Published on Oct 2, 1998
Remember the Eighties?? Yeah, you do. Well, the reason why I
bring this up is because of the many ’80s artists that populated
the airwaves, few were cooler than Robert Palmer. Hell, look
around. He could most definitely hit it off in the revived swing
scene of today. But hearing this album (the first of his greatest
hits), you get to hear a wider range of sounds than just his
hits.
Of course, everybody knows “Addicted To Love” and “Simply
Irresistible.” Monster hits they were back in the day–videos
included. I mean, there ain’t no way that these songs could not be
here in this album and, more importantly, they should. Could you
imagine not playing these songs? Not thinking of those gyrating
girls left and right–to and fro?? (Yes, the male mind is full of
lots of things–but right at the top is the quest for the opposite
sex).
To that was added a remixed version of “Bad Case Of Lovin’ You”
and the quality of the remix shows. Whereas the original version
had a more…um…hollow guitar sound, here the guitar jumps and
kicks. Furthermore, we have “Some Like It Hot” (his colaboration
with the guys from Duran Duran) which is cool. “Some Guys Have All
The Luck” which isn’t nearly as famous as some of the other songs
with the same title is also here and is a nice pop confection.
Now, if you like some world music, here you have “Pride,” “Every
Kinda People” and “Johnny And Mary.” I don’t. So I won’t lie. Then
there’s also some songs that just don’t hit any spot–“Sweet Lies,”
“Looking For Clues,” and “What’s It Take?” don’t do jack squat for
me. And “Style Kills”–while a nice concept and idea–moves at the
speed of fudge. I mean, if you ever had an LP player, imagine
setting a rock song at half-speed. That’s what it feels like.
Overall, this album is a mixed affair. Yeah, you love “Addicted
To Love” and “Simply Irressistible,” but can’t stand much of what’s
going on here. Oh well. (There’s also a third “greatest hits”
package for Mr. Palmer that includes a very cool cover of T. Rex’s
“Get It On”–try it just to get another cool song).