The War (The New Power Generation song)

"The War" is a song by The New Power Generation, headed by Prince (his alias at that time being an unpronounceable symbol) from 1998. The song was initially given away to customers who pre-ordered Prince's Crystal Ball album and experienced delivery troubles. The song is not from any album. It was also available as a music download on Prince's now-defunct website, the NPG Music Club. A promo CD single of The War was also available for purchase through 1-800-New-Funk and online.

"The War"
Cassette single
Single by The New Power Generation
Released	July 21, 1998[1]
Recorded	Paisley Park Studios, June 20, 1998
Genre	Psychedelic, funk
Length	26:00
Label	NPG Records
Songwriter(s)	Prince
Producer(s)	Prince
The New Power Generation singles chronology
"Girl 6" (1996) "The War" (1998) "Come On" (1998)
Prince singles chronology
"The Truth" (1997) "The War" (1998) "Come On" (1998)
Prince (UK) singles chronology
"The Holy River"/"Somebody's Somebody" (1997) "The War" (1998) "Come On" (1998)

The original 45 minute jam was edited down to 26 minutes. The song mostly uses distorted guitars and synthesizers. Prince encourages the audience to chant throughout "The Evolution will be colorized", which makes reference to Gil Scott-Heron's poem/song "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised". The lyrics are sermon-like, warning against harmful technology and the forecoming of the Apocalypse.

References

• Uptown: The Vault – The Definitive Guide to the Musical World of Prince: Nilsen Publishing 2004, ISBN 91-631-5482-X

1. Uptown, 2004, p. 226