|7 June 2010]], [[Prince]]’s 52nd birthday, prior to the album’s intended release. [[Same Page, Different Book]] was streamed as audio only over a static video on [[3rd_Eye_Girl_Streams|3rd Eye Girl YouTube channel]] in January 2013 (as [[Same Page Different Book]]). [[1000 Light Years From Here]] was released in an entirely different form (with new lyrics and arrangements) in 2015 on [[Album: Hitnrun Phase Two|Hitnrun Phase Two]], included in full as a 3:05 coda to the track [[Black Muse]] (as such, the title [[1000 Light Years From Here]] is not used on the album’s tracklist). An alternate recording of [[When She Comes]] with different verses was also released on [[Album: Hitnrun Phase Two|Hitnrun Phase Two]].
 +
 
  
 
<b>Promotion</b>
 
<b>Promotion</b>
  
−
The album was announced and available to pre-order on [[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/April 8|8 April, 2021]]. The title track, [[Welcome 2 America]], was made available on streaming and download platforms, and a 55-second promo video was made available to promote the set. The accompanying vinyl single, [[Single: Welcome 2 America|Welcome 2 America]] with an exclusive live b-side was also announced on the official website.
+
The album was announced and available to pre-order on [[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/April 8|8 April, 2021]]. The title track, [[Welcome 2 America]], was made available on streaming and download platforms, and a 55-second promo video was made available to promote the set. The accompanying vinyl single, [[Single: Welcome 2 America|Welcome 2 America]] with an exclusive live b-side was also announced on the official website. [[Born 2 Die]] was also made available for download as a preview two months before the release of the album. A 7" single of [[Single:_Hot_Summer|Hot Summer]] was included as a cover mount with the August 2021 edition of Rolling Stone magazine in Germany.
−
 
+
−
A second teaser was made available through [[Hot Summer]], released on [[Prince_Vault:Selected_anniversaries/July 22|22 July 2021]]  
+
−
 
+
−
The Prince Estate  produced a four-part podcast series, presented by Minneapolis Music journalist Andrea Swensson titled “Prince: The Story of Welcome 2 America”. In this audio-documentary Morris Hayes, Shelby J. Liv Warfield, Elisa Dease, Tal Wilkenfield, Chris Coleman, among others, share stories about the making-of the album.  
+
  
 +
[[The Prince Estate]] and [http://www.thecurrent.org/ The Current] radio-station produced an four-part podcast series, presented by Minneapolis Music journalist Andrea Swensson, [[Shelby J.]] and [[Morris Hayes]] titled “Prince: The Story of Welcome 2 America”. In this audio-documentary [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tal_Wilkenfeld Tal Wilkenfeld], [[Chris Coleman]], [[Elisa Fiorillo]] and [[Liv Warfield]], among others, share stories about the making-of the album.
 
<!-------TRACK LIST ------->
 
<!-------TRACK LIST ------->
 
|tracklisting          = <small>The compact disc and digital versions are the original issue.</small>
 
|tracklisting          = <small>The compact disc and digital versions are the original issue.</small>
Line 54: Line 53:
 
#<b>[[Stand Up And B Strong]]</b> (5:18)<sup>1</sup>
 
#<b>[[Stand Up And B Strong]]</b> (5:18)<sup>1</sup>
 
#<b>[[Check The Record]]</b> (3:28)
 
#<b>[[Check The Record]]</b> (3:28)
−
#<b>[[Same Page, Different Book]]</b> (4:41)
+
#<b>[[Same Page, Different Book]]</b> (4:41) <sup>2</sup>
 
#<b>[[When She Comes]]</b> (4:46)
 
#<b>[[When She Comes]]</b> (4:46)
 
#<b>[[1010 (Rin Tin Tin)]]</b> (4:42)
 
#<b>[[1010 (Rin Tin Tin)]]</b> (4:42)
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|* comment              = <small>
 
|* comment              = <small>
 
<sup>1</sup> Written by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Pirner Dave Pirner]<br>
 
