Around the World in a Day

Lore & Background

Departing somewhat from the commercial sound of his previous release, the massively successful Purple Rain (1984), the album instead saw Prince experimenting with psychedelic styles and more opulent textures. In compliance with Prince's wishes to 'let the project be taken in its entirety before zeroing in on anything', the record company released the album with minimal publicity, withholding accompanying singles until almost a month after the album's release.

Recording began in sessions dating back before that of Purple Rain. An initial inspiration for the album's sound came in the form of a demo, recorded by David Coleman, which would ultimately become the title track. The album pursued a dense, psychedelic style that made use of unconventional instruments and cryptic lyrics. Its sound and album cover painting by Doug Henders drew numerous comparisons to the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album. Prince denied inspiration from the Beatles.

Reader's Guide

Around the World in a Day was released to mixed reception among crossover audiences after the success of Purple Rain, though it nonetheless sold relatively well and became Prince and the Revolution's second number-one album on the Billboard 200. Two of its four singles reached the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100: 'Raspberry Beret' and 'Pop Life'. Following Prince's death, 'Raspberry Beret' re-charted on the Billboard Hot 100 as a top 40 hit, reaching number 33. The album was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on July 2, 1985. A remastered reissue was released on November 21, 2025.

Did You Know?

• The album's title track was inspired by a demo recorded by David Coleman, brother of Revolution member Lisa Coleman.
• Despite muted promotion, the album went double platinum and produced two top 10 hits: 'Raspberry Beret' and 'Pop Life'.