Around the World in a Day
Prince · 1985
42 min · 9 tracks · contemporary R&B
A vibrant tapestry of psychedelic pop and funk, merging whimsical storytelling with infectious grooves.
Top tracks — play these first
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Around the World in a Day Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Raspberry Beret — This track embodies the album's playful spirit and reflects a narrative style that combines whimsy with deeper themes of love and nostalgia.
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Pop Life — With its catchy chorus and social commentary, this song captures the essence of living in the moment while critiquing the superficiality of fame.
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America — This politically charged anthem showcases Prince’s take on national identity, blending funk rhythms with poignant lyrics about unity and cultural pride.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases innovative compositions and distinct production while maintaining a cohesive yet varied sound.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features layered instrumentation and a steady groove, setting a vibrant tone.
- Each song incorporates diverse elements, such as the use of synthesizers, horns, and unconventional song structures.
- Several tracks feature abrupt transitions in tempo and mood, particularly between 'Raspberry Beret' and 'Tamborine', which shifts from upbeat to more introspective.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- vibrant auditory journey
- playful exploration of sound
- sunny afternoon vibes
- reflective moments of joy
- short tracks for quick sessions
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Represents a departure from mainstream sound, showcasing artistic exploration.
- Themes
- commercialism critique· whimsical storytelling
- Career context
- Around the World in a Day was Prince's follow-up to the monumental Purple Rain, released in 1984. At this point, he was transitioning from mainstream superstar to an artist seeking artistic freedom, reflected in the album's experimental sound and reluctance to replicate his previous commercial success.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Michael Jackson· Stevie Wonder· Earth, Wind & Fire
Tracklist
- 1 Around the World in a Day Start here 3:28
- 2 Paisley Park 4:42
- 3 Condition of the Heart 6:48
- 4 Raspberry Beret 3:33
- 5 Tamborine 2:47
- 6 America 3:42
- 7 Pop Life 3:43
- 8 The Ladder 5:29
- 9 Temptation 8:18
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Remain in Light
Talking Heads
Explores eclectic sounds and rhythmic experimentation with a similar playful, vibrant energy.
There's a Riot Goin' On
Sly and the Family Stone
Combines funk and psychedelic elements while critiquing societal norms with whimsical storytelling.
Odelay
Beck
Shares an adventurous mix of genres and playful lyrics, embodying a colorful, experimental soundscape.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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