Last week marked two significant anniversaries for one of the greatest artists of all time, Mr. Prince Rogers Nelson. It’s only fitting that I show him some love for Second Listen Sunday. The first anniversary was on the 21st, commemorating nine years since his passing. The second anniversary was on the 22nd, celebrating the 40th anniversary of his seventh studio album, “Around the World in a Day.”
The album represents the moment Prince departed from his pop superstar path at full speed and ventured into psychedelic territory without providing any guidance. Hitting stores the year following the groundbreaking “Purple Rain,” Prince delivered something completely unexpected.
Prince didn’t stick with synth-funk anthems or arena rock epics but delivered paisley patterns alongside sitars and flutes with such kaleidoscopic whimsy that it could make Sgt. Pepper blush. The title track opens the album and introduces the listener to a Middle Eastern sound and imaginative storytelling elements. The music sounds like a distorted reflection of pop music through a funhouse mirror while remaining fantastical.
But let’s talk highlights. The song “Paisley Park” is a psychedelic masterpiece reflecting the innocence and echo effects Prince generated while blending Beatles influences with his sensual musical style. The album’s most accessible song is “Raspberry Beret,” which combines colorful pop elements with a sweet melody to express heartbreak. It’s nostalgic, romantic, and flat-out addictive.
Now, “Pop Life”? That’s the lowkey genius cut. Prince delivers his social observations through one of the most exceptional basslines in his music collection. “What you putting’ in your nose? Prince questions where financial resources flow while performing effortlessly in “Pop Life.” A vibe and a warning.
“Condition of the Heart” and “The Ladder” blend spiritual themes with tender expressions and theatrical performances. On this track, Prince explores deeper dimensions of mysticism while reflecting inwardly. He’s not making hits — he’s making statements. The album closes with “Temptation,” a seven-minute funk opera where Prince explores lust and redemption through a dialogue between himself and God. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and brilliant.
Critics were confused. Fans were divided. But now? The album Around the World in a Day demonstrates Prince’s commitment to more than pop stardom because he created entire worlds. This album doesn’t ask to be liked. It asks to be felt. The sound of this musician creates a messy yet beautiful fearless experience where they destroy established rules and celebrate in their aftermath.
Final Grade: B+
“Around the World in a Day” is available on all streaming platforms.
As a longtime music enthusiast, I’ve often wondered how quickly record labels expect lead singers from groups to release solo albums. This question came to mind recently when my iPod played “So You Like What You See” by Samuelle. Listening to the song, I realized he would be a great choice for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.
You know the voice. The moment Michael Marshall starts singing the hook in Luniz’s “I Got 5 on It,” anyone who grew up in the nineties knows exactly what time it is. However, nearly a decade before that 1995 hip-hop classic, Marshall was already responsible for another instantly recognizable vocal.
There are some albums you revisit because of nostalgia, and then there are albums you return to because they remind you just how high the standard used to be. Anita Baker’s Rapture falls into that second category. Released in 1986, the album did more than make Baker a star. It helped define what sophisticated, grown R&B could sound like without losing any soul, sensuality, or personality.