41 years ago today, on May 15, 1985, a young Prince and the Revolution unleashed their psychedelic dance hit, “Raspberry Beret.” This song marked a significant shift from the music Prince had become known for in his sweeping ballad “Purple Rain,” released the year before. It signaled a creative evolution in both sound and artistic direction.
Written solely by Prince and appearing on his seventh studio album, “Around the World in a Day,” “Raspberry Beret” tells the story of a girl who caught the singer’s eye while he was working his part-time job at a five-and-dime. She confidently wears a raspberry-colored beret, sparking Prince’s infatuation. The Middle Eastern string arrangement in the song harkens back to the mid to late ‘60s era of The Beatles.
The vibrant music video for “Raspberry Beret” adds another layer of artistry to the song, featuring a flamboyantly suited Prince surrounded by florals, graphic imagery, his backup band, and a cast of energetic dancers. The dreamy, surreal vibes of the Drew Takahashi-animated video showcase Prince and the Revolution giving a live performance under a sky filled with floating clouds.
Two surprise celebrity cameos in the video — Cheers’ Jackie Swanson and Pat Smear of Nirvana and the Foo Fighters — added some additional star power. Of his experience, Smear shared in a 2019 interview that he initially doubted he would be chosen due to his lack of dance skills. However, Prince saw something in him and invited him to be part of the video’s visual storytelling.
The video for “Raspberry Beret” received critical acclaim, winning an MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography and an American Video Award for Best Urban Contemporary Video & Best Performance by a Duo or Group. The song itself reached No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and experienced a resurgence after Prince’s passing in 2016.
“Raspberry Beret” remains a timeless hit that continues to enchant listeners with its infectious rhythm and Prince’s magnetic performance.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.