1992 single by Spin Doctors
"Two Princes" is a song by American rock group Spin Doctors, released in 1992 by Epic as the second single from the group's debut album, Pocket Full of Kryptonite (1991). The song peaked 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 Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The song earned them a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group.[4] The group filmed two different music videos for "Two Princes"; one of them was in black-and-white. One of the videos was directed by Richard Murray and premiered in February 1992.[5]
The song was ranked No. 41 on VH1's "100 Greatest Songs of the '90s";[6] conversely, it was ranked No. 21 on Blender magazine's "50 Worst Songs Ever".[7]
Critical reception
Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic named "Two Princes" one of the "best tracks" of the album.[8] Larry Flick from Billboard 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" five out of five, 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 the song one of the group's "undeniable gems".[17]