<sup>1</sup> Written by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Pirner Dave Pirner]<br>
−
<sup>2</sup> Written by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Batson Mark Batson], Shannon Sanders and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India.Arie India.Arie]<br>
+
<sup>2</sup> Lyrics co-written by [[Shelby J.]]<br>
−
<sup>3</sup> Written by [[Prince]], [[Lisa Coleman]], [[Matt Fink|Dr. Fink]], [[Wendy Melvoin]]<br>
+
<sup>3</sup> Written by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Batson Mark Batson], Shannon Sanders and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India.Arie India.Arie]<br>
−
<sup>4</sup> Written by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Whitfield Norman Whitfield]<br>
+
<sup>4</sup> Written by [[Prince]], [[Lisa Coleman]], [[Matt Fink|Dr. Fink]], [[Wendy Melvoin]]<br>
−
<sup>5</sup> Written by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janet_Jackson Janet Jackson], Scott McCallum and [[Jimmy Jam]] & [[Terry Lewis]]<br>
+
<sup>5</sup> Written by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teena_Marie Teena Marie]<br>
−
<sup>6</sup> Written by [[Larry Graham]]<br>
+
<sup>6</sup> Written by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Whitfield Norman Whitfield]<br>
−
<sup>7</sup> Written by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Dylan Bob Dylan]<br>
+
<sup>7</sup> Written by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janet_Jackson Janet Jackson], Scott McCallum and [[Jimmy Jam]] & [[Terry Lewis]]<br>
−
<sup>8</sup> Written by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Montgomery_(songwriter) Bob Montgomery]<br>
+
<sup>8</sup> Written by [[Larry Graham]]<br>
−
<sup>9</sup> Written by [[Morris Day]], [[Prince]], and [[Jesse Johnson]]<br>
+
<sup>9</sup> Written by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Dylan Bob Dylan]<br>
−
<sup>10</sup> Written by [[Sheila E.]] and [[Prince]]<br>
+
<sup>10</sup> Written by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Montgomery_(songwriter) Bob Montgomery]<br>
−
<sup>11</sup> Written by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Parissi Robert Parissi]<br>
+
<sup>11</sup> Written by [[Morris Day]], [[Prince]], and [[Jesse Johnson]]<br>
−
<sup>12</sup> Written by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_%22Kool%22_Bell Robert "Kool" Bell], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Bell_(musician) Ronald Bell], George M. Brown, Robert "Spikes" Mickens, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claydes_Charles_Smith Claydes Charles Smith], Dennis R. Thomas, Richard A. Westfield<br>
+
<sup>12</sup> Written by [[Sheila E.]] and [[Prince]]<br>
−
<sup>13</sup> Written by Fred Alexander Jr., Norman Beavers, Marvin Craig, Fred Lewis, Tiemeyer McCain, Thomas Shelby, Steve Shockley, Otis Stokes, and Mark Adam Wood, Jr.<br>
+
<sup>13</sup> Written by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Parissi Robert Parissi]<br>
−
<sup>14</sup> Written by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryan_Ferry Bryan Ferry]<br>
+
<sup>14</sup> Written by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_%22Kool%22_Bell Robert "Kool" Bell], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Bell_(musician) Ronald Bell], George M. Brown, Robert "Spikes" Mickens, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claydes_Charles_Smith Claydes Charles Smith], Dennis R. Thomas, Richard A. Westfield<br>
 +
<sup>15</sup> Written by Fred Alexander Jr., Norman Beavers, Marvin Craig, Fred Lewis, Tiemeyer McCain, Thomas Shelby, Steve Shockley, Otis Stokes, and Mark Adam Wood, Jr.<br>
 +
<sup>16</sup> Written by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryan_Ferry Bryan Ferry]<br>
 
</small>
 
</small>
 
|other format            = LP
 
|other format            = LP
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<br>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
<br>
−
'''Blu-ray: Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011''' - ''available on Deluxe (2LP + 1CD + Blu-ray) set only''
+
'''Blu-ray: Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011''' - ''available on Deluxe (2LP + 1CD + Blu-ray) set and a Japanese edision (1CD + Blu-ray) only''
 
# <b>[[Joy In Repetition]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
 
# <b>[[Joy In Repetition]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
−
# <b>[[Brown Skin]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>2</sup>
+
# <b>[[Brown Skin]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>3</sup>
−
# <b>[[17 Days]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>3</sup>
+
# <b>[[17 Days]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>4</sup> (contains unlisted lyrics from [[Lovergirl]] <sup>5</sup>)</small>
 
# <b>[[Shhh]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
 
# <b>[[Shhh]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
 
# <b>[[Controversy]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
 
# <b>[[Controversy]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
−
# <b>[[(Theme_Song_From)_Which_Way_Is_Up%3F|Theme From "Which Way Is Up"]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>4</sup>
+
# <b>[[(Theme_Song_From)_Which_Way_Is_Up%3F|Theme From "Which Way Is Up"]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>6</sup>
−
# <b>[[What Have You Done For Me Lately]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>5</sup>
+
# <b>[[What Have You Done For Me Lately]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>7</sup>
 
