America

The song America, released in 1985, is presented as a critique of mid-eighties United States, touching on themes such as communism and concern over nuclear war, a recurring element in Prince's lyrics during that decade. The track opens with a sound effect simulating a DJ manipulating a record, a detail that gives way to a guitar solo and a synthesized flute line that builds. The main melody follows a classic rock and roll structure and fades out at 3:40. An extended version for the 12-inch format exists, exceeding 21 minutes, filled with instrumental solos. It is said that this version was extended until the tape ran out, as Prince and The Revolution improvised until there was no space left. The video accompanying America is a ten-minute live version, recorded on October 27, 1985, in Nice, France, during a special performance. This video was broadcast on MTV as part of a segment dedicated to the single. It was Prince's first televised interview since 1980, appearing on American Bandstand. The segment included a live performance of America and a chat with fans.

The B-side of this single is Girl, a lighter pop piece that addresses Prince's lust for a woman. With a minimal drum pattern and sparse synthesizer lines, the intensity of the artist's desire is such that he declares explicit phrases about arousal and intimacy. The full version of the 12-inch single includes a reversed tape effect where Vanity can be heard reciting the lyrics, but with the word "boy" replacing "girl". Publications of the time, such as Cash Box, described it as a "pure jam session" with a clever intro that tricks the listener, evolving into a subtle commentary on the "American way" with a traditional melody. Billboard called it a "jagged socio-funk with a nod to Hendrix". The recording took place on July 23, 1984, at the Flying Cloud Drive Warehouse in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, a studio Prince used. The musical genre is classified as funk.

The album from which America is taken, Around the World in a Day, released on April 22, 1985, marked a shift from the more commercial sound of his previous work, Purple Rain. On this album, Prince explored psychedelic styles and more elaborate textures. Following Prince's desire for the project to be appreciated in its entirety, the record company opted for a release with little promotion, waiting almost a month to release the singles. This album, which also features The Revolution as the credited band, was met with mixed opinions from the general public. The song America, as a single, was released on October 2, 1985.