Song Stories: Prince: Raspberry Beret

Prince is one of the most innovative, enigmatic, and influential artists of the 20th century. His ability to blend funk, rock, R&B and pop into something that was unlike anything we''d heard before or have heard since, set him as one of the greatest musicians and songwriters of his era. With his 1984 album 'Purple Rain' he had already become a global superstar. 

The album along with the accompanying film of the same name, catapulted Prince from a critically acclaimed artist to a global superstar. It wasn’t just an album; it was a cultural phenomenon that solidified his place among music’s greatest legends.

The album seamlessly fused rock, pop, R&B, and even gospel influences, creating a sound that appealed to an incredibly broad audience. Songs like 'Let's Go Crazy' and 'I Would Die 4 U' showcased his electrifying energy, while tracks like 'Take Me with U' demonstrated his gift for melody and romance.
Of course, the title track, 'Purple Rain', became one of the most iconic power ballads in rock history. Clocking in at nearly nine minutes, the song builds from a slow, emotional plea into a soaring guitar solo that is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time.

'Purple Rain' dominated the charts, spending 24 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and selling over 25 million copies worldwide. The album’s critical reception was just as impressive as its commercial success. Rolling Stone, NME, and countless other publications hailed it as a masterpiece. In 2012, Rolling Stone ranked it the second-greatest album of the 1980s and one of the greatest albums of all time.

Following up 'Purple Rain' was going to prove to be a difficult task. Rather than following it up with another collection of guitar-driven rock anthems, Prince took a bold artistic turn, delivering an album filled with lush orchestration, Eastern musical influences, and a distinct psychedelic feel.

'Raspberry Beret' is one of the most notable examples of this shift in style. The song features shimmering string arrangements, a steady, bouncing rhythm, and an airy, dreamlike atmosphere that feels like a departure from the raw funk and new wave elements present in his earlier work. The influence of 1960s psychedelia is evident, with melodies reminiscent of The Beatles and an overall aesthetic that leans toward colorful, surreal imagery.

In addition to its sonic departure, the track also reflects a growing confidence in Prince’s ability to experiment and push boundaries. By incorporating elements from different genres, including folk-pop and baroque pop, he created a sound that was fresh yet nostalgic.

Lyrically, 'Raspberry Beret' tells a playful and romantic coming-of-age story. The song's narrator recalls a young woman who caught his eye while he was working at a five-and-dime store, a small discount shop common in mid-century America. From the moment she walked in, wearing a distinctive raspberry-colored beret, she captivated him, and they embarked on a carefree and passionate romance.

With the songs lyrics painting a vivid picture of both the woman, and the story around the protagonists romance. Perfectly balancing humor, innocence, and sensuality.

When 'Raspberry Beret' was released as a single in May 1985, it quickly became a hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also performed well internationally, solidifying Prince’s global appeal. The song’s success helped 'Around the World in a Day' continue its strong commercial performance despite being such a departure from 'Purple Rain'.

The song is one of Prince's most iconic songs, and one of the very best songs of that era. With 'Raspberry Beret' Prince managed to write something that is deeply personal but also universally relatable. Which is a difficult skill. 

Prince was writing some of the most profound songs of the 1980s whilst also being one of the very best guitar players of his generation. He deserves his place at the table with the greats. His collection of songs from this era is nothing short of spectacular. This one for me stands out as his best however.

Thank you for reading 

Jack