the layered vocals hook you straight away." He added, "Concise and packing a punch, the album version is an absolute masterpiece that is unbelievably improved upon in the extended 12" cut." Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic called "Thieves in the Temple" "sinewy", picking it as one of the songs that "make Graffiti Bridge a thoroughly enjoyable listen." In 2019, Alexis Petridis from The Guardian noted that "its sound is slinky and luscious, the chorus is great – but it's no When Doves Cry." In 2020, Rolling Stone described it as a "brooding, spiritual meditation on lies, rejection and soul-searching", stating that "with a Middle Eastern flavor, almost operatic vocals and an agitated feel, it was a decidedly new vibe for Prince." A reviewer from Sunday Tribune stated that "it's a great title, the song is well catchy after a few plays and Prince sings beautifully." Track listing 7", Paisley Park / 7-19751 (US) "Thieves in the Temple" – 3:20 "Thieves in the Temple" (Part II) – 1:41 12", Paisley Park / 0-21598 (US) "Thieves in the Temple" (Remix) – 8:03 "Thieves in the House" – 6:50 "Temple House Dub" – 5:06 also available on UK 12" picture disc (W9751TP) also available on CD (9 21598-2) Charts Weekly charts Year-end charts See also List of number-one R&B singles of 1990 (U.S.) Cover versions Herbie Hancock recorded an instrumental version of "Thieves in the Temple" on his 1996 album The New Standard, implicitly nominating the song as a contemporary jazz standard. Renée Geyer covered the song on her album, Tenderland (2003). A version was also recorded by experimental band Ulver, in the style of their album Shadows of the Sun with guest vocals by Siri Stranger. Prince's scream at the end of the song was sampled for the 1993 Eddie Murphy and Michael Jackson duet, "Whatzupwitu". References Prince (musician) songs 1990 singles Songs written by Prince (musician) Music videos directed by Prince (musician) Paisley Park Records singles Warner Records singles Songs written for films Song recordings produced by Prince (musician) 1990 songs Cashbox number-one singles