# <b>[[Partyman]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
 
# <b>[[Partyman]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
−
# <b>[[It’s Alright]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>6</sup>
+
# <b>[[It’s Alright]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>8</sup>
−
# <b>[[Make You Feel My Love]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>7</sup>
+
# <b>[[Make You Feel My Love]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>9</sup>
−
# <b>[[Misty Blue]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>8</sup>
+
# <b>[[Misty Blue]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>10</sup>
 
# <b>[[Let’s Go Crazy]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
 
# <b>[[Let’s Go Crazy]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
 
# <b>[[Delirious]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
 
# <b>[[Delirious]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
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# <b>[[Little Red Corvette]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
 
# <b>[[Little Red Corvette]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
 
# <b>[[Purple Rain]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
 
# <b>[[Purple Rain]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
−
# <b>[[The Bird]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>9</sup>
+
# <b>[[The Bird]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>11</sup>
−
# <b>[[Jungle Love]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>9</sup>
+
# <b>[[Jungle Love]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>11</sup>
−
# <b>[[A Love Bizarre]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>10</sup>
+
# <b>[[A Love Bizarre]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>12</sup>
 
# <b>[[Kiss]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
 
# <b>[[Kiss]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
−
# <b>[[Play That Funky Music]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>11</sup>
+
# <b>[[Play That Funky Music]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>13</sup>
−
# <b>[[Hollywood Swinging|Hollywood Swingin’]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>12</sup>
+
# <b>[[Hollywood Swinging|Hollywood Swingin’]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>14</sup>
−
# <b>[[Fantastic Voyage]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>13</sup>
+
# <b>[[Fantastic Voyage]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>15</sup>
−
# <b>[[More Than This]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>14</sup>
+
# <b>[[More Than This]]</b> (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)<sup>16</sup>
 
<!-------PERSONNEL ------->
 
<!-------PERSONNEL ------->
 
|musicians              = [[Prince]] - all vocals and instruments, except where noted
 
|musicians              = [[Prince]] - all vocals and instruments, except where noted
−
*[[Chris Coleman]] - drums on [[Welcome 2 America]] and [[Hot Summer]]
+
*[[Chris Coleman]] - drums on [[Welcome 2 America]], [[Running Game (Son Of A Slave Master)]], [[Born 2 Die]], [[Hot Summer]], [[Stand Up And B Strong]], [[Check The Record]], [[Same Page, Different Book]], [[When She Comes]] and [[Yes-2010|Yes]].
−
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tal_Wilkenfeld Tal Wilkenfeld] - bass guitar on [[Welcome 2 America]] and [[Hot Summer]]
+
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tal_Wilkenfeld Tal Wilkenfeld] - bass guitar on [[Welcome 2 America]], [[Running Game (Son Of A Slave Master)]], [[Born 2 Die]], [[Hot Summer]], [[Stand Up And B Strong]], [[Check The Record]], [[Same Page, Different Book]], [[When She Comes]], [[Yes-2010|Yes]] and [[One Day We Will All B Free]]
−
*[[Mr. Hayes]] - keyboards and percussion on [[Welcome 2 America]]
+
*[[Morris Hayes]] - keyboards and percussion on [[Welcome 2 America]], [[Running Game (Son Of A Slave Master)]], [[Same Page, Different Book]], keyboards, strings and percussion on [[Born 2 Die]], keyboards, percussion and drum machine on [[Check The Record]], keyboards on [[Hot Summer]].
−
*[[Ida Nielsen]] - bass guitar on unconfirmed tracks (assumed)
+
*[[Shelby J.]] - co-lead vocals on [[Running Game (Son Of A Slave Master)]], backing vocals and rap on [[Same Page, Different Book]], backing vocals on [[Welcome 2 America]], [[Born 2 Die]], [[1000 Light Years From Here]], [[Hot Summer]], [[Stand Up And B Strong]], [[Check The Record]], [[When She Comes]], [[1010 (Rin Tin Tin)]], [[Yes-2010|Yes]] and [[One Day We Will All B Free]]
−
*[[Michael B. Nelson]] - trombone, horn arrangement on [[1000 Light Years From Here]]
+
*[[Elisa Dease]] - background vocals on [[Welcome 2 America]], [[Running Game (Son Of A Slave Master)]], [[Born 2 Die]], [[1000 Light Years From Here]], [[Hot Summer]], [[Check The Record]], [[Same Page, Different Book]], [[When She Comes]], [[1010 (Rin Tin Tin)]], [[Yes-2010|Yes]] and [[One Day We Will All B Free]], co-lead vocals on [[Stand Up And B Strong]]
−
*[[Steve Strand]] - trumpet on [[1000 Light Years From Here]]
+
*[[Liv Warfield]] - background vocals on [[Welcome 2 America]], [[Running Game (Son Of A Slave Master)]], [[Born 2 Die]], [[1000 Light Years From Here]], [[Hot Summer]], [[Stand Up And B Strong]], [[Check The Record]], [[Same Page, Different Book]], [[When She Comes]], [[1010 (Rin Tin Tin)]], [[Yes-2010|Yes]] and [[One Day We Will All B Free]]
−
*[[Dave Jensen]] - trumpet on [[1000 Light Years From Here]]
+
*[[John Blackwell]] - drums on [[1000 Light Years From Here]]
−
*[[Kenni Holmen]] - tenor sax, flute on [[1000 Light Years From Here]]
+
 
