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Two Princes
Two Princes
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"Two Princes"
Single cover
Single by Spin Doctors
from the album Pocket Full of Kryptonite
B-side
  • "Off My Line"
  • "Rosetta Stone"
ReleasedJanuary 4, 1993 (1993-01-04)
Genre
Length
  • 4:16 (album version)
  • 3:26 (radio edit)
LabelEpic
Songwriters
Producers
  • Frank Aversa
  • Mark White
  • Eric Schenkman
  • Chris Barron
  • Aaron Comess
Spin Doctors singles chronology
"Little Miss Can't Be Wrong"
(1992)
"Two Princes"
(1993)
"Jimmy Olsen's Blues"
(1993)
Music video
"Two Princes" on YouTube

"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.[4] It was ranked No. 41 on VH1's "100 Greatest Songs of the '90s";[5] conversely, it was ranked No. 21 on Blender magazine's "50 Worst Songs Ever".[6] 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.[7]

Critical reception

[edit]

Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic named "Two Princes" one of the "best tracks" of the album.[8] Larry Flick from Billboard magazine 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."[9] 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."[10] A reviewer from Kingston Informer complimented the song as "brilliant".[11]

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...."[12] Ian Gittins from Melody Maker called it a "fairly catchy single", and "amiable and harmless and pleasant enough".[13] 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."[14] Roger Morton from NME praised it as "a freak wonder-song" with a "million-dollar hook."[15] Leesa Daniels from Smash Hits gave "Two Princes" a full score of 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!"[16] Troy J. Augusto from Variety named it one of the group's "undeniable gems".[17]

Track listings

[edit]
  • 7-inch, CD, and cassette single
  1. "Two Princes" (album version) – 4:16
  2. "Off My Line" (live) – 5:30
  • 12-inch and maxi-CD single
  1. "Two Princes" (album version) – 4:16
  2. "Off My Line" (live) – 5:30
  3. "Rosetta Stone" (live) – 8:07

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[64] Platinum 70,000^
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[65] Gold 45,000
Germany (BVMI)[66] Gold 250,000^
Italy (FIMI)[67] Gold 25,000
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[68] Gold 30,000
United Kingdom (BPI)[69] Platinum 600,000

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United States January 4, 1993 Radio Epic Associated [70]
Australia March 21, 1993
  • CD
  • cassette
[71]
United Kingdom May 3, 1993
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • CD
Epic [72]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
"Two Princes" is a song by the American band Spin Doctors, released as the second single from their debut studio album Pocket Full of Kryptonite on January 25, 1993. The track, written by band members , Eric Schenkman, Mark White, and Aaron Comess, features upbeat jam-band style instrumentation driven by harmonica and guitar riffs, and lyrics portraying a lighthearted rivalry between two suitors—one wealthy and one humble—competing for a woman's affection. It became the band's signature hit, propelling Pocket Full of Kryptonite (originally released in 1991) to commercial breakthrough after initial slow sales, with the album eventually certified five-times platinum by the RIAA in the United States. The song's success was amplified by its music video, directed by Marc Raboy and filmed in New York City's Central Park, which depicted the band performing amid whimsical, fairy-tale-inspired scenes and aired heavily on MTV. "Two Princes" peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, spending 29 weeks on the chart, and reached number three on the UK Singles Chart, marking the band's highest-charting release in both countries. Internationally, it topped charts in Iceland, peaked at number two in Canada, and contributed to the album's platinum certification in Australia and gold certification in Germany. Formed in 1988 at the New School for Social Research in Manhattan, Spin Doctors drew from blues, jazz, and rock influences, gaining early traction in New York clubs before signing with Epic Records. The enduring popularity of "Two Princes" has led to its inclusion in films like So I Married an Axe Murderer (1993) and numerous covers, solidifying its place as a defining '90s alternative rock anthem despite the band's later lineup changes and reduced output.

Background and recording

Songwriting process

The song "Two Princes" originated from lead singer Chris Barron's personal experiences in 1987, while living in , where he drew on the dynamics of romantic rivals to craft the central "two princes" symbolizing suitors competing for a woman's . Barron penned the initial on a yellow legal pad using a , reflecting a near-romantic entanglement that highlighted feelings of inadequacy and rivalry in love. This personal inspiration infused the song with themes of yearning and humility, setting the foundation for its emotional core. The track's early development included an initial demo recorded in as part of the band's "Piece of Glass" sessions, captured in a rudimentary home studio setup that captured its raw essence before wider exposure. Eric Schenkman contributed key early guitar riffs and structural elements, transposing the song from its original key of G to D to better suit Barron's and introducing a minor chord that added emotional depth to the progression. These contributions marked the beginning of the song's transformation from a simple folk-rock sketch—rooted in Barron's acoustic lyric-writing style—into a fuller band arrangement blending rock energy with improvisational flair. Collaborative writing sessions between Barron, who handled vocals and primary lyrics, and Schenkman focused on refining the and structure through repeated live performances in New York clubs, allowing the song to evolve organically over time. Barron's improvisational approach was pivotal, particularly in crafting specific lyric drafts; the chorus line "Just go ahead now" emerged from a spontaneous moment of encouragement by a friend, silencing his self-doubt and embodying the song's theme of bold vulnerability. This process honed the track for inclusion on the band's debut album, , where it solidified as a standout piece blending personal storytelling with communal band input.

