Introduction
" Some People Can Do What They Want" is the 3rd studio album by English singer-songwriter Robert Palmer, launched in 1976. Following the commercial success of his previous albums, "Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley" and "Pressure Drop", "Some People Can Do What They Want" further recognized Palmer's distinct style of mixing soul, rock, reggae, and jazz affects. The album was produced by Steve Smith and recorded at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, including contributions from popular artists such as Lowell George, Bill Payne, and Richard Tee. In spite of its ingenious approach, the album did not carry out also in the charts as Palmer's previous records however is still considered a traditional by many fans and critics.
Track List and Notable Songs
" Some People Can Do What They Want" consists of 10 tracks that range from smooth funk and soul to more upbeat rock and reggae-infused tunes. Standout tracks include:
1. "One Last Look"-- This slow-burning ballad showcases Palmer's smooth vocals and includes an emotional saxophone solo by David Sanborn.
2. "Keep in Touch"-- A mix of soul and rock, this track highlights the album's repeating themes of love, heartache, and human connection.
3. "Man Smart, Woman Smarter"-- A cool, uptempo Caribbean-influenced tune that was originally written by Norman Span and became one of the album's most popular tunes.
4. "Spanish Moon"-- A cover of the Little Feat song written by Lowell George, "Spanish Moon" mixes elements of rock, jazz, and New Orleans R&B with Palmer's sultry vocal delivery.
5. "Have Mercy"-- A slow-burning soul track including a lavish string arrangement, "Have Mercy" perfectly showcases Palmer's emotive singing expertise.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Some People Can Do What They Want" received blended reviews from critics, with some applauding Palmer's diverse blend of musical designs and standout tracks such as "Man Smart, Woman Smarter" and "Spanish Moon". Nevertheless, the album failed to reproduce the industrial success of his earlier works, peaking at number 68 in the UK Albums Chart and not charting in the United States. Over time, the album has garnered a cult following, with fans and critics retrospectively acknowledging its impact in Palmer's general body of work.
In the last few years, "Some People Can Do What They Want" has been praised for its ingenious method to genre-blending, perfectly integrating elements of soul, rock, reggae, and jazz into a cohesive and interesting listening experience. The album is now thought about to be a foundation in Palmer's discography and an essential listen for fans looking for a much deeper understanding of his distinct artistry.
Conclusion
"Some People Can Do What They Want" stays a crucial and innovative entry in the discography of Robert Palmer. Its fusion of soul, rock, reggae, and jazz influences not just showcases Palmer's flexible musicianship but likewise supplies an abundant and appealing listening experience that remains compelling more than 4 years after its release. While it may not have actually attained the very same level of industrial success as a few of his later works, "Some People Can Do What They Want" stands as a testament to Palmer's sustaining creative vision and continues to attract brand-new generations of fans.
Artist: Robert Palmer
Robert Palmer, the renowned British singer born on January 19, 1949. Discover his iconic hits, such as Addicted to Love and more.
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