−
*[[Kathy Jensen]] - baritone sax, clarinet on [[1000 Light Years From Here]]
+
<br>
−
*[[Shelby J.]] - background vocals on [[Welcome 2 America]], [[Born 2 Die]], [[Same Page, Different Book]] and [[Hot Summer]]
+
'''Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011 (Blu-ray) '''
−
*[[Elisa Dease]] - background vocals on [[Welcome 2 America]], [[Born 2 Die]], [[Same Page, Different Book]] and [[Hot Summer]]
+
*[[Prince]] - vocals, guitar, bass, (sampler) keyboard)
−
*[[Liv Warfield]] - background vocals on [[Welcome 2 America]], [[Born 2 Die]], [[Same Page, Different Book]] and [[Hot Summer]]
+
*[[John Blackwell]] - drums
 +
*[[Ida Nielsen]] - bass, vocals
 +
*[[Morris Hayes]] - keyboards
 +
*[[Renato Neto]] - keyboards
 +
*[[Cassandra O’Neal]] - keyboards, vocals
 +
*[[Shelby J.]] - vocals
 +
*[[Elisa Dease]] - vocals
 +
*[[Liv Warfield]] - vocals
 +
*[[Maya McClean]] - dance
 +
*[[Nandy McClean]] - dance
 +
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ledisi Ledisi] – vocals (on [[Partyman]]/[[It’s Alright]] only)
 
|production            = [[Prince]] - producer
 
|production            = [[Prince]] - producer
−
*[[Mr. Hayes]] - co-producer
+
*[[Mr. Hayes]] - co-producer on [[Welcome 2 America]], [[Running Game (Son Of A Slave Master)]], [[Born 2 Die]], [[Hot Summer]], [[Check The Record]] and [[Same Page, Different Book]], mixing on [[Check The Record]]
−
|thanks                  = TBA
+
*[http://www.jasonagel.com Jason Agel] – engineer
 +
*Dave Isaac – engineer on [[Born 2 Die]]
 +
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernie_Grundman Bernie Grundman] - mastering and audio enhancement
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
 +
Archival Production / A&R: Trevor Guy, Michael Howe & [[Kirk Johnson]] <br>
 +
*Art Direction & Design: Trevor Guy and Mathieu Bitton<br>
 +
*Photography: Mike Ruiz, Kevin Mazur, Justine Walpole and Randee St. Nicholas
 +
<br>
 +
|thanks                  = Archival Production / A&R: Trevor Guy, Michael Howe & [[Kirk Johnson]] <br>
 +
*Art Direction & Design: Trevor Guy and Mathieu Bitton<br>
 +
*Photography: Mike Ruiz, Kevin Mazur, Justine Walpole and Randee St. Nicholas
 +
<br>
 +
*'''Thanks to:'''Richard Alcock, Gretchen Brennison, Angelina Capodanno, John Conroy, Teri Eastwood Molls, Angelo Schifano and Roald Bakker<br>
 +
*'''Very Special Thanks to:''' Alfred Jackson (In Memoriam), John R. Nelson, Norrine P. Nelson, Omarr Baker, Sharon L. Nelson, Tyka, and all Prince Fans (and Fans) worldwide.
 