Studio production

The recording sessions for "Two Princes" occurred between August and December 1990 at several New York-area studios, including The Power Station and RPM Studios in , as well as ACME Recording Studios in Mamaroneck. The track was produced by the Spin Doctors alongside Peter Denenberg and , with Denenberg handling engineering duties to oversee the capture of the band's improvisational style. These sessions built directly on the song's origins in the band's live repertoire, prioritizing a straightforward translation of their club performances into the studio environment. Central to the track's sound is Eric Schenkman's prominent guitar work, featuring a driving and energetic solo played on a 1989 Pensa-Suhr Custom Stratocaster, which provides the song's bluesy, hook-driven backbone. Aaron Comess laid down the rhythm section with a simple, propulsive 4/4 using a standard kit setup, emphasizing groove over complexity to evoke the band's jam-band roots. Mark White contributed bass lines that lock tightly with the drums, while Chris Barron's raspy vocals were recorded with minimal processing to retain their raw, conversational delivery. The mixing, also led by Denenberg and LaRocka, focused on preserving the organic, live-band energy of the performances, with overdubs kept to a minimum to avoid over-polishing the sound and instead highlight the group's spontaneous interplay. This approach resulted in a production that mirrored the Spin Doctors' reputation for unpretentious, high-spirited rock, distinguishing it amid the era's more slickly produced albums.

Composition and lyrics

Musical elements

"Two Princes" incorporates a blend of , pop-rock, and elements, resulting in an upbeat, accessible track that emphasizes groove and live energy. The song operates at a tempo of 104 beats per minute in the key of , contributing to its danceable rhythm suitable for radio play and live performances. The structure adheres to a conventional verse-chorus format, opening with a distinctive fill and guitar intro that sets an energetic tone, followed by two verses, pre-choruses building tension, multiple choruses, a bridge highlighted by a solo, and a fade-out conclusion, with the full recording lasting 4:18. This arrangement allows for dynamic builds and releases, enhancing its . Harmonically, the song relies on straightforward progressions centered around the chords , Bm, A, and G—equivalent to I-vi-IV-V in —which promote broad appeal through their simplicity and familiarity. These choices draw from blues-rock traditions, echoing the raw, riff-driven style of acts like while maintaining pop accessibility. Distinctive instrumental touches include handclaps during the chorus, which provide rhythmic propulsion and amplify the song's communal, participatory feel. Lead vocalist Chris Barron's raspy delivery adds a gritty, narrative edge reminiscent of folk , grounding the track's exuberance in personal expression.

Lyrical themes

The lyrics of "Two Princes" center on a central depicting two suitors as rival "princes" competing for a woman's , drawing on traditional fairy-tale tropes of royalty and while subverting them through a modern, ironic lens where the narrator positions himself as an lacking or status. This imagery evokes medieval elements like kings, , and chivalric pursuits but applies them to contemporary romantic rivalry, inspired by Barron's personal experiences of adolescent crushes. Key themes include , where the narrator professes deep, genuine emotion despite his disadvantages; , highlighted by references to the rival's "diamonds in his pockets" and promises of "rockets," which contrast superficial with heartfelt devotion; and youthful in romance, reflecting own experiences of adolescent crushes and hesitation in pursuing a love interest. The song's portrayal of the narrator's self-aware limitations—admitting he has "no future or family tree"—underscores a naive yet optimistic in emotional authenticity over material gain. A pivotal line, "Just go ahead now," repeated as an encouraging amid the , serves as the narrator's urging to the to choose freely, embodying a optimism that prioritizes laid-back persistence over aggressive pursuit. This phrase, delivered in the song's upbeat, repetitive structure, reinforces the ' stream-of-consciousness flow and the narrator's endearing, non-possessive plea. Interpretations often view the lyrics as a humorous take on dynamics in romance, with the two suitors vying passively for attention in a "sweetly pathetic" manner that highlights male vulnerability without resolution on the woman's agency. Critics have noted the song's lack of elaborate metaphors, instead relying on straightforward, dopey declarations that traditional narratives.

