Category: Paul Carrack

Paul Carrack – Groove Approved (1989)

by Record Facts

Paul Melvyn Carrack (born 22 April 1951) is an English singer, songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist who has recorded as both a solo artist and as a member of several popular bands.
After pulling four singles off of 1987’s One Good Reason, Paul Carrack looked to be on the verge of finally establishing himself as a solo star. Instead, he stumbled with the follow-up, Groove Approved, a solid, workman-like collection that featured only one Top 40 number in “I Live by the Groove.”

One suspects that this had less to do with the album’s real commercial potential than with upheavals in the record company, which was being sold by its founders to EMI during this period. Yet, afterward, Carrack went back to working with Squeeze and Mike + the Mechanics, putting his solo career on hold.

“Groove Approved” is one of many Carrack’s solo albums. This one by far is one of his finest. The sound of 80’s rock-pop can be heard throughout this album and it’s truly classic. The big songs on here are “Only My Heart can Tell” and “I Live by the Groove.” “Dedicated” is one of Carrack’s best ballads and “I”m on Your Tail” is a blend of rock-pop and soul that sounds like it’s taking place live. “Tip of tongue” is upbeat pop featuring M&M singer Paul Young in backing vocals.

My favorite from this album is “Love Can Break your Heart” for its catchy chorus, music, and the backing vocals featuring Daryl Hall and Michael McDonald. Every other song is pretty good, too. After listening to this album it makes you wish you heard these songs earlier!

Tracklist

1. Only My Heart Can Tell – 5:21
2. I Live By The Groove – 4:09
3. Battlefield – 4:20
4. Love Can Break Your Heart – 5:20
5. I’m On Your Tail – 6:15
6. After The Love Is Gone – 6:23
7. Loveless – 4:22
8. Tip Of My Tongue – 6:06
9. Dedicated – 5:22
10. Bad News (At The Best Of Times) – 5:14

Companies, etc.

Phonographic Copyright (p) – Chrysalis Records Ltd.
Copyright (c) – Chrysalis Records Ltd.
Distributed By – BMG Records
Distributed By – BMG Ariola
Printed By – TOPAC

Credits

Mixed By – Bob Clearmountain (tracks: 1, 3, 7 to 9), Tom Lord-Alge
Producer – Eddie Schwartz (tracks: 2), Paul Carrack, Tom ‘T-Bone’ Wolk

Notes
Release Date: October, 1989
Genre: Pop/Rock
Styles: Blue-Eyed Soul
Duration: 52:52

Recording Location
Farmyard Studios, Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire, England
Hit Factory Studios, New York, NY

Label – Chrysalis Records

Paul Garrack – It Ain’t Over (2003)

If ever a guy deserved more it’s Paul Carrack. Carrack has fronted some of the most symbolic pop/rock bands in the last 30 years, from Ace to Squeeze to Mike + the Mechanics. He’s written brilliant songs — “Tempted,” “How Long” — and issued brilliant solo records — Suburban Voodoo — but is still regarded as a journeyman, rather than as a star in his own right. That’s just wrong. It Ain’t Over is a case in point for Carrack‘s consistency and brilliance. This set of 11 new songs were all penned and played by Carrack himself, with the exception of horns and strings. From the gorgeous soul groove of “Nothing to Lose,” to the laid-back, sultry hook in the title cut, to heartbreaking Stax-styled R&B of “Empty Space,” to the dirty funk of “Never Too Late,” Carrack showcases his amazing versatility and his taut, in-the-pocket style of writing. As a singer, he’s one of the most disciplined around, and still he manages to get across the deeper, subtler emotions in a song. If there some kind of “Pop Justice,” Carrack‘s It Ain’t Over would be on every adult contemporary station in the States. But few programmers seem to have no place on their playlists for smart, sophisticated, sassy, classy pop music.

Tracklist

1. She Lived Down The Street – 3:01
2. Nothin’ To Lose – 4:07
3. It Ain’t Over – 4:22
4. Happy To See You Again – 4:30
5. Where Did I Go Wrong? – 3:24
6. Empty Space – 4:22
7. One Small Step – 3:46
8. Forever – 3:19
9. Never Too Late – 4:44
10. Just A Little Lie – 4:20
11 Ain’t No Love – 5:31

Companies, etc.