Around the World in a Day
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| Around the World in a Day | ||
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| Studio album by Prince | ||
| Released | April 22, 1985 | |
| Recorded | The Warehouse, Sunset Sound, Capitol Studios, Mobile Audio; January – December 1984 | |
| Genre | Pop, Psychedelic Rock | |
| Length | 42:18 | |
| Label | Warner Bros. Records | |
| Producer(s) | Prince | |
| Professional reviews | ||
|---|---|---|
| Prince chronology | ||
| Purple Rain (1984) |
Around the World in a Day (1985) |
Parade (1986) |
Around the World in a Day was Prince and The Revolution's 1985 follow-up to Purple Rain. The album was released without any publicity, simply turning up in record stores to the surprise of fans. Prince decided to go in the opposite direction of Purple Rain and instead of giving fans what they expected, he challenged them to new sounds. A happy medium for all was the hit single "Raspberry Beret".
The album opens with a keyboard-flute interrupted by a screaming Prince. The title track combines a Middle-Eastern sound with Prince's trademark drum machine and an organ solo. It fades into "Paisley Park", a very Beatles-like tune which describes a whimsical place and general feeling of joy. Prince later took the song name for his vanity label and recording studio. The heartfelt "Condition of the Heart" follows with a powerful piano introduction. Next is the hit "Raspberry Beret" followed by the album's funkiest track "Tamborine", containing only bass guitar, drums, finger cymbals and vocals, all performed by Prince alone.
Side 2 at first may sound as if the record/CD is skipping, with the imaginative introduction to "America". "Pop Life" follows, lamenting the trappings of celebrity. Next is the gospel arrangement of "The Ladder" recalling "Purple Rain", if not quite as catchy. The album ends with the raucous blues-rock and roll of "Temptation" which closes with Prince arguing with God and confessing to "be good".
Overall, the album was not as radio-friendly as Purple Rain, but it still had two U.S. top 10 hits, went triple platinum and was an important step in Prince's musical evolution, incorporating new instruments and musical styles. The more international direction would also endear Prince to his European audiences, adding to his audience of American fans.
Contents |
[edit] Charts
| Chart (1985) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard 200 | 1 |
| U.S. Billboard R&B Albums | 4 |
| UK Albums Chart | 5 |
[edit] Track listing
- "Around the World in a Day" (David Coleman, John L. Nelson, Prince) – 3:27
- "Paisley Park" (Prince) – 4:41
- "Condition of the Heart" (Prince) – 6:46
- "Raspberry Beret" (Prince) – 3:31
- "Tamborine" (Prince and the Revolution) – 2:46
- "America" (Prince) – 3:40
- "Pop Life" (Prince) – 3:42
- "The Ladder" (Nelson, Prince) – 5:26
- "Temptation" (Prince) – 8:21
[edit] Singles and Hot 100 chart placings
- "Paisley Park" (#18 UK)
- "Paisley Park"
- "She's Always in My Hair"
No US release
- "Raspberry Beret" (#2 U.S., #4 R&B, #25 UK)
- "Raspberry Beret"
- "She's Always in My Hair" (US)
- "Hello" (UK)
- "Pop Life" (#7 U.S., #8 R&B, #60 UK)
- "Pop Life"
- "Hello" (US)
- "Girl" (UK)
- "America" (#46 U.S., #35 R&B)
- "America"
- "Girl"
No UK release
[edit] External links
- Around the World in a Day lyrics