Music video

Concept and filming

The music video for "Two Princes" was directed by Rich Murray and released in 1992 as the first promotional video for Spin Doctors' debut album . Drawing from the song's fairy-tale-inspired lyrics about rival suitors, the core concept centered on a whimsical narrative where the band performs while a figure interacts with them in a park setting. The primary version was filmed in color primarily at in New York City's during December 1991 in freezing conditions, which prompted lead singer to wear his signature wool hat and sweater; the is portrayed by model Lori Talley, who runs through park paths, dances with the group, and ultimately sits on the fountain as the musicians play around her. An earlier black-and-white promotional version exists, but the color shoot became the iconic one aired on . Shot to capture a playful, fairy-tale aesthetic typical of early '90s visuals, the production emphasized simple live performance and elements. Cinematographer Anghel Decca handled the shooting, with Joseph Uliano serving as executive producer, reflecting the band's rising but still modest profile at . A second version of the video was later produced, maintaining a similar but with variations in and .

Visual style and reception

The "Two Princes" adopts a quirky, rom-com-esque visual style characteristic of early , blending live-action band performance footage with a playful, aesthetic that emphasizes whimsy through the park setting and lighthearted interactions, including lead singer Chris Barron's wool hat and sweater ensemble. Iconic elements include the band's energetic stage antics intercut with vignettes that heighten the comedic and lighthearted tone, evoking the cartoonish exuberance of the era's rock videos. The video saw heavy rotation on throughout 1993, which greatly amplified the song's exposure and propelled the Spin Doctors to mainstream prominence amid the boom. It received a nomination for Best New Artist at the but did not secure a win. Contemporary reception lauded the video's whimsical charm and infectious energy as a quintessential '90s artifact, though it faced criticism for its perceived cheesiness, particularly the eccentric costuming and over-the-top silliness. By the 2020s, the video had cemented its place in online culture through widespread usage, including compilations and references in shows like , underscoring its lasting humorous appeal.

Commercial performance

Chart success

"Two Princes" debuted on the at number 85 on January 30, 1993. The song climbed steadily, reaching its peak position of number 7 on April 10, 1993, and ultimately spending 29 weeks on the chart. On the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, it achieved a peak of number 2. Internationally, the single performed strongly in several markets, peaking at number 2 on Canada's RPM Top Singles chart. In the , it reached number 3 on the Official Singles Chart and spent 16 weeks in the top 40. The track entered the top 10 in (peaking at number 3 on the ARIA Singles Chart), the (number 2 on the ), (number 4 on the chart), and (number 3 on the Official German Charts). It also topped the charts in . The song's chart trajectory benefited from a significant increase in radio airplay after its premiered on in early 1993, which helped propel it from rock stations to broader pop audiences. This crossover appeal contributed to its sustained presence on multiple formats, enhancing its global visibility.

Sales and certifications

Globally, the single has received certifications in several countries, including Platinum status from the BPI in the for 600,000 units and Gold from in for 35,000 units. The track's enduring popularity has been bolstered by streaming, surpassing 640 million plays on as of 2024. Its strong chart performance in 1993 also propelled early physical sales momentum. Economically, "Two Princes" was instrumental in driving Pocket Full of Kryptonite to over 10 million copies sold worldwide, cementing its role as Spin Doctors' defining hit.

Critical reception

Contemporary reviews

Upon its release as a single in 1993, "Two Princes" garnered positive press from key music outlets, highlighting its energetic appeal amid the band's rising profile. praised the track as one of the "sublime underdog anthems" on the Spin Doctors' debut album , describing the record overall as an "irrepressible bit of home-grown, funk-inflected rock" that captured the group's lively New York club roots. Billboard's Larry Flick lauded the song's commercial viability, calling it a "bouncy and cleverly crafted ditty that is loaded with radio-friendly hooks and a sly, streetwise vocal by ," predicting that the band's expanding fanbase would eagerly embrace it as a standout cut from the album. Despite this enthusiasm, responses were mixed in the broader critical landscape, particularly given the era's dominance. The album had faced a "chilly reception" from alternative radio upon its initial 1991 issuance, with some outlets viewing the Spin Doctors' upbeat, jam-oriented style as out of step with heavier trends, though the singles' momentum shifted perceptions by 1993. Among fans, "Two Princes" built strong grassroots buzz through robust college radio airplay and energetic early live performances at New York venues like CBGB, fostering word-of-mouth excitement that propelled its crossover success.

