In 1985, Prince was faced with following up the previous year’s Purple Rain, a massive success that made him one of the biggest stars in the world and an album that is still hailed as one of the greatest ever.
His response was to record a weird little psychedelic pop album that seemed to deliberately avoid comparisons with its storied predecessor. Around the World in a Day is Purple Rain‘s quirky cousin, popping in from out of town to make everybody a little uncomfortable.
Even so, Prince was riding enough of a high that this strange album managed to go double platinum and produce two top ten hits in ‘Raspberry Beret’ and ‘Pop Life.’ Those songs can still get your toe tapping, while the rest of the tracks are more experimental and nebulous. It’s Prince’s Magical Mystery Tour.
The Beatles comparison is apt on my favorite song from this set, ‘Paisley Park.’ This track shares its name with Prince’s record label and recording studio, and sounds like a lost 60s gem.
One, two
One, two, three
Woo! Hee-hee
Uh, uh, uh, uh
[Verse 1]
There is a park that is known for the face it attracts
Colorful people whose hair on one side is swept back
The smile on their faces, it speaks of profound inner peace
Ask where they’re going, they’ll tell you nowhere
They’ve taken a lifetime lease on Paisley Park
[Chorus]
The girl on the seesaw is laughing
For love is the color this place imparts (Paisley Park)
Admission is easy, just say you believe
And come to this place in your heart
Paisley Park is in your heart
[Verse 2]
There is a woman who sits all alone by the pier
Her husband was naughty and caused his wife so many tears
He died without knowing forgiveness and now she is sad, so sad
Maybe she’ll come to the park and forgive him
And life won’t be so bad in Paisley Park
[Chorus]
The girl on the seesaw is laughing
For love is the color this place imparts (Paisley Park)
Admission is easy, just say you believe
And come to this place in your heart
Paisley Park is in your heart
[Verse 3]
See the man cry as the city condemns where he lives
Memories die, but taxes he’ll still have to give
(Who) Whoever said that elephants were stronger than mules?
Come to the park and play with us
There aren’t any rules in Paisley Park
[Chorus] X2
The girl on the seesaw is laughing
For love is the color this place imparts (Paisley Park)
Admission is easy, just say you believe
And come to this place in your heart
Paisley Park is in your heart
[Outro]
Your heart, your heart
Paisley Park
Your heart, your heart, your heart (Sing, sing it)
Paisley Park
Paisley Park
Paisley Park
Meet Me In Montauk 
“Raspberry Beret” is completely infectious, but I never warmed up to the rest of this album.