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I Wanna Be Adored (US & UK)

  • Oct 28, 2023
  • 2 min read

Background

“I Wanna Be Adored” first appeared as the opening track on The Stone Roses’ debut album (1989). It was not originally issued as a UK single at the time. Instead, Silvertone re-released it as a single in 1991, capitalising on the band’s growing profile after earlier singles and the album’s success.


UK 7″ Single (1991)

  • Label: Silvertone

  • Catalogue number: ORE 31

  • Format: 7″ vinyl, 45 RPM

  • Release date: September 1991

Track listing

A-side

  • I Wanna Be Adored — 7″ edit (approx. 3:28)

B-side

  • Where Angels Play (approx. 4:15)

Key points

  • The A-side is a shortened edit, removing part of the long atmospheric intro to make it more radio-friendly.

  • Where Angels Play was previously unreleased and recorded during the debut album sessions.

  • This release marked the song’s first appearance as a UK 7″ single, despite being two years old.

  • The single reached UK No. 20, becoming one of the band’s higher-charting releases.


UK 12″ Single (1991)

  • Label: Silvertone

  • Catalogue number: ORET 31

  • Format: 12″ vinyl

  • Release date: September 1991

Track listing

Side A

  • I Wanna Be Adored — full-length version (approx. 4:52)

Side B

  • Where Angels Play

  • Sally Cinnamon (Live at the Hacienda)

Key points

  • The title track is the full album version, with the complete slow-building intro intact.

  • The inclusion of Sally Cinnamon (Live) adds historical interest, referencing the band’s early Manchester live reputation.

  • Like many UK 12″ singles of the era, it offered extra value and non-album material compared to the 7″.

Differences Between the 7″ and 12″

Aspect

7″

12″

Title track

Edited version

Full album version

Total tracks

2

3

Live material

No

Yes

Collector appeal

Chart-era single

More musically complete

Additional Context

  • A US 12″ single was released earlier (1989) with different B-sides (Going Down, Simone), making it distinct from the UK 1991 releases.

  • The 1991 UK singles helped cement the song’s reputation as one of the band’s defining tracks, despite its delayed single status.

 
 
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