The One is the ninth track on the New Power Generation’s third and final ’solo' album Newpower Soul, and, two and a half months prior to the album’s release, The One was available as a promotional single (no commercial release was available).
Later in 1998, a remix of the track was included as the seventh and final track on the 1-800 New Funk direct-order version of Come On, the album’s first and only commercially-released single.
In 2004, lyrics from the song were included in a live medley by Prince of The Question Of U (as The ? Of U), Fallin’ and The One, which was offered as both audio and video by NPG Music Club for $5.55 for members ($7.77 for non-members).
In 2008, a 2007 live version (using the musical backing of The Question Of U), was included as the 14th track on Prince’s fourth live album Indigo Nights.
While specific recording dates are not known, The One was recorded in November 1996, at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, Minnesota (H.M. Buff has stated in an interview that it was the first song recorded after the release of the Emancipation album). An early version was offered to Mayte to commemorate their second wedding anniversary on 14 February 1998 (a picture of the artwork designed by Prince for this CD was included in Mayte’s book The Most Beautiful: My Life With Prince. She later confirmed that the CD contained this song).
Orchestra recordings by Clare Fischer were recorded in Los Angeles, California at some point between mid-1997 and Spring 1998. Recording dates for the remix are not known, but it is likely that this was created in mid-1998 at Paisley Park Studios.
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Recording Information
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Recording Sessions
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Date
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Studio
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Additional info
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November 1996
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Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, MN, USA
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Tracking
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Mid-1997 - Spring 1998
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Unknown studio, Los Angeles, California
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Orchestra recording by Clare Fischer
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Mid-1998
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Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, MN, USA
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Remix
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Recording Personnel
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Newpower Soul version
- - all vocals and instruments, except where noted (credited for "all musical instruments and tantrums")
- Kirk Johnson - drum programming (as "KAJ", credited for "drums, drum and synth programs")
- Rhonda Smith - fretless bass guitar
- Rev. Scott - rhythm guitar (credited, but uncertain involvement)
- Mr. Hayes - keyboards (credited, but uncertain involvement)
- NPG Orchestra - orchestra
Indigo Nights version
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Versions
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Released Versions
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Video Versions
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Broadcasts/streaming (only)
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Unreleased Versions
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Title
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Version
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Additional Info
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The One
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Studio
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Original 1997-1998 version before orchestral overdubs
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