Disco de Paul Young: “Secret of Association [UK Bonus Tracks]”

Oftentimes reviewers try to make a case why a record is "important" or "relevant". Well, not me on this record. This is unabashedly just plain perfect pop. Well-crafted melodies, varied arrangements, some great musicianship (Pino Palladino!!!); in other words, simply enjoying the sound and not having to worry about anything for 45 minutes. Do the lyrics mean anything deep? What is the place of this record in pop history? Who cares if the music is this perfect.

I suppose there are two types of folks ending up on this page; those looking for this album/artist and those ending up here in a more roundabout way, say through a "related items" link.

For fans, you simply must buy this! The sound quality is about as good as it gets, and those who remember this seminal album will be very happy indeed. For those of us who never heard the remixes, they're a nice addition. It's well worth the price.

For others not so familiar with this album, you simply must buy this! Paul received a best male vocal Grammy for this album and for good reason. His vocals show a great range and soulfulness.

As for the songs themselves, only one really falls a little to deeply into 80's bubblegum pop (Hot Fun). Otherwise it's a fantastic example of how 80's pop can be done very, very right. Most are mid-tempo or slow, although the word "ballad" doesn't really fit any except maybe "Every Time You Go Away." That may sound boring, but the songs are so musically inventive and so eloquently sung that boring is never a word that comes to mind. And "Tear Your Playhouse Down" is a real jumper that is so catchy, and musically interesting, that you simply must crank it up.

Although it's easy to dismiss most 80's pop as trash and one hit wonders, this is an album that clearly rises above the stereotypes. It's great music that really engages the ear, lyrics that make you want to listen, and soulful singing that brings it all together in a masterful way.

This single cd version containes the extended version of "Everytime You go Away," as a bonus track. This version was not included in the double cd special edition from a few years back. I had to go on Ebay to track this cd down. It's hard to find. If you're able to get your hands on a copy, you should go for it!!!!

This is the quintessential 80's Paul Young album. The only time I've been able to attend one of his concerts was the Secret of Association World Tour. This album is full of the sould associated with that voice. Everytime You Go Away is enduring, I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down is strong, powerful. I really like Everything Must Change and Tomb of Memories. His voice is so wonderfully scratchy in Hot Fun.

This album defined Paul Young to us Americans. Now...if only we could get easier access to his more recent releases.

Look for his self-titled album released in 1997. That is classic.

Ladies and gentlemen, I implore you, don't listen to one BAD review on this CD. Paul Young is a fabulous singer/songwriter and though this particular recording may not be up to today's standards with regards to recording quality and "popish" writing, it is, without a doubt one of the most influential recordings of it's time. Pino Palladino (a moment of silence please) is the true virtuoso on this recording. But you don't have to be a bass player (as I am) to "feel" his music. Anything this guy touches turns to gold. By and far one of THEE greatest bassists of our time. I hope one day that I can record music with someone and be responsible for the recording being "THAT GOOD".