Princess by Working Girls: A Synth-Pop Time Capsule That Still Glitters
Let’s cut to the chase—Princess by Working Girls isn’t just an album; it’s a neon-lit snapshot of late ‘80s electronic euphoria. Released in 1988 under President Records and Telstar World (because one label clearly wasn’t enough), this gem straddles the line between disco decadence and synth-pop sparkle. Produced and written by Ike Nossell and Tony James, Princess feels like someone took all the shiny bits of the ‘80s, threw them into a blender, and hit “puree.” The result? Pure, unadulterated fun with just enough edge to keep things interesting.
Now, let’s talk tracks. You’ve got your standard versions, dub mixes, and extended plays of the titular track “Princess,” but don’t roll your eyes at the repetition just yet. This is where the magic happens. The 12" Version of “Princess” is basically the life of the party. It kicks off with those lush synths that sound like they were stolen straight from a retro arcade machine, then layers on beats so infectious you’ll start air-drumming even if you’re terrible at it. By the time the vocals kick in—smooth, confident, dripping with attitude—you’re hooked. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to grab a cocktail umbrella, stick it in whatever drink you’ve got handy, and pretend you’re in some swanky Berlin club circa 1988. Or maybe that’s just me.
Then there’s the Dub Mix (7" Version). If the 12" version is the extroverted star of the show, this one’s its mysterious cousin who shows up late but steals the spotlight anyway. Stripped-down and moody, it lets the basslines breathe while adding just enough weirdness to keep you guessing. There’s something hypnotic about how the rhythm builds and fades—it’s like listening to a robot having an existential crisis, but in the best way possible.
What sticks out most about Princess is how effortlessly cool it sounds, even decades later. Sure, it’s not reinventing the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It’s content being exactly what it is: a dancefloor-ready ode to excess and escapism. And honestly? We could all use more albums like that these days.
Here’s the kicker though—why does no one ever mention the fact that “Princess” has five different versions on this thing? Was it a flex? A happy accident? Or did Ike and Tony just run out of other ideas? Either way, it works. So next time you’re stuck in traffic or waiting for your coffee order, throw this bad boy on. Let the glittery beats remind you that sometimes, life really is a disco ball spinning in slow motion.
And hey, if nothing else, at least now you know what to play when your cat insists on having a dance party. Trust me, she’ll love it.