Paul Carrack - One Good Reason (1987)

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)

Paul Carrack - Suburban Voodoo (1982)

Note: this release was originally purchased as an LP, later replaced by a CD.

I knew of Paul Carrack because he sang lead vocals on Squeeze's classic song, Tempted. Based on that one song, I bought this album (which, of course, didn't contain that song). Produced by Nick Lowe, this release is a great melding of blue-eyed soul and power pop along the lines of Lowe, Rockpile, and Dave Edmunds, with more hooks than a tackle box. For some reason, Carrack's solo work wasn't very successful commercially, so he eventually moved to become the lead singer of Mike + the Mechanics in the late '80s. Up until he sang with that group, his biggest hit may have been as the singer for the one hit wonder band Ace, which had a smash in 1975 with How Long?

Press of the time:

• Rolling Stone (★★★★): "one of the brightest debuts of the year."
• Robert Christgau (B): "These songs are catchy and apt"
• Stereo Review: "nothing more than stylish genre exercises."
• Smash Hits (6 out of 10): "lazy, soul influenced pop"
• Billboard: "r&b to an exuberant peak"

Album chart peaks:

• US Billboard 200: #78
• Billboard Rock: #44
• CashBox: #162
• Rolling Stone: #50

Tracks: All 12 are good; I never want to skip any tracks. The single released from this CD was I Need You, which should have been a big hit. Other favorites include I'm in Love, So Right So Wrong, From Now On, and I Found Love. If there is a weak track, it is Call Me Tonight.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: As a 16 year old boy, I was trying to impress a girl with the fact that I was listening to music you didn't normally hear on the radio. So, in my weak efforts to woo this girl, I mentioned that I had just bought this album. She responded "Surburban what?!?" before never talking to me again. Thanks, Paul Carrack.