Terence Trent D'Arby Introducing The Hardline According To T.T. D'Arby CD

One of the most original recording artists of the '80s, Terence Trent D'Arby released a brilliantly executed album with INTRODUCING THE HARDLINE.

Combining the best of rock, pop and contemporary urban R&B, Terence's vocals can be smooth like the sweet soul singers of the '60s, funky like Prince, or as impassioned as the most sizzling rocker. "Dance Little Sister" recalls James Brown, "Who's Lovin' You" sounds like a Sam Cooke song, while many of the other tracks show a Stevie Wonder influence.

The album is completely Terence--he played many of the instruments, co-produced most tracks, and wrote just about all of the songs. His vocals alternate from the slickly pop and fierce falsetto, to rough-edged soul. "If You All Get To Heaven," a Prince-like hybrid, showcases a sharp sense of production, vocalizing, and song-craft. "If You Let Me Stay" is funk and pop, drenched not in horns but in Terence's determined vocal. "Rain" is an amalgam of so many styles that it leaves one's head spinning. "Sign Your Name" is a killer track in a Sade groove. "As Yet Untitled" is a vigorous acapella spiritual. "Wishing Well," a #1 international hit, is freshly innovative, with fascinating lyrics and hooky, percussive instrumentation. It's a song that gets its claws into the listener and doesn't let go. All tracks are uniquely rendered, with roots and influences highly apparent; yet the production is so modern that it becomes a distinctive sound on its own.

Personnel: Terence Trent D'Arby (vocals, clarinet, saxophone, baritone saxophone, piano, Clavinet, keyboards, drums, percussion, background vocals); Tony Jackson, Glenn Gregory, Ebo Ross, Lance Ellington, Frank Collins (vocals, background vocals); Lance Belington, Michelle Oldland, Martyn Ware, Phil Legg (vocals); Andy Whitmore (guitar, keyboards); Blast Murray, Christian Marsac, Pete Glenister, Tim Cansfield (guitar); Chris Cameron (strings); Mel Collins (saxophone); Nick Plytas (keyboards); Clive Mngaza, Preston Heyman (drums, percussion); Bruce Smith (drums); Frank Ricotti (percussion); Trent Tones (background vocals).

Unknown Contributor Roles: Chris Cameron; Ivar Ybrad.

Personnel: Terence Trent D'Arby (vocals, baritone saxophone, piano, Clavinet, keyboards, drums, percussion); Christian Marsac (guitar, saxophone); Pete Glenister, "Blast" Murray, Tim Cansfield (guitar); Mel Collins (saxophone); Nick Plytas, Andy Whitmore (keyboards); Cass Lewis, Sean Oliver, Phil Spalding (bass); Preston Heyman (drums, percussion); Clive Mngaza, Bruce Smith (drums); Frank Ricotti (percussion); Ivar Ybrad (sinbula); Tony Jackson, Lance Ellington, Phil Legg, Michelle Oldland, Martyn Ware, Glenn Gregory (background vocals).

Producers: Martyn Ware, Terence Trent D'Arby, Howard Grey.

Q (8/95, p.138) - 3 Stars - Good - "...it's worth it for the hits alone."