Why the world's biggest pop star chose to hide behind a painting
In short: After achieving global superstardom with Purple Rain, Prince released an album that defied commercial logic. He traded his own face for psychedelic textures and cryptic lyrics, intentionally choosing a path of artistic mystery over the easy path of celebrity branding.
Released on April 22, 1985, Around the World in a Day marked a deliberate pivot from the mainstream success of Prince's previous work. While his label expected another commercial juggernaut, Prince opted for an opulent, psychedelic sound characterized by unconventional instruments and dense textures. To ensure the project was experienced as a cohesive whole, he requested that the record company release it with minimal publicity, withholding singles until nearly a month after the album hit shelves.
The visual identity of the album was equally subversive. Rather than featuring his own likeness on the cover—a common move for pop icons at the time—Prince commissioned artist Doug Henders to create a painting. Prince explained this choice by stating he felt people were tired of looking at him, expressing a desire to 'materialize in people's cribs' through the music rather than a static image. Numerous reviewers likened this creative risk to Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by the Beatles. Prince, however, stated clearly that he did not have those inspirations.
The album's legacy is defined by its polarizing nature. Initially met with mixed reviews and described by some as 'bewildering,' it has since gained retrospective acclaim for its bravery and personal depth. Despite its less commercial leanings, the record achieved double platinum status and produced two top 10 hits: "Raspberry Beret" and "Pop Life." It remains a testament to the tension between artistic integrity and the demands of superstardom.
The recording process itself was long, with sessions dating back before Purple Rain. After six months of touring his previous hit, Prince returned to the studio where an initial inspiration for the title track came from a demo by David Coleman.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Around the World in a Day
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