Batman (album)
Encyclopedia
Batman is the eleventh studio album
by musician Prince
and the soundtrack
for the 1989 film Batman
. As a Warner Bros.
stablemate, Prince's involvement in the soundtrack was designed to leverage the media company's contract-bound talent as well as fulfill the artist's need for a commercial (if not critical) revival. The result was yet another multi-platinum successful cross-media enterprise by Warner Bros., in the vein of Purple Rain
. The album was placed #1 on Billboard
s album chart for six consecutive weeks. It sold nearly three million copies in the United States alone.
duets with Prince on "The Arms of Orion
", "Trust" features a sampled horn part by Eric Leeds
and Atlanta Bliss
, and "The Future
" features strings by Clare Fischer
sampled from the (then unreleased) 1986 track "Crystal Ball" and samples of the Sounds of Blackness
choir. "Batdance
" includes a sample of Prince's technician Matthew Larson, and "Partyman
" features the vocal performance of then girlfriend Anna Garcia (credited as Anna Fantastic
). All dialogue sampled on Prince's Batman album is taken directly from a workprint
of Batman and therefore lacks ADR and foley
. This is especially noticeable in the beginning of the first track, "The Future", with dialogue of Michael Keaton
speaking as Batman.
; therefore, Prince's hit singles from this album were not permitted to appear on any of his hits compilations, only the B-side singles "200 Balloons", "Feel U Up", and "I Love U in Me". Even on the concert T-shirts which listed all of Prince's album titles to date the song "Scandalous!" appeared in place of the album Batman. Despite this, Prince has performed a number of the album's tracks in concert over the years. A 2005 special edition DVD of the Batman movie contains Prince's related videos as a bonus feature. Wedged between Lovesexy
and Graffiti Bridge
, the soundtrack serves as Prince's final album contribution of the 1980s.
's dialogue as The Joker, as well as the sound of falling rain. "Dance with the Devil" is officially unreleased; however, it is circulating amongst tape traders
.
Side One
Side Two
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
by musician Prince
Prince (musician)
Prince Rogers Nelson , often known simply as Prince, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Prince has produced ten platinum albums and thirty Top 40 singles during his career. Prince founded his own recording studio and label; writing, self-producing and playing most, or all, of...
and the soundtrack
Soundtrack
A soundtrack can be recorded music accompanying and synchronized to the images of a motion picture, book, television program or video game; a commercially released soundtrack album of music as featured in the soundtrack of a film or TV show; or the physical area of a film that contains the...
for the 1989 film Batman
Batman (1989 film)
Batman is a 1989 superhero film based on the DC Comics character of the same name, directed by Tim Burton. The film stars Michael Keaton in the title role, as well as Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl and Jack Palance...
. As a Warner Bros.
Warner Bros.
Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc., also known as Warner Bros. Pictures or simply Warner Bros. , is an American producer of film and television entertainment.One of the major film studios, it is a subsidiary of Time Warner, with its headquarters in Burbank,...
stablemate, Prince's involvement in the soundtrack was designed to leverage the media company's contract-bound talent as well as fulfill the artist's need for a commercial (if not critical) revival. The result was yet another multi-platinum successful cross-media enterprise by Warner Bros., in the vein of Purple Rain
Purple Rain (film)
Purple Rain is a 1984 film directed by Albert Magnoli and written by Magnoli and William Blinn. Prince makes his film debut in this movie, which was developed to showcase his particular talents, hence, the film contains several extended concert sequences. The film grossed more than US$80 million at...
. The album was placed #1 on Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
s album chart for six consecutive weeks. It sold nearly three million copies in the United States alone.
Production
The album was quickly recorded in six weeks—from mid-February to late March 1989—and Prince used three tracks recorded earlier: "Electric Chair" was recorded in June 1988; "Scandalous!" in October 1988; and "Vicki Waiting" (originally known as "Anna Waiting," named for his then-girlfiend, Anna Garcia) in December 1988. The album was performed entirely by Prince, with a few exceptions; Sheena EastonSheena Easton
Sheena Easton is a Scottish recording artist. Easton became famous for being the focus of an episode in the British television programme The Big Time, which recorded her attempts to gain a record contract and her eventual signing with EMI Records.Easton rose to fame in the early 1980s with the pop...
duets with Prince on "The Arms of Orion
The Arms of Orion
"The Arms of Orion" is a slow, romantic duet written by Sheena Easton, performed with Prince from the 1989 Batman soundtrack. Released after "Batdance" and "Partyman" had both gone top 20 in UK/U.S. charts, the single was a top 40 hit single on the US Billboard's Hot 100 at #36. "The Arms of Orion"...
