Thieves in the Temple

"Thieves in the Temple" is a song by American musician Prince from the 1990 soundtrack album, Graffiti Bridge. Added at the last minute, it was the final song recorded for the album. "Thieves in the Temple" topped the US R&B chart and became a number six hit in the US,[1] and a number seven hit in the UK. The single also peaked at number 9 on the dance chart.[2]

"Thieves in the Temple"
UK 7" single
Single by Prince
from the album Graffiti Bridge
B-side
  • "Thieves in the Temple (Part II)"
  • "Thieves in the House " (12")
  • "Temple House Dub" (12")
ReleasedJuly 17, 1990
RecordedPaisley Park Studios, February 11, 1990
GenrePop
Length3:20 (Album/7" Version)
8:08 (12" Remix)
3:37 (7" Short Video Mix)
LabelPaisley Park/Warner Bros.
Songwriter(s)Prince
Producer(s)Prince
Prince singles chronology
"Scandalous!"
(1989)		 "Thieves in the Temple"
(1990)		 "New Power Generation"
(1990)
Prince (UK) singles chronology
"The Future"
(1990)		 "Thieves in the Temple"
(1990)		 "New Power Generation"
(1990)
Music video
"Thieves in the Temple" on YouTube

The track has a unique sound, starting quietly with echoed keyboards and vocals before the main section of the song booms in with a pulsating synth bass, syncopated drum machines, Middle Eastern melodies and opera-like layered vocals. Prince also samples a harmonica solo from a recording by The Chambers Brothers. The vocals are emotional, and accuse the subject of rejecting Prince and lying to him. The "temple" in the title recalls the ever-present spirituality in many of Prince's songs. The maxi single contains extended lyrics that continue the theme before diverging into more dance-oriented material.

The maxi single also contains a Junior Vasquez remix called "Thieves in the House", which is distinctly more dance-oriented. It also contains samples from earlier Prince songs "Eye No" and "Batdance", as well as a dub version of the house track. The music video for the song was pulled from the film, but an extended video exists which mirrors the extended remix.

Critical reception

Andy Healy from Albumism stated that the song is arguably one of Prince's "strongest moments on record." He described it as a "haunting dance track", that "hits hard with its inventive drum programming (just pay attention to the hi-hat pattern) and the layered vocals hook you straight away." He added, "Concise and packing a punch, the album version is an absolute masterpiece that is unbelievably improved upon in the extended 12" cut."[3] Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic called "Thieves in the Temple" "sinewy", picking it as one of the songs that "make Graffiti Bridge a thoroughly enjoyable listen."[4] Bill Coleman from Billboard wrote, "Latest release finds the elusive Purple One returning to fine form with a catchy, solid rock-n-funk-textured pop number that bodes well for the forthcoming "Graffiti Bridge" package."[5] Alexis Petridis from The Guardian noted that "its sound is slinky and luscious, the chorus is great – but it's no When Doves Cry."[6] David Giles from Music Week said the song "contains few musical surprises, consisting of the usual polite funk motifs and massed harmonies."[7] Rolling Stone described it as a "brooding, spiritual meditation on lies, rejection and soul-searching", stating that "with a Middle Eastern flavor, almost operatic vocals and an agitated feel, it was a decidedly new vibe for Prince."[8] Sunday Tribune stated that "it's a great title, the song is well catchy after a few plays and Prince sings beautifully."[9]

Track listing
7", Paisley Park / 7-19751 (US)
  1. "Thieves in the Temple" – 3:20
  2. "Thieves in the Temple" (Part II) – 1:41
12", Paisley Park / 0-21598 (US)
  1. "Thieves in the Temple" (Remix) – 8:03
  2. "Thieves in the House" – 6:50
  3. "Temple House Dub" – 5:06
  • also available on UK 12" picture disc (W9751TP)
  • also available on CD (9 21598-2)

Charts

See also

Cover versions

References
  1. Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 471.
  2. Whitburn, Joel (2004). Hot Dance/Disco: 1974-2003. Record Research. p. 208.
  3. Healy, Andy (August 19, 2020). "Prince's 'Graffiti Bridge' Turns 30: Anniversary Retrospective". Albumism. Retrieved November 15, 2020.
  4. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Prince - Graffiti Bridge". AllMusic. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  5. Coleman, Bill (August 4, 1990). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. p. 71. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  6. Petridis, Alexis (September 12, 2019). "Prince's 50 greatest singles – ranked!". The Guardian. Retrieved November 16, 2020.
  7. Giles, David (August 4, 1990). "Singles" (PDF). Music Week. p. 19. Retrieved October 31, 2020.
  8. "25 Essential Prince Songs". Rolling Stone. April 15, 2020. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  9. Sunday Tribune. July 29, 1990. p. 26. Retrieved November 28, 2020.
  10. "Australian-charts.com – Prince – Thieves in the Temple". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  11. "Ultratop.be – Prince – Thieves in the Temple" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  12. Danish Singles Chart 24 August 1990
  13. "Offiziellecharts.de – Prince – Thieves in the Temple". GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  14. "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 34, 1990" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40 Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  15. "Dutchcharts.nl – Prince – Thieves in the Temple" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  16. "Charts.nz – Prince – Thieves in the Temple". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  17. "Norwegiancharts.com – Prince – Thieves in the Temple". VG-lista. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  18. "Swedishcharts.com – Prince – Thieves in the Temple". Singles Top 100. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  19. "Swisscharts.com – Prince – Thieves in the Temple". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  20. "Prince: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  21. "Billboard Top 100 - 1990". Retrieved September 15, 2009.
  22. "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 1990". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  23. "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1990" (in Dutch). MegaCharts. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  24. "End of Year Charts 1990". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
  25. Nielsen Business Media, Inc (December 22, 1990). "1990 The Year in Music & Video: Top Pop Singles". Billboard. 102 (51): YE-14.
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