Expanded reissue of Prince & The New Power Generation’s Diamonds And Pearls out now

Today, NPG Records and Paisley Park Enterprises, in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Records, release an expanded reissue of Prince & The New Power Generation’s multi-platinum 1991 album, Diamonds And Pearls. The release marks the first time the classic album has been remastered since its stunning debut.

Super Deluxe, Deluxe, and remastered album editions are available now at the link here. The set offers a total of 75 audio tracks across 7 CDs and 12 vinyl records, and is also available via all physical, digital, and streaming partners.

The Diamonds and Pearls Super Deluxe format features 47 unreleased audio tracks and over two hours of live-filmed HD concert footage from Prince’s vault, available on 7CD+Blu-ray, 12LP+Blu-ray and audio-only download and streaming.

The Deluxe edition is available on 2CD and 4LP 180g vinyl. The Remastered album is available for download and streaming, plus an 1CD / 2LP 180g off-white “Pearl” vinyl (USA only) and a 2LP 180g clear “Diamond” vinyl (excluding USA), as well as audiophile Blu-ray feat. Dolby ATMOS and HD Stereo.

The release marks the third deep dive into Prince’s vault, following the successful release of the 1999 Super Deluxe Edition (2019), and Sign O’ The Times Super Deluxe Edition (2020).

Prince & The NPG previewed the Diamonds And Pearls Tour at Prince’s Minneapolis nightclub, Glam Slam, on January 11, 1992. The sweaty, sold-out, last-minute show defined the era to come. Previously unreleased live footage from the concert is now mixed from the 24 track master and rounds out the audio content of the 7CD and 12LP sets.

This same previously unreleased concert is also presented in a stunning 2K video on the Blu-ray disc that accompanies both Super Deluxe Edition formats. The Blu-ray also features Prince & The New Power Generation’s performance at The Special Olympics at the Metrodome in Minneapolis in July 1991.

Completing the product suite is a standalone audiophile Blu-ray, featuring the brand-new Dolby ATMOS mix of Diamonds And Pearls. This marks the very first time a Prince studio album has been mixed in ATMOS. The Blu-ray also includes the album in HD Stereo.

The 120-page hardback book which accompanies the Super Deluxe set features rare and unseen photos by Randee St. Nicholas, plus Prince’s handwritten lyrics and essays by music critics, industry professionals and experts. The entire release puts a magnifying glass to the prolific art of the ‘90s musician, songwriter, producer and performer, carrying out his long-lasting impact and musical legacy.

Unlike previous Prince albums, most of Diamonds And Pearls was recorded with The New Power Generation, a group he had assembled largely from the Twin Cities area. They shared cultural backgrounds and experiences, helping Prince reconnect with his past influences and leading to the production of a new uplifting blend of hip-hop, dance, gospel, and pop that would quickly bring the artist to the top of the charts.

The group consisted of Sonny Thompson (vocals & bass), Damon Dickson (vocals & percussion), Rosie Gaines (vocals & keyboards), Michael Bland (drums), Kirk Johnson (vocals & percussion), Tony M (vocals), Levi Seacer, Jr. (bass, guitar & vocals), and Tommy Barbarella (keyboards).

Diamonds and Pearls was shared with the world on October 1, 1991, and it instantly had a huge commercial and cultural impact. The album became the biggest selling non-soundtrack album of Prince’s career, and offered a diverse range of sounds for a wide variety of listeners – something for everyone.

Ahead of the full album reissue, yesterday saw the release of the latest episode from the official multi-part podcast series, The Story of Diamonds And Pearls. Hosted and produced by Minneapolis native, author and broadcaster Andrea Swensson, the podcast includes memories and insights from every member of the New Power Generation and examines the process that led to the album’s creation, as well as its impact on Prince’s legacy.

Listen to The Story Of Diamonds And Pearls Episode Three here.

Check out the Super Deluxe, Deluxe, and Remastered editions available for purchase here. The Diamonds and Pearls reissue is a product of NPG Records and Paisley Park Enterprises, in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Records.