", "Trust" features a sampled horn part by Eric Leeds
Eric Leeds
Eric Leeds is an American jazz and funk musician who plays the saxophone and other woodwind and brass instruments. He is best known for his work with Prince.- Biography :Leeds was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of a retailer...
and Atlanta Bliss
Atlanta Bliss
Atlanta Bliss is the stage name of Matthew Blistan, an American jazz musician who specializes in the trumpet. He is most well known for his work with Prince from 1986–1989. He came to Prince's attention through his association with Eric Leeds. The duo had been in a jazz group prior to working...
, and "The Future
The Future (song)
"The Future" is a song from Prince's 1989 Batman soundtrack, and the final single released from the album. The single was not the album version, but a remixed version by William Orbit. "The Future" was released as a single only in Europe...
" features strings by Clare Fischer
Clare Fischer
Clare Fischer is an American composer, arranger, pianist and organist. His parents were of German, French, Irish-Scot, and English backgrounds.-Early years:...
sampled from the (then unreleased) 1986 track "Crystal Ball" and samples of the Sounds of Blackness
Sounds of Blackness
Sounds of Blackness is a Grammy Award-winning vocal and instrumental ensemble from Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota who perform music from several genres music including gospel, R&B, soul, and jazz. The group scored several hits on the Billboard R&B chart and Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play...
choir. "Batdance
Batdance
"Batdance" is a song by Prince, from the 1989 Batman soundtrack. Helped by the film's popularity, the song reached number one in the U.S., becoming Prince's fourth number-one single, and first since 1986's "Kiss".-Song development:...
" includes a sample of Prince's technician Matthew Larson, and "Partyman
Partyman
"Partyman" is a song by Prince from his 1989 Batman album, and the follow-up to his number one hit, "Batdance". The song is one of the few on the album that is prominently featured in the film, accompanying the scene where the Joker and his minions gleefully desecrate the Gotham City Art Museum...
" features the vocal performance of then girlfriend Anna Garcia (credited as Anna Fantastic
Anna Fantastic
Anna Garcia , professionally known as Anna Fantastic, a name given to her by Prince, is an English female actress, singer and model.-Early life:...
). All dialogue sampled on Prince's Batman album is taken directly from a workprint
Workprint
A workprint is a rough version of a motion picture, used by the film editor during the editing process. Such copies generally contain original recorded sound that will later be re-dubbed, stock footage as placeholders for missing shots or special effects, and animation tests for in-production...
of Batman and therefore lacks ADR and foley
Foley (filmmaking)
Foley is a term that describes the process of live recording of sound effects that are created by a Foley artist, which are added in post production to enhance the quality of audio for films, television, video, video games and radio....
. This is especially noticeable in the beginning of the first track, "The Future", with dialogue of Michael Keaton
Michael Keaton
Michael John Douglas , better known by the stage name Michael Keaton, is an American actor known for his early comedic roles, most notably his performance as the title character of Tim Burton's Beetlejuice . Keaton is also famous for his dramatic portrayal of Bruce Wayne/Batman in Tim Burton's...
speaking as Batman.
Ownership complexities
Ownership of the Batman franchise is notoriously complex. Prince had to agree to sign the publishing rights to the songs used in the movie over to Warner Bros.Warner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records Inc. is an American record label. It was the foundation label of the present-day Warner Music Group, and now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of that corporation. It maintains a close relationship with its former parent, Warner Bros. Pictures, although the two companies...
; therefore, Prince's hit singles from this album were not permitted to appear on any of his hits compilations, only the B-side singles "200 Balloons", "Feel U Up", and "I Love U in Me". Even on the concert T-shirts which listed all of Prince's album titles to date the song "Scandalous!" appeared in place of the album Batman. Despite this, Prince has performed a number of the album's tracks in concert over the years. A 2005 special edition DVD of the Batman movie contains Prince's related videos as a bonus feature. Wedged between Lovesexy
Lovesexy
Lovesexy is the tenth studio album by Prince, released on May 10, 1988. Lovesexy was issued as a substitute record after the release of the infamous The Black Album had been suddenly cancelled. The Black Album and Lovesexy almost act as companion pieces, sharing the song "When 2 R in Love", but...
and Graffiti Bridge
Graffiti Bridge (album)
Graffiti Bridge is the twelfth studio album by Prince and the soundtrack to the 1990 film Graffiti Bridge.The album was much better received in sales than the film, reaching #6 in the US and #1 in the UK. Nearly every song on the record was written by Prince despite the handful of artists...
