"Love Symbol" is the fourteenth studio album by Prince, released on October 13, 1992. It features his backing band, the New Power Generation, and is characterized by a blend of R&B, funk, pop, rock, and soul. The album's official title is an unpronounceable symbol, which Prince also used as his stage name from 1993 to 2000 during a dispute with Warner Bros. Records over his artistic freedom.
Originally envisioned as a "fantasy rock soap opera," Love Symbol included various spoken segues that tied the songs together, creating a narrative. The storyline follows an Egyptian princess, played by Mayte Garcia, who falls in love with Prince's character and entrusts him with a sacred artifact called the Three Chains of Turin. The narrative involves her escaping from assassins who have killed her father in pursuit of the relic, which is referenced in the song "7."
While the album was initially planned with several segues, many were cut to accommodate the last-minute addition of the song "I Wanna Melt with U." The remaining segues feature Kirstie Alley as a reporter trying to interview Prince, adding a layer of humor and intrigue to the album's overall concept.
The album produced three singles: "Sexy MF," "My Name Is Prince," and "7." While "Sexy MF" and "My Name Is Prince" found moderate success in the U.S., they performed well in the UK. "7" became a top ten hit in the U.S. but was less successful in the UK.
Warner Bros. initially wanted "7" as the lead single, but Prince advocated for "My Name Is Prince" due to its hip-hop influences, which he believed would resonate with fans of his previous album, Diamonds and Pearls. Ultimately, "Sexy MF" was chosen as the lead single.
The album's marketing strategy included a direct-to-video film titled 3 Chains o' Gold, which was intended as a visual companion piece to the album. Although filmed in the early '90s, its release was delayed due to Prince's disputes with Warner Bros.
Overall, Love Symbol is notable for its ambitious concept, genre-blending sound, and Prince's complex relationship with his record label, marking a significant period in his artistic evolution.