<!-------SINGLES ------->
 
<!-------SINGLES ------->
 
|singles                =  
 
|singles                =  
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|item1  = [[Welcome 2 America Tour]]
 
|item1  = [[Welcome 2 America Tour]]
 
|image1  = [[Image:W2A-Tour pass.png|60px|link=Welcome 2 America Tour]]
 
|image1  = [[Image:W2A-Tour pass.png|60px|link=Welcome 2 America Tour]]
−
|item2  = &nbsp;
+
|item2  = [[Album: Hitnrun Phase Two|Hitnrun Phase Two]]
−
|image2  =  
+
|image2  = [[File: Hitnrun_PHASEII_album.jpg|60px|link=Album: Hitnrun Phase Two]]
 
}}
 
}}
 
|charts                =  
 
|charts                =  
 
{{Charts|
 
{{Charts|
−
|charts        = {{noCharts|format=album|Country= the USA, as it has not yet been released}}
+
|charts        = {{noCharts|format=album|Country= the USA}}
 
|certifications = {{noCertification|format=album|Country= the USA}}
 
|certifications = {{noCertification|format=album|Country= the USA}}
 
|awards        = {{noAwards|format=album|Country= the USA}}
 
|awards        = {{noAwards|format=album|Country= the USA}}
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:''Recorded in the spring of 2010 and then mysteriously archived by Prince before its release, the statement album Welcome 2 America documents Prince’s concerns, hopes, and visions for a shifting society, presciently foreshadowing an era of political division, disinformation, and a renewed fight for racial justice. The album features some of Prince’s only studio collaborations with the bassist Tal Wilkenfeld, drummer Chris Coleman, and engineer Jason Agel, with additional contributions from New Power Generation singers Shelby J, Liv Warfield, and Elisa Fiorillo and keyboardist Morris Hayes, who Prince also recruited to co-produce the album.''
 
:''Recorded in the spring of 2010 and then mysteriously archived by Prince before its release, the statement album Welcome 2 America documents Prince’s concerns, hopes, and visions for a shifting society, presciently foreshadowing an era of political division, disinformation, and a renewed fight for racial justice. The album features some of Prince’s only studio collaborations with the bassist Tal Wilkenfeld, drummer Chris Coleman, and engineer Jason Agel, with additional contributions from New Power Generation singers Shelby J, Liv Warfield, and Elisa Fiorillo and keyboardist Morris Hayes, who Prince also recruited to co-produce the album.''
  
−
:''The Deluxe Edition of Welcome 2 America combines the 2LP and CD versions of the album with a never before released Blu-Ray of Prince’s full April 28, 2011 performance at the Forum, part of the Welcome 2 America Tour’s historic 21 Nite Stand in Los Angeles. The show is presented in stereo, 5.1 surround and Dolby Atmos, and includes 24 tracks from across Prince’s career, from his biggest hits to fan favorites to ten rare covers. In addition, the deluxe edition features a 32 page 12x12 book, exclusive poster and an embossed vellum envelope of limited edition memorabilia all housed in a luxe, gold embossed package. Experienced as a complete package, the Deluxe Edition provides an immersive view of Prince’s creative genius during his spontaneous, energetic, and thought-provoking Welcome 2 America era.''
+
:''The Deluxe Edition of Welcome 2 America combines the 2LP and CD versions of the album with a never before released Blu-Ray of Prince’s full April 28, 2011 performance at the Forum, part of the Welcome 2 America Tour’s historic 21 Nite Stand in Los Angeles. The show is presented in stereo, 5.1 surround and Dolby Atmos, and includes 24 tracks from across Prince’s career, from his biggest hits to fan favorites to ten rare covers. In addition, the deluxe edition features a 32 Page, 12x12 book, exclusive poster and an embossed vellum envelope of limited edition memorabilia all housed in a luxe, gold embossed package. Experienced as a complete package, the Deluxe Edition provides an immersive view of Prince’s creative genius during his spontaneous, energetic, and thought-provoking Welcome 2 America era.''
−
* American CBS TV show [https://www.cbsnews.com/video/new-prince-album-to-be-released-will-debut-on-60-minutes/?fbclid=IwAR27J1GZZfz99NtVuTnGovgcblqwDl7uRsOpb3HgUybQOx0PIcqxaOc1nzk 60 Minutes] has announced that they will debut tracks from the album on their 11 April 2021 show. This page will be updated after the fact.  
+
* American CBS TV show [https://www.cbsnews.com/video/new-prince-album-to-be-released-will-debut-on-60-minutes/?fbclid=IwAR27J1GZZfz99NtVuTnGovgcblqwDl7uRsOpb3HgUybQOx0PIcqxaOc1nzk 60 Minutes] has announced that they will debut tracks from the album on their 11 April 2021 show. This Page, will be updated after the fact.  
 
