Step into a whimsical, psychedelic world with one of Prince's most beloved pop anthems.
The Song
"Raspberry Beret" is a vibrant, psychedelic pop song released in May 1985 as the lead single from Prince & The Revolution's album, Around the World in a Day. Written and produced by Prince himself, the track marked a notable shift in his musical direction, moving away from the more rock-heavy sound of Purple Rain and embracing a lighter, more experimental aesthetic. The song, which tells a playful and romantic story of a first sexual experience with a girl wearing a distinctive raspberry-colored beret, is celebrated for its catchy melody and vivid imagery.
The track incorporates a unique blend of acoustic instrumentation, including shimmering string arrangements, Middle Eastern finger cymbals, and a harmonica in its extended version, contributing to its distinctive "world music" feel. Originally demoed in 1982, the song was significantly reworked by Prince with The Revolution in 1984 to achieve its final, lush sound. Its production reflects the "Minneapolis sound," a blend of funk, pop, rock, and new wave, which Prince pioneered.
The Artist
Prince Rogers Nelson, known mononymously as Prince, was a prolific and genre-defying American musician, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and actor. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1958, Prince developed an early interest in music, influenced by his pianist father and jazz singer mother. He quickly rose to international superstardom in the 1980s, becoming one of the most esteemed artists of his era.
Following the massive commercial and critical success of his 1984 album and film Purple Rain, Prince deliberately shifted artistic gears with Around the World in a Day. This album, the second to be credited to Prince and The Revolution, saw him experimenting with psychedelic styles and opulent textures, defying expectations and demonstrating his restless creative spirit. This period also marked the establishment of his own imprint, Paisley Park Records, with Around the World in a Day being its inaugural release.
Chart Performance
"Raspberry Beret" quickly became a commercial success upon its release, peaking at number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in July 1985. It was held from the top spot by Duran Duran's "A View to a Kill". The single also performed well on other US charts, reaching number 3 on Billboard's R&B chart and number 4 on Billboard's Dance chart.
Internationally, the song also saw considerable success, reaching number 2 in New Zealand, number 8 in Canada, and number 13 in Australia. In the UK, it peaked at number 25. Following Prince's untimely death in 2016, "Raspberry Beret" re-charted on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 33.
Cultural Impact
"Raspberry Beret" is widely considered one of Prince's most iconic songs and a quintessential pop track of its era. Its departure from the previous Purple Rain sound showcased Prince's willingness to experiment and challenge audience expectations, further solidifying his reputation as an artistic innovator. The song’s catchy, romantic narrative and lush production resonated with a broad audience, helping Around the World in a Day achieve double-platinum status despite less traditional promotion.
The music video itself, with its psychedelic visuals and blend of live performance and animation, contributed significantly to the song's widespread appeal and secured Prince's first MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography. The song remains a perennial favorite at Prince's concerts and is frequently played on classic rock and pop stations, demonstrating its enduring appeal and impact on popular music.
Fun Facts
- The music video for "Raspberry Beret" was filmed on June 5, 1985, at S.I.R. in Los Angeles and directed primarily by Prince, with animation by Colossal Pictures co-founder Drew Takahashi.
- Actress Jackie Swanson, who later gained fame as Kelly Gaines in Cheers, made her professional debut in the video, handing Prince his guitar.
- Pat Smear, later known for his work with Germs, Nirvana, and Foo Fighters, appears as one of the background dancers in the video. According to Dave Grohl, Prince initially sent Smear home for not being able to dance but allowed him to stay because he liked Smear's hair.
- The video features an extended version of the song with a longer, funky intro.
- The coughing sound Prince makes at the beginning of the song's video was intentional, with Prince reportedly telling Rolling Stone he did it "to be sick, to do something no one else would do."
- The album Around the World in a Day had very little initial press or promotion, as Prince initially wanted to release it without any singles or videos, preferring it to be "listened to, judged, critiqued as a whole."