Two Princes

"Two Princes" is a song by American rock group Spin Doctors. Epic Records serviced the song to US radio in January 1993 as the second single from the group's debut album, ''Pocket Full of Kryptonite'' (1991). The song was a major commercial success, peaking at number seven on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and number three on the ''Cash Box'' Top 100. Outside of the US, it topped the charts in Iceland and Sweden and peaked within the top 10 of the charts in 13 other countries, including Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

The song earned the band a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group. It was ranked No. 41 on VH1's "100 Greatest Songs of the '90s"; conversely, it was ranked No. 21 on ''Blender'' magazine's "50 Worst Songs Ever". Two different music videos were filmed for "Two Princes", with one of them in black-and-white. One of the videos was directed by Richard Murray and premiered in February 1992.

Critical reception

Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic named "Two Princes" one of the "best tracks" of the album. Larry Flick from ''Billboard'' wrote, "The Doctors' growing legion of fans will devour this treat from ''Pocket Full of Kryptonite'' within seconds." He explained further, "Percolating rhythm section, courtesy of Aaron Comess and Mark White, propels Eric Schenkman's scratchy guitars and a pure-pop hook. Engaging vocals by Christopher Barron and lively instrumentation assure instant album-rock and alternative play, with visions of successfully crossing into the pop arena realistically dancing in everyone's heads." Randy Clark from ''Cash Box'' commented, "This crunchy rock/funk groove hints of the same raw, unpolished but infectious street quality of the early Rolling Stones except with an unspoiled and urgent alternative style." A reviewer from '' Kingston Informer'' complimented the song as "brilliant".

In his weekly UK chart commentary, James Masterton noted, "Leaping just as dramatically into the Top 10 come the Spin Doctors, almost 18 months after the track was first heard by the American public. It touches a chord with many as well. Marry him or marry me, I'm the one who loves you baby can't you see...." Ian Gittins from ''Melody Maker'' called it a "fairly catchy single", and "amiable and harmless and pleasant enough". Pan-European magazine ''Music & Media'' wrote, "Although the album ..was released about two years ago, the singles of the medicals are still doing fine. Put your faith in this one too, as the funky guitar rock of this 'royal' track is as infectious as you could wish for." Roger Morton from ''NME'' praised it as "a freak wonder-song" with a "million-dollar hook." Leesa Daniels from ''Smash Hits'' gave "Two Princes" five out of five and named it Best New Single, saying, "This is their second bash at the UK charts and it's just marvellous. A thumping drum beat with guitars rocking all over the place, it makes you want to jump onto the nearest table and dance and twirl and swing your head around until you eventually, er, pass out!" Troy J. Augusto from '' Variety'' named the song one of the group's "undeniable gems".

Track listings

* 7-inch, CD, and cassette single
#"Two Princes" (album version) – 4:16
#"Off My Line" (live) – 5:30

* 12-inch and maxi-CD single
#"Two Princes" (album version) – 4:16
#"Off My Line" (live) – 5:30
#"Rosetta Stone" (live) – 8:07

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications

Release history

See also

* List of ''Billboard'' Mainstream Top 40 number-one songs of the 1990s
* List of number-one singles and albums in Sweden

References

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1991 songs
1993 singles
Black-and-white music videos
Epic Records singles
Number-one singles in Iceland
Number-one singles in Sweden
Songs about princes
Spin Doctors songs