|trivia                =  
 
|trivia                =  
 
|alternative            =  
 
|alternative            =  
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: [https://store.prince.com/dept/welcome-2-america Prince.com]
 
: [https://store.prince.com/dept/welcome-2-america Prince.com]
 
: [https://www.target.com/p/prince-welcome-2-america-target-exclusive-vinyl/-/A-82776611?fbclid=IwAR2UZ5KlGP5puFcgSehr-Esl8daF_WYcASudAfj3jUm2MyRjBNrAZZpZc78# Target exclusive edition]
 
: [https://www.target.com/p/prince-welcome-2-america-target-exclusive-vinyl/-/A-82776611?fbclid=IwAR2UZ5KlGP5puFcgSehr-Esl8daF_WYcASudAfj3jUm2MyRjBNrAZZpZc78# Target exclusive edition]
 +
: [https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/prince-welcome-2-america-lost-album-oral-history-1192233/ '''Welcome 2 America: The Oral History of Prince’s Lost Album''' by ''David Browne'' (Rollingstone.com: 14 July 2021)]
 
* <b>Press:</b>
 
* <b>Press:</b>
 
: To be completed.
 
: To be completed.

Revision as of 15:34, 29 July 2021

SottDeluxe.jpg 2020: Sign O’ The Times Super Deluxe Edition ◄ All Prince Albums All Related Artists Albums ►  : NoPreviousAlbum.png
Welcome 2 America
Welcome 2 America album artwork

Album details

Released: 30 July, 2021
Length: 54:21 (studio album only)
Label(s): NPG Records, Inc. under exclusive license to Legacy Recordings
Studio(s): Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, MN, USA

Charts, Certifications & Awards

Charts
This album has not charted in the USA
Certifications
This album has not received any certifications in the USA
Awards
This album has not received any awards in the USA

Singles released

Welcome 2 America
Prince.com exclusive
b/w Dreamer / Welcome 2 America (Live, 14 May 2011) 		Welcome2america single.jpg
Hot Summer
Rolling Stone Germany exclusive
b/w The Bird (Live, 28 April 2011) 		Hotsummer single.jpg

See also

Welcome 2 America Tour Hitnrun Phase Two
W2A-Tour pass.png Hitnrun PHASEII album.jpg
Welcome 2 America is the first full previously-unreleased studio album of Prince material to be released posthumously, and the tenth posthumous album release overall. Recorded in 2010, the album was tentatively planned for release in 2011, likely as a follow-up to 20Ten and in conjunction with the Welcome 2 America Tour, which ran from December 2010 to May 2011. The album was abandoned at the time for unknown reasons, however. If released at that time, it would have been Prince’s 36th full-length studio album. The posthumous release makes use of what’s believed to be the final configuration of the album. Contrary to some previous releases by The Prince Estate, there were no technical necessity to do new mixes of the songs.

A deluxe edition of the album includes a blu-ray video of the 28 April 2011: The Forum: Inglewood, CA, USA show on the Welcome 2 America Tour (part of the "Twenty One Nite Stand" in California).


Sessions and compiling


The bulk of the album was recorded by Prince with Chris Coleman and Tal Wilkenfeld in a very dense few days of recording at Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, Minnesota, USA, from 10 March 2010 to 19 March 2010. Additional recordings with Shelby J., Liv Warfield, Elisa Dease and Morris Hayes took place during the following summer. Black Muse and Cause And Effect are two more tracks assumed to have been recorded around the same time but it’s unclear if they were at any point slated for inclusion on the album.


Musicians input

Welcome 2 America contained more contributions from others than its predecessor, 20Ten and is a band-oriented album, with musicians and/or vocalists appearing on all tracks. Drummer Chris Coleman and bass guitarist Tal Wilkenfeld make their only appearances on a Prince album. Shelby J., Liv Warfield and Elisa Dease, who had been present throughout 20Ten, appear on all of the songs. Shelby J. is also the co-lead vocalist on Running Game (Son Of A Slave Master) and provides a rap on Same Page, Different Book. Morris Hayes co-produced half of the songs of the album. 1010 (Rin Tin Tin) is the only song to feature Prince as the sole musician (with Shelby J., Liv Warfield and Elisa Dease on backing vocals). John Blackwell plays drums on 1000 Light Years From Here.


