A very disappointing solo follow-up to the exceptional Suburban Voodoo. Between the two albums, Carrack found chart success as the singer for Mike + the Mechanics. It's not that the songwriting on this album is bad, it's poor performances, poor arrangements, poor instrumentation choices, and poor production (example: loose bass drum sound, the weak attempt at Spector's "Wall of Sound" on some tracks, etc.). In other words, the material wasn't served. I'll bet Carrack would like a do-over on this one (maybe with Nick Lowe as producer). But all is not lost, Carrack's soulful voice is present and Tim Renwick's guitar work (when we get to hear it) is a high point. Plus the single Don't Shed A Tear is fantastic.
Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: #67
Tracks: Don't Shed A Tear is the clear highlight and unlike anything else on the album. If I can get past the production to the songwriting, I also like Button Off My Shirt and Fire With Fire. I can do without the rest.
Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None. This was a recent acquisition from a used bin. If I'd listened to the album back in '87, this would most likely be a much different post.
Previously revisited for the blog:
Suburban Voodoo (1982)
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