“Manic Monday” is instantly recognizable as a quintessential 1980s anthem, famously performed by the all-female band The Bangles. Released as the lead single from their second album, Different Light, this iconic track hit airwaves and charts two weeks ahead of the album itself. But the story behind the “Manic Monday Song” is perhaps as intriguing as the tune itself, revealing a surprising connection to one of music’s most enigmatic figures: Prince.
The song was indeed penned by Prince, although credited under his pseudonym “Christopher” – a nod to Christopher Tracy, his character from the film Under The Cherry Moon. This unexpected songwriting credit adds another layer to the song’s legacy, transforming it from a catchy pop tune into a piece of musical history with ties to royalty. “Manic Monday” quickly became one of The Bangles’ signature songs, securing its place on every ‘greatest hits’ and ‘best of’ compilation the band has released since 1990.
The genesis of “Manic Monday” traces back to Prince’s prolific output in the mid-1980s. His original version was initially recorded on February 4, 1984 at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, California. This session occurred just before he recorded “Ooo She She Wa Wa” and followed sessions for “A Million Miles (I Love You)” and “In A Spanish Villa,” showcasing a burst of creativity. Intriguingly, Prince intended “Manic Monday” as a duet for himself and Apollonia of Apollonia 6. It was even slated for inclusion on early configurations of the Apollonia 6 album in February and Spring of 1984. Ultimately, however, the song was removed from the Apollonia 6 project before its official release.
Fate intervened when Prince reportedly became a fan of The Bangles, having enjoyed their music video for “Hero Takes A Fall” from their 1984 album. The opportunity to offer them a song arose when both Prince and The Bangles were recording at Sunset Sound studios around April 1985. The Bangles were working on “I Got Nothing” for The Goonies soundtrack. By May 1985, while The Bangles were at Sunset Sound’s sister studio, The Sound Factory, recording their second album, they received the offer of “Manic Monday”. Prince also proposed another song, “Jealous Girl,” but it was ultimately turned down by the band. Both tracks were prepared on 2-inch tape in early May 1985, specifically for consideration by The Bangles.
Despite initial assumptions that The Bangles might have incorporated elements of Prince’s original recording, lead singer Susanna Hoffs clarified in a 2012 interview that they aimed to make “Manic Monday” distinctly their own. Working with producer David Kahne, The Bangles completely re-recorded the track, likely during the second week of May 1985 at The Sound Factory. This fresh recording gave “Manic Monday” the signature Bangles sound that resonated with audiences worldwide.
In 2019, Prince’s original rendition of “Manic Monday” finally saw the light of day. It was released as part of the posthumous album Originals, offering fans a chance to hear Prince’s initial vision for the song. To promote this release, a video was created using vintage rehearsal footage of Prince and The Revolution from 1984 at the Flying Cloud Drive Warehouse. This release further cemented the fascinating history of the “manic monday song,” showcasing both the genius of Prince’s songwriting and The Bangles’ brilliant interpretation that made it a timeless hit.