Track releases

Hot Summer was premiered on Minnesota public radio station 89.3 The Current’s website on 7 June 2010, Prince’s 52nd birthday, prior to the album’s intended release. Same Page, Different Book was streamed as audio only over a static video on 3rd Eye Girl YouTube channel in January 2013 (as Same Page Different Book). 1000 Light Years From Here was released in an entirely different form (with new lyrics and arrangements) in 2015 on Hitnrun Phase Two, included in full as a 3:05 coda to the track Black Muse (as such, the title 1000 Light Years From Here is not used on the album’s tracklist). An alternate recording of When She Comes with different verses was also released on Hitnrun Phase Two.


Promotion

The album was announced and available to pre-order on 8 April, 2021. The title track, Welcome 2 America, was made available on streaming and download platforms, and a 55-second promo video was made available to promote the set. The accompanying vinyl single, Welcome 2 America with an exclusive live b-side was also announced on the official website. Born 2 Die was also made available for download as a preview two months before the release of the album. A 7" single of Hot Summer was included as a cover mount with the August 2021 edition of Rolling Stone magazine in Germany.

The Prince Estate and The Current radio-station produced an four-part podcast series, presented by Minneapolis Music journalist Andrea Swensson, Shelby J. and Morris Hayes titled “Prince: The Story of Welcome 2 America”. In this audio-documentary Tal Wilkenfeld, Chris Coleman, Elisa Fiorillo and Liv Warfield, among others, share stories about the making-of the album.



Track listing
CD LP

The compact disc and digital versions are the original issue.

  1. Welcome 2 America (5:23)
  2. Running Game (Son Of A Slave Master) (4:05)
  3. Born 2 Die (5:03)
  4. 1000 Light Years From Here (5:46)
  5. Hot Summer (3:32)
  6. Stand Up And B Strong (5:18)1
  7. Check The Record (3:28)
  8. Same Page, Different Book (4:41) 2
  9. When She Comes (4:46)
  10. 1010 (Rin Tin Tin) (4:42)
  11. Yes (2:56)
  12. One Day We Will All B Free (4:41)

Side A:

A1 Welcome 2 America (5:23)
A2 Running Game (Son Of A Slave Master) (4:05)
A3 Born 2 Die (5:03)
A4 1000 Light Years From Here (5:46)

Side B:

B1 Hot Summer (3:32)
B2 Stand Up And B Strong (5:18)1
B3 Check The Record (3:28)
B4 Same Page, Different Book (4:41)

Side C:

C1 When She Comes (4:46)
C2 1010 (Rin Tin Tin) (4:42)
C3 Yes (2:56)
C4 One Day We Will All B Free (4:41)

Side D: Etching

Blu-ray: Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011 - available on Deluxe (2LP + 1CD + Blu-ray) set and a Japanese edision (1CD + Blu-ray) only

  1. Joy In Repetition (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
  2. Brown Skin (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)3
  3. 17 Days (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)4 (contains unlisted lyrics from Lovergirl 5)</small>
  4. Shhh (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
  5. Controversy (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
  6. Theme From "Which Way Is Up" (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)6
  7. What Have You Done For Me Lately (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)7
  8. Partyman (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
  9. It’s Alright (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)8
  10. Make You Feel My Love (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)9
  11. Misty Blue (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)10
  12. Let’s Go Crazy (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
  13. Delirious (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
  14. 1999 (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
  15. Little Red Corvette (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
  16. Purple Rain (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
  17. The Bird (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)11
  18. Jungle Love (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)11
  19. A Love Bizarre (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)12
  20. Kiss (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)
  21. Play That Funky Music (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)13
  22. Hollywood Swingin’ (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)14
  23. Fantastic Voyage (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)15
  24. More Than This (Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011)16

All songs written by Prince except where noted.

