Insatiable (Prince song) explained

Insatiable
Cover:Prince Insatiable single.jpg
Caption:US 12" promo
Type:single
Artist:Prince and The New Power Generation
Album:Diamonds and Pearls
B-Side:I Love U in Me
Released:November 4, 1991
Recorded:October 8, 1990[1]
Studio:Larrabee, Hollywood, California
Genre:Soul[2]
Length:4:01 (7" edit)
6:37 (album version)
Label:Paisley Park/Warner Bros.
Producer:Prince
Prev Title:Cream
Prev Year:1991
Next Title:Diamonds and Pearls
Next Year:1991

"Insatiable" is a song by American musician Prince and The New Power Generation, from their 1991 album Diamonds and Pearls.[3] It is a slow, simmering ballad that often draws comparisons to 1989's "Scandalous!". The B-side was "I Love U in Me", which was originally the B-side to "The Arms of Orion". "Insatiable" was only released in the US as a 7" single, a 12" promo was sent only to Urban radio stations, and the track was not released to Pop radio stations. It performed well on the R&B chart, reaching number 3, but did not break the top 40 on the US Pop chart. Its single sales were moderate, and it received heavy airplay on Urban and UAC radio stations, but it did not make the Hot 100 Airplay (the R&B airplay chart did not appear until spring 1992).

Critical reception

In an retrospective review, Patrick Corcoran of Albumism wrote that "Insatiable" is "the kind of rich, lush ballad Prince has dropped since day one, dripping in desire and barely concealed lust." He stated that "showcasing the best falsetto since Curtis Mayfield's, it serves as a reminder of Prince’s vocal dexterity and prowess".[4] Upon the single release, Larry Flick from Billboard remarked that "Cream" "has just barely risen to the top of the Hot 100 and Prince has already unleashed another jewel from his Diamonds and Pearls set." He also felt that on the song, "racy lyrics are balanced by a slow'n'grinding R&B instrumental foundation and acrobatic vocals. Overall, a highly sensual listening experience."[5] A reviewer from People Magazine said it "sounds like Percy Sledge meets Peter Gabriel."[6] David Fricke from Rolling Stone viewed it as a "sumptuous ballad".[7] Scott Poulson-Bryant from Spin described it as "gliding retro-soul balladry".[8]

Music video

A music video was produced to promote the single, directed by Randee St. Nicholas.[9] It was published on Prince's official YouTube channel in September 2017, and had generated more than 2.1 million views as of January 2023.[10]

Personnel

Credits from Benoît Clerc and Guitarcloud[11] [12]

Charts

Year-end charts

Chart (1992)! scope="col"
Position
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[13] 56

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Insatiable . Princevault.
  2. Prince and the New Power Generation: Diamonds and Pearls . Scott . Poulson-Bryant . November 1991 . . Spin Media . 0886-3032 . September 15, 2011.
  3. Web site: Prince and the New Power Generation – Insatiable (1991, Vinyl).
  4. Web site: Patrick . Corcoran . Prince & The New Power Generation's 'Diamonds and Pearls' Turns 25: Anniversary Retrospective . Albumism . September 27, 2016 . November 15, 2020 .
  5. Larry . Flick . Single Reviews . . November 16, 1991 . 81 . October 22, 2020 . Larry Flick.
  6. Picks and Pans Review: Diamonds and Pearls . . October 21, 1991 . November 13, 2020.
  7. Fricke, David (December 12, 1991-December 26, 1991). "The year in records". Rolling Stone. Issue 619/620.
  8. Scott . Poulson-Bryant . Spins . . November 1991 . November 2, 2020 .
  9. Web site: Insatiable (1991) by Prince . IMVDb . November 28, 2020.
  10. Web site: Prince & The New Power Generation - Insatiable (Official Music Video) . . September 15, 2017 . January 3, 2023.
  11. Book: Clerc, Benoît . October 2022 . Prince: All the Songs . Octopus . 9781784728816.
  12. Web site: Diamonds and Pearls. 2023-05-08. guitarcloud.org.
  13. Web site: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 1992. Billboard. November 9, 2021. August 3, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150803035258/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/1992/hot-r-b-hip-hop-songs. live.