Record of the Day: Paul Young, “Other Voices”

Paul Young
“Other Voices” (Cd CBS 4669172)

A singer with a success as intense as it was short-lived, Paul Young is one of the many interpreters of blue-eyed soul, a genre that
sees white-skinned singers trying to stylistically reference great masters of African-American music such as Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder (other names belonging to the genre are Daryl Hall, Robert Palmer and Bobby Caldwell).

Why, you might ask, if one has access to numerous recordings of the originals, should anyone listen to the
imitators? In fact there is no real reason but we must consider that it is August, the heat is raging and makes time pass slowly, maybe you don’t feel like going to the beach right away, so why not indulge in the pleasure of a record that is still well sung, well played and arranged with class?

Also keep in mind that “Other Voices” is the best album of the English singer, thanks above all to the excellent choice of titles and the luxurious production that sees names such as Nile Rodgers, David Gilmour, Vinnie Colaiuta, Larry Williams, Pino Palladino and Steve Winwood in the field. Unlike previous albums such as “No parlez” and “Between Two Fires”, which when listened to today appear as plasticized products, dated and only thought for the charts, this album seems to be the fruit of a sincere love for the American models that Young is inspired by.

Chaka Khan’s voice appears as a guest on “Heaven Can Wait” and in the remake of the classic “Stop on by” (which Chaka had already performed with Rufus); in both cases the class is not water and the final result is a model of good taste.
Even the interpretation of the old pop-rock “A Little Bit of Love” (Free’s warhorse) benefits from a funky revamp with a bouncy rhythm, to which Paul’s robust vocals provide an effective counterpoint.

Unfortunately, Young is not satisfied with just singing well, he also wants to write some songs and the difference with the other songs is clearly felt. “Our Time Has Come”, “Together” and “Right About Now” are mediocre songs, but they are completely renovated by the impeccable arrangements that in the end manage to make them harmless.
The level rises again in the finale thanks to the beautiful version of “Calling You”, taken from the soundtrack of the film “Bagdad Cafè”, with Young showing off a truly excellent interpretation.

Carlo Boccadoro, composer and conductor, was born in Macerata in 1963. He lives and works in Milan. He collaborates with soloists and orchestras in different parts of the world. He is the author of numerous books on musical subjects.

This text is taken from “Lunario della musica: Un disco per ogni giorno dell’anno” published by Einaudi, courtesy of the author and the publisher.