What y'all think of this song? Personally, I've always loved it, for its over-the-topness, the relentless build-up through the song, and the way Prince melded funk-rock with dramatic classical stylings.

And then recently,I heard the extended version. Wow! For those unfamiliar with it, it's the original song with a gorgeous calm ambient classical segment - lasting around 4 minutes - stuck right in the middle! I'm still not sure if this entirely works, but it certainly shows those who think Prince wasn't being experimental in the early '90s. This version adds a whole new dimension to this already excellent song.

Also, anybody know if 'Thunder' was ever played live?

The video collection titled Diamonds And Pearls contains a live version of Thunder. Good stuff. I've never heard the extended version, but it sounds nice.

The extended version was written for the Jophrey Ballet Company who choreographed a performance late 80's or early 90's to several Prince tracks. There was a video released of the performance which contained the extended version. Apart from this I don't think it's been officially released

this extended version has its quality. prince made it for a dance company around the time.

i don't like the fact that it has been edited with the slow segment just wacked in there. i wish he had re recorded it with a slower tempo, more bass, and better keyboard for the horn sound.

and the "nuff said" thing doesn't need to be there

Miles said:

During the 'Diamonds & Pearls' tour (as the opening song)!

I never liked this song. I tried really hard to like it, but it just doesn't do it for me. Don't like those boomy drums, don't like the sitar riff, don't like the operatic feel. I think that same drum sound also ruins "Daddy Pop", which I like otherwise.

Many great songs on that record, "Get off" "Cream" "D&P", and "PUSH"--which is a very underrated Prince tune.