, the soundtrack serves as Prince's final album contribution of the 1980s.
"Dance with the Devil"
One of the main songs slated for inclusion on Prince's Batman album was the 7:54 "Dance with the Devil". The song was pulled at the last minute and replaced with an edited version of the chaotic "Batdance", reportedly because Prince deemed "Dance with the Devil" to be too dark. "Dance with the Devil" samples Jack NicholsonJack Nicholson
John Joseph "Jack" Nicholson is an American actor, film director, producer and writer. He is renowned for his often dark portrayals of neurotic characters. Nicholson has been nominated for an Academy Award twelve times, and has won the Academy Award for Best Actor twice: for One Flew Over the...
's dialogue as The Joker, as well as the sound of falling rain. "Dance with the Devil" is officially unreleased; however, it is circulating amongst tape traders
Tape trading
Tape trading is an unofficial method of distribution of demo tapes encompassing musical genres such as punk, hardcore, and extreme metal. The practice which was most prevalent during the 1980s and 1990s, also saw people distribute recordings of live music shows...
.
"Batdance"
An alternate, 8:55 version of "Batdance" is also circulating within amongst tape traders. The song is notable for showcasing scenes with dialogue cut from the final version of Batman.Track listing
All songs written by Prince, except where noted:Side One
- "The FutureThe Future (song)"The Future" is a song from Prince's 1989 Batman soundtrack, and the final single released from the album. The single was not the album version, but a remixed version by William Orbit. "The Future" was released as a single only in Europe...
" – 4:07 - "Electric Chair" – 4:08
- "The Arms of OrionThe Arms of Orion"The Arms of Orion" is a slow, romantic duet written by Sheena Easton, performed with Prince from the 1989 Batman soundtrack. Released after "Batdance" and "Partyman" had both gone top 20 in UK/U.S. charts, the single was a top 40 hit single on the US Billboard's Hot 100 at #36. "The Arms of Orion"...
" (Prince, Sheena EastonSheena EastonSheena Easton is a Scottish recording artist. Easton became famous for being the focus of an episode in the British television programme The Big Time, which recorded her attempts to gain a record contract and her eventual signing with EMI Records.Easton rose to fame in the early 1980s with the pop...
) – 5:02 - "PartymanPartyman"Partyman" is a song by Prince from his 1989 Batman album, and the follow-up to his number one hit, "Batdance". The song is one of the few on the album that is prominently featured in the film, accompanying the scene where the Joker and his minions gleefully desecrate the Gotham City Art Museum...
" – 3:11 - "Vicki Waiting" – 4:52
Side Two
- "Trust" – 4:24
- "Lemon Crush" – 4:15
- "Scandalous!" (Prince, John L. NelsonJohn L. NelsonJohn Lewis Nelson , also known as Prince Rogers, was an American jazz musician.-Life:Nelson was born in Louisiana. He traveled to Minneapolis to become a musician in 1948...
) – 6:15 - "BatdanceBatdance"Batdance" is a song by Prince, from the 1989 Batman soundtrack. Helped by the film's popularity, the song reached number one in the U.S., becoming Prince's fourth number-one single, and first since 1986's "Kiss".-Song development:...
" – 6:13
Personnel
- Eric LeedsEric LeedsEric Leeds is an American jazz and funk musician who plays the saxophone and other woodwind and brass instruments. He is best known for his work with Prince.- Biography :Leeds was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of a retailer...
– horns - Atlanta BlissAtlanta BlissAtlanta Bliss is the stage name of Matthew Blistan, an American jazz musician who specializes in the trumpet. He is most well known for his work with Prince from 1986–1989. He came to Prince's attention through his association with Eric Leeds. The duo had been in a jazz group prior to working...
– horns - Sheena EastonSheena EastonSheena Easton is a Scottish recording artist. Easton became famous for being the focus of an episode in the British television programme The Big Time, which recorded her attempts to gain a record contract and her eventual signing with EMI Records.Easton rose to fame in the early 1980s with the pop...