1 Written by Dave Pirner
2 Lyrics co-written by Shelby J.
3 Written by Mark Batson, Shannon Sanders and India.Arie
4 Written by Prince, Lisa Coleman, Dr. Fink, Wendy Melvoin
5 Written by Teena Marie
6 Written by Norman Whitfield
7 Written by Janet Jackson, Scott McCallum and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
8 Written by Larry Graham
9 Written by Bob Dylan
10 Written by Bob Montgomery
11 Written by Morris Day, Prince, and Jesse Johnson
12 Written by Sheila E. and Prince
13 Written by Robert Parissi
14 Written by Robert "Kool" Bell, Ronald Bell, George M. Brown, Robert "Spikes" Mickens, Claydes Charles Smith, Dennis R. Thomas, Richard A. Westfield
15 Written by Fred Alexander Jr., Norman Beavers, Marvin Craig, Fred Lewis, Tiemeyer McCain, Thomas Shelby, Steve Shockley, Otis Stokes, and Mark Adam Wood, Jr.
16 Written by Bryan Ferry



Personnel
Musicians


Live at The Forum, Inglewood, CA, April 28, 2011 (Blu-ray)


Production



Archival Production / A&R: Trevor Guy, Michael Howe & Kirk Johnson

  • Art Direction & Design: Trevor Guy and Mathieu Bitton
  • Photography: Mike Ruiz, Kevin Mazur, Justine Walpole and Randee St. Nicholas



Thanks
  • Archival Production / A&R: Trevor Guy, Michael Howe & Kirk Johnson
  • Art Direction & Design: Trevor Guy and Mathieu Bitton
  • Photography: Mike Ruiz, Kevin Mazur, Justine Walpole and Randee St. Nicholas


  • Thanks to:Richard Alcock, Gretchen Brennison, Angelina Capodanno, John Conroy, Teri Eastwood Molls, Angelo Schifano and Roald Bakker
  • Very Special Thanks to: Alfred Jackson (In Memoriam), John R. Nelson, Norrine P. Nelson, Omarr Baker, Sharon L. Nelson, Tyka, and all Prince Fans (and Fans) worldwide.



Releases
LP, CD, Cassettes and Other versions
Country Format Cat. Number Comments Front Back Label 1 Label 2
USA CD n/a center center center center
USA Digital n/a center center center center
USA 2LP n/a center center center center

Variants, Special Editions and Reissues
Country Format Cat. Number Comments Front Back Label 1 Label 2
USA 2LP Gold n/a center center center center
USA 2LP Clear n/a Target exclusive center center center center
USA Deluxe (2LP + 1CD + Blu-ray) n/a center center center center
Japan CD + Blu-ray n/a center center center center
'

 

 
Additional Information
Promotion (at time of release) Trivia
  • The album was announced and available to pre-order on 8 April, 2021. The title track, Welcome 2 America, was made available on streaming and download platforms, and a 55-second promo video was made available to promote the set. The accompanying vinyl single, Welcome 2 America with an exclusive live b-side was also announced on the official website.
  • The promotional description of the set reads:
Recorded in the spring of 2010 and then mysteriously archived by Prince before its release, the statement album Welcome 2 America documents Prince’s concerns, hopes, and visions for a shifting society, presciently foreshadowing an era of political division, disinformation, and a renewed fight for racial justice. The album features some of Prince’s only studio collaborations with the bassist Tal Wilkenfeld, drummer Chris Coleman, and engineer Jason Agel, with additional contributions from New Power Generation singers Shelby J, Liv Warfield, and Elisa Fiorillo and keyboardist Morris Hayes, who Prince also recruited to co-produce the album.
The Deluxe Edition of Welcome 2 America combines the 2LP and CD versions of the album with a never before released Blu-Ray of Prince’s full April 28, 2011 performance at the Forum, part of the Welcome 2 America Tour’s historic 21 Nite Stand in Los Angeles. The show is presented in stereo, 5.1 surround and Dolby Atmos, and includes 24 tracks from across Prince’s career, from his biggest hits to fan favorites to ten rare covers. In addition, the deluxe edition features a 32 Page, 12x12 book, exclusive poster and an embossed vellum envelope of limited edition memorabilia all housed in a luxe, gold embossed package. Experienced as a complete package, the Deluxe Edition provides an immersive view of Prince’s creative genius during his spontaneous, energetic, and thought-provoking Welcome 2 America era.
  • American CBS TV show 60 Minutes has announced that they will debut tracks from the album on their 11 April 2021 show. This Page, will be updated after the fact.
References
  • Preorder(s)
Prince.com
Target exclusive edition
Welcome 2 America: The Oral History of Prince’s Lost Album by David Browne (Rollingstone.com: 14 July 2021)
  • Press:
To be completed.
  • Releases:
To be completed.
SottDeluxe.jpg 2020
Sign O’ The Times Super Deluxe Edition 		All Albums All Related Artists Albums
NoPreviousAlbum.png
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