Dinner with Delores

"Dinner with Delores" is a song by American musician Prince (his stage name at that time being an unpronounceable symbol, see cover art), released as the only single from his 19th studio album, Chaos and Disorder (1996).^[1] Although the single was not released in the United States, the promotional video was shown on music video channels there.

"Dinner with Delores"
UK CD single
Single by Prince
from the album Chaos and Disorder
B-side	"Had U" "Right the Wrong"
Released	June 12, 1996
Recorded	April 1996
Studio	South Beach
Genre	Pop rock
Length	2:46
Label	Warner Bros.
Songwriter(s)	Prince
Producer(s)	Prince
Prince singles chronology
"Gold" (1995) "Dinner with Delores" (1996) "Betcha by Golly Wow!" (1996)
Music video
"Dinner with Delores" on YouTube

The CD single was backed with the short "Had U" and "Right the Wrong". The cassette single omitted "Right the Wrong". Both tracks were also from Chaos and Disorder.

Critical reception

Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "At first listen, he mystifies with electric guitars that appear to be more country than funky and more AC than R&B. Upon closer examination, however, listeners will be impressed with the song's mellow, sobbing grooves and captivating lyrics." He added, "This may not stick like glue with fickle listeners, but there are several lush elements here that simply add another dimension to the already amazing body of work by the Purple One. Gorgeous production."^[2]

Daina Darzin from Cash Box noted that the song "takes a different tack than the rest of the disc's guitar-happy, funky vibe. A languid, undulating guitar line mixes it up with playful, syncopated rhythms and sweet, offbeat lyrics. A pretty, inventive guitar break proves (we hear he's going back to being called "Prince", thank God) remains an effortlessly brilliant musician. An automatic add at rock stations, "Dinner With Delores" is mellow enough to get over on Adult Contemporary stations. This record got a big debut on NBC-TV's Today last week."^[3] Alexis Petridis from The Guardian described it as "a sweet, if slight, song cut from the same pop-rock cloth as 'Manic Monday'."^[4] Taylor Parkes from Melody Maker viewed it as "sweet Psychedelic soft-soul".^[5] Alan Jones from Music Week declared it as "a pleasant, accessible and straightforward pop track".^[6]

Charts

Chart performance for "Dinner with Delores"

Chart (1996–1997)	Peak position
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade)[7]	19
Netherlands (Dutch Single Tip)[8]	12
Scotland (OCC)[9]	33
UK Singles (OCC)[10]	36
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[11]	5

References

1. "The Artist (Formerly Known As Prince) - Dinner With Delores". Discogs. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
2. Flick, Larry (29 June 1996). "Reviews & Previews: Singles" (PDF). Billboard. p. 80. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
3. Darzin, Daina (20 July 1996). "Pop Singles" (PDF). Cash Box. p. 7. Retrieved 14 November 2022.
4. Petridis, Alexis (12 September 2019). "Prince's 50 greatest singles – ranked!". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
5. Parkes, Taylor (6 July 1996). "Albums". Melody Maker. p. 45. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
6. Jones, Alan (13 July 1996). "Talking Music" (PDF). Music Week. p. 24. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
7. "The Symbol – Dinner With Delores" (in Dutch). top40.nl. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
8. "The Symbol - Dinner With Delores" (in Dutch). dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
9. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
10. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
11. "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 30, 2023.