After the monumental success of Purple Rain (1984), Prince could have easily delivered more of the same — big rock anthems, radio-friendly singles, and polished funk grooves. Instead, he did the opposite. In April 1985, Prince released Around the World in a Day, a psychedelic, eclectic, and surprising record that deliberately distanced him from the blockbuster formula.

Where Purple Rain had been a cultural explosion, Around the World in a Day was inward-looking, experimental, and layered with spiritual and philosophical undertones. It confused some fans and critics at the time, but over the years, it has earned recognition as one of his most daring works.