Paul Young Secret Of Association CD

Paul Young's second album, released in 1985, THE SECRET OF ASSOCIATION was his US commercial breakthrough following the critical praise for his 1983 debut, NO PARLEZ. Thanks to two spectacular singles--the definitive version of Daryl Hall's lovely "Everytime You Go Away" and a charging rendition of the oft-covered "I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down" that is second only to Ann Peebles' slinky original--the record was an enormous success.

THE SECRET OF ASSOCIATION is a masterpiece of mid-'80s commercial pop. Young's secret weapons include the trilling voices of his female backing duo, The Fabulous Wealthy Tarts, incredibly lush keyboard-dominated arrangements, and Laurie Latham's panoramic, gimmicky production--which showcases (but does not smother) Young's powerful voice in a setting of odd sonic tricks. All are helped considerably by Young's increasingly confident songwriting (his "Everything Must Change" is particularly strong) and by an odd choice of covers that even includes a brilliant rendition of Tom Waits' "Soldier's Things."

In 1984, Paul Young scored a couple of medium-sized U.S. hits with "Come Back and Stay" and "Love of the Common People" from his album No Parlez. In 1985, however, with his stellar album The Secret of Association, the British singer gained his highest level of commercial success with several hit singles, most notably his chart-topping cover of Daryl Hall's "Every Time You Go Away," which was miles better than the original. Featuring lush orchestration and Young's signature, soulful vocals, this album remains the singer's best, and one of the better albums of the 1980s. Other notable tracks include his wicked take on "I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down," the gorgeous "Everything Must Change" (which almost sounds like a country song), and the popular album tracks "Soldier's Things" and "Tomb of Memories." Note, however, that the radio versions of all three singles released from this album are not the versions included here. Those versions can be found on his hits collection From Time to Time. [The 2007 U.K. edition included bonus tracks.] ~ Jose F. Promis

2007 digitally remastered and expanded two CD edition of British Pop/Soul vocalist Paul Young's second solo album, originally released in 1985. The bonus CD contains eight tracks featuring four extended remixes, two non-album studio tracks and two live cuts. The Secret Of Association contains the hit singles 'Everything Must Change', 'I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down' and the massive 'Every Time You Go Away'. Edsel. 2007.

Liner Note Author: Alan Robinson.

Recording information: Park Gates, Sussex, England (05/10/1985); Pathe Marconi, Paris, France (05/10/1985); The Workhouse Studios, London, England (05/10/1985).

Photographer: Simon Fowler.

Unknown Contributor Role: Laurie Latham.

Arrangers: Ian Kewley; Laurie Latham.

Personnel: Johnny Turnbull, Steve Bolton (guitar); Graham Preskett (violin); Nicky Payne (saxophone); Big Jim Paterson, Paul Nieman (trombone); Ian Kewley (piano); Matt Irving (keyboard bass); Pino Palladino (bass guitar); Mark Pinder (drums, percussion); Marc Chantereau (percussion); Chris Difford, Glenn Tilbrook, George Chandler, Ged Doherty, Tony Jackson, Jimmy Chambers (background vocals).

Audio Mixer: Peter Hammond.