Pop Life (3:43)

“Pop Life” was the second U.S. (and final U.K.) single off Prince and The Revolution’s 1985 album, Around the World in a Day, released on 10 July 1985. The lyrics relate the pitfalls of being a celebrity. The song starts with a faded-in synth line and quickly starts the main tune. The easy groove is achieved with a smooth bass guitar and piano embellishments. A drum machine provides handclaps to make the song danceable. “Pop Life” was recorded before Purple Rain was even completed, indicating the new direction Prince wanted to take after the movie hype. Drums on the song were played by Sheila E., and Wendy and Lisa provide backing vocals. The rest of the song was performed by Prince. The single reached #7 in the U.S.

Unlike many Prince hits, he did not create a video for this song.

The song was released in two extended versions. The U.K. 12” single version is a 9-minute extension of the tune, and ends with a similar synth sound as the beginning. The U.S. received a “Fresh Dance Mix”, which is a remix (by Sheila E.) that included some portions of the longer UK version. It clocks in at 6:16, and was included on the 2006 compilation album, Ultimate.

The U.S. B-side of the track was “Hello”, written quickly as a response to those who criticized Prince’s lack of participation in the “We Are the World” event.