Legacy and reinterpretations

The song "Two Princes" has left a notable cultural footprint through its appearances in television shows, including an episode of The Cleveland Show (2009) where the character Cleveland sings along to it during a road trip scene. It has also been featured in Family Guy (2017), where Peter Griffin plays it on his phone while driving, and in South Park (2018) as part of a comedic sequence highlighting 1990s nostalgia. These placements have contributed to its enduring recognition in pop culture. The track has inspired several covers, including a string quartet arrangement by the Vitamin String Quartet released in 2005, which reinterprets the original's energetic rock structure in a classical style. Retrospective assessments have highlighted the song's role in 1990s . A 1993 Rolling Stone profile described "Two Princes" as one of the Spin Doctors' "sublime underdog anthems," praising its catchy appeal and lyrical charm. In the 2020s, amid a wave of 90s , it has been ranked among the era's top rock songs, such as at number 66 on a 2024 Loudwire list of the 75 best 90s rock tracks, underscoring its lasting influence on jam-band and alt-rock genres. In recent years, "Two Princes" has seen renewed interest through online revivals and media exposure, with viral clips of live performances and lyric breakdowns circulating widely in 2023–2025, contributing to increased streaming numbers. The song maintains steady radio rotation, including multiple airings on stations like SoulCycle Radio in 2025. While no major new developments emerged by late 2025, the Spin Doctors referenced its legacy in promoting their first new album in over a decade, Face Full of Cake (released April 2025), blending it with fresh material to appeal to longtime fans.

Track listings and formats

Standard editions

The standard editions of the "Two Princes" single were released by in 1993 across several physical formats, featuring the album version of the title track alongside B-sides drawn from live performances. The 7" vinyl single (Epic 34-74804) included the following tracks:
SideTrackDuration
ATwo Princes (Album Version)4:16
BOff My Line (Live)5:30
The (Epic 34K 74804) contained 3 tracks, led by the album version of "Two Princes" and supplemented by live B-sides "Off My Line" and "". The cassette single (Epic 35T 74804) was a dual-sided release featuring "Two Princes (Album Version)" and "Off My Line (Live)" on both sides. International variations, such as the European CD maxi-single (Epic EPC 659031 2), included "Off My Line (Live)" and "Rosetta Stone (Live)" alongside the album version.

Remix versions

The of "Two Princes" was shortened to approximately 3:35 for throughout 1993. An acoustic version was recorded live for in 1994, presenting a stripped-down arrangement emphasizing vocals and guitar. Digital remasters of "Two Princes" appeared in subsequent reissues, including a remastered edition of the album .

Release history

Initial release

"Two Princes" was released as the second single from Spin Doctors' debut album Pocket Full of Kryptonite on January 25, 1993, by in the United States. had begun promoting the track to rock radio stations across the in January 1993, capitalizing on the band's growing live presence. In key international markets, the single followed soon after, with a release in April 1993 through , which handled distribution for Epic's parent company. The rollout emphasized the song's energetic rock sound to build momentum from the album's earlier singles. The initial formats focused on accessibility for mainstream audiences, primarily CD and cassette singles containing the album version of "Two Princes" alongside B-sides like live recordings of "Off My Line" and "Rosetta Stone." Vinyl editions were restricted to promotional copies distributed to radio and industry insiders, reflecting the shifting preferences in during the early . Epic's marketing strategy for the single came after Pocket Full of Kryptonite's modest initial sales, positioning "Two Princes" as a breakout track to revitalize interest. This effort aligned with the band's ongoing East Coast tour, where live performances helped amplify radio airplay and regional buzz.

Reissues and promotions

In 2000, "Two Princes" was featured on the Spin Doctors' first official compilation album, Just Go Ahead Now: A Retrospective, which included updated artwork and a selection of the band's key tracks from their early career. A subsequent compilation, Two Princes: The Best of Spin Doctors, was released in 2003 as a CD with the song as the title track, and it became available digitally on iTunes around the same time. The song has seen various promotional ties extending its commercial lifecycle, including use in advertising campaigns and sync licenses in the for video games such as downloadable content for in 2018. In the 2020s, it appeared in television commercials, notably the 2020 Twizzlers spot "Only the Road Knows," and has been included in Spotify nostalgia playlists as part of broader efforts targeting music fans. The song continues to be performed live, with notable appearances in 2024 and 2025. Vinyl re-presses of the parent album have supported renewed interest, with a 180-gram edition released in 2015 and another edition tied to in 2017. Global expansions included localized releases in during the mid-1990s, such as a Korean licensed vinyl edition with bilingual inserts and a Japanese CD version featuring an OBI strip. As of November 2025, no major new promotions have been announced, though ongoing licensing for media and streaming continues to sustain the song's visibility. Some reissues incorporate remixed or remastered versions of the track for enhanced audio quality.

References

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