– vocals on "The Arms of Orion" - The Sounds of BlacknessSounds of BlacknessSounds of Blackness is a Grammy Award-winning vocal and instrumental ensemble from Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota who perform music from several genres music including gospel, R&B, soul, and jazz. The group scored several hits on the Billboard R&B chart and Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play...
– choir- The Clare FischerClare FischerClare Fischer is an American composer, arranger, pianist and organist. His parents were of German, French, Irish-Scot, and English backgrounds.-Early years:...
Orchestra - All choir, horn and orchestra parts were sampled and re-arranged by Prince
- The Clare Fischer
- Special guest presence by: Jack NicholsonJack NicholsonJohn Joseph "Jack" Nicholson is an American actor, film director, producer and writer. He is renowned for his often dark portrayals of neurotic characters. Nicholson has been nominated for an Academy Award twelve times, and has won the Academy Award for Best Actor twice: for One Flew Over the...
(The Joker), Michael KeatonMichael KeatonMichael John Douglas , better known by the stage name Michael Keaton, is an American actor known for his early comedic roles, most notably his performance as the title character of Tim Burton's Beetlejuice . Keaton is also famous for his dramatic portrayal of Bruce Wayne/Batman in Tim Burton's...
(Batman) and Kim BasingerKim BasingerKimila Ann "Kim" Basinger is an American actress and former fashion model.She is known for her portrayals of Domino Petachi, the Bond girl in Never Say Never Again , and Vicki Vale, the female lead in Batman . Basinger received a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture...
(Vicky Vale) on "The Future", "Vicki Waiting", "Partyman" and "Batdance". Robert WuhlRobert Wuhl-Early life:Wuhl was born in Union, New Jersey to a Jewish family, including a father who worked as a produce distributor. After attending Union High School, Wuhl headed to the University of Houston, where he was active in the drama department and the Epsilon-Omicron Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon...
guest presence (uncredited) on "Trust" - Recorded and Mixed by Chuck Zwicky, Eddie Miller and Femi Jiya, assisted by David Freidlander and Heidi Hanschu
Singles and Hot 100 chart placings
- "BatdanceBatdance"Batdance" is a song by Prince, from the 1989 Batman soundtrack. Helped by the film's popularity, the song reached number one in the U.S., becoming Prince's fourth number-one single, and first since 1986's "Kiss".-Song development:...
" (#1 U.S., #1 R&B, #2 UK)
- "Batdance (Edit)"
- "200 Balloons"
- "Batdance (The Batmix)" (maxi-single)
- "Batdance (Vicki Vale Mix)" (maxi-single)
- "PartymanPartyman"Partyman" is a song by Prince from his 1989 Batman album, and the follow-up to his number one hit, "Batdance". The song is one of the few on the album that is prominently featured in the film, accompanying the scene where the Joker and his minions gleefully desecrate the Gotham City Art Museum...
" (#18 U.S., #5 R&B, #14 UK)
- "Partyman"
- "Feel U Up"
- "The Purple Party Mix" (maxi-single)
- "Partyman Music Mix" (maxi-single)
- "Partyman Video Mix" (maxi-single)
- "The Arms of OrionThe Arms of Orion"The Arms of Orion" is a slow, romantic duet written by Sheena Easton, performed with Prince from the 1989 Batman soundtrack. Released after "Batdance" and "Partyman" had both gone top 20 in UK/U.S. charts, the single was a top 40 hit single on the US Billboard's Hot 100 at #36. "The Arms of Orion"...
"
- "The Arms of Orion" W/Sheena Easton (#36 U.S., #27 UK)
- "I Love U in Me"
- "Scandalous!" (U.S.) (#5 U.S. R&B)
- "Scandalous!"
- "When 2 R In Love"
- "The Crime" ("The Scandalous Sex Suite" maxi-single)
- "The Passion" ("The Scandalous Sex Suite" maxi-single)
- "The Rapture" ("The Scandalous Sex Suite" maxi-single)
- "Sex" "The Scandalous Sex Suite" maxi-single
- "The FutureThe Future (song)"The Future" is a song from Prince's 1989 Batman soundtrack, and the final single released from the album. The single was not the album version, but a remixed version by William Orbit. "The Future" was released as a single only in Europe...
" (UK/Germany)
- "The Future" (remix)
- "Electric Chair" (remix)
Chart positions
| Chart (1989) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
1 |
| U.S. Billboard R&B Albums | 1 |
| UK Albums Chart UK Albums Chart The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart... |
1 |