Prince (June 19 1989) “Batman” – Album Europe

The eleventh studio album by Prince and the first (and only) soundtrack album he created for a major motion picture — Tim Burton’s Batman (1989). Released in Europe on June 19 1989 (one day before the US release) on Warner Bros. Records. The album features songs written from the perspectives of characters in the film.

RELEASE DETAILS

Artist: Prince

Label: Warner Bros. Records

Release Date: June 19 1989 (Europe) / June 20 1989 (USA)

Country: Europe (and worldwide) Format: LP, Picture Disc, CD (standard, limited, metal can), Cassette

Length: 42:34

Studio: Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, MN

Side 1:

1. The Future (4:07)

2. Electric Chair (4:07)

3. The Arms Of Orion (5:02)

4. Partyman (3:11)

5. Vicki Waiting (4:51)

Side 2:

1. Trust (4:23)

2. Lemon Crush (4:15)

3. Scandalous (6:14)

4. Batdance (6:13)

All songs written by Prince, except: “The Arms Of Orion” written by Prince and Sheena Easton “Scandalous” written by Prince and John L. Nelson

PERSONNEL

Prince — all vocals and instruments (except where noted)

Sheena Easton — co-lead vocals on The Arms Of Orion

Sounds of Blackness — sampled choir Clare Fischer Orchestra — orchestra on The Future (sampled)

Eric Leeds, Atlanta Bliss, and sampled voices from Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, etc.

THE STORY 

Prince was approached by Tim Burton after “1999” and “Baby I’m a Star” were used in a rough cut. Recorded quickly in February–March 1989 at Paisley Park, with “Batdance” as a last-minute replacement for “Dance With The Devil”. The album was a massive commercial success.

CHART PERFORMANCE 

US: Billboard 200 – No. 1 (6 weeks)

UK: UK Albums Chart – No. 1 (20 weeks) Strong Top 5 placements across Europe.

EUROPEAN VARIANTS

SINGLES RELEASED

• Batdance b/w 200 Balloons

• Partyman b/w Feel U Up

• The Arms Of Orion b/w I Love U In Me

• Scandalous! b/w Sex

• The Future (Europe only) b/w Electric Chair

• Trust (Hong Kong promo only)

  
  

CERTIFICATIONS

• RIAA (USA): 2× Platinum

• BPI (UK): Platinum

• Gold/Platinum in France, Germany, Australia, etc.

Cassette (925 936-4 / WX281C / WX 281 C)

Standard cassette release with same track listing as above.

Vinyl LP – Limited Edition Picture Disc, Diecut Frame Cover (WX 281P / 927 489-1) Same track listing as standard LP.

CD – Limited Edition (927 489-2) Same track listing as standard CD.

CD – Limited Edition Metal Can 

(925 978-2) Circular metal can packaging containing a picture disc CD and circular booklet. Same track listing.

Full page advertisement from New Musical Express (UK) June 24, 1989

CONTEXT & NOTES

Batman was Prince’s only major motion picture soundtrack. Multiple deluxe European variants were issued, including a striking picture disc in a diecut frame cover and a limited metal can CD edition. No tour supported the album, though several tracks were performed on the 1990 Nude Tour.

RELATED MATERIAL

Prince – Batman Singles (Batdance, Partyman, etc.)

Tim Burton’s Batman (1989 Film)

For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page.

SOURCES

Prince Vault,

Wikipedia,

sleevographia2,

Discogs

and 45cat.

All single artwork, photographs, labels, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.