Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent d'Arby

Terence Trent D'Arby

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Original Release Date: October 5, 1987
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0000026DG
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #12,319 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. If You All Get to Heaven

2. If You Let Me Stay

3. Wishing Well

4. I'll Never Turn My Back on You (Father's Words)

5. Dance Little Sister

6. Seven More Days

7. Let's Go Forward

8. Rain

9. Sign Your Name

10. Who's Lovin' You

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This 1987 CD is one of the best debuts ever. A stunning, soulful approach to merging old influences and new realities, TTD burst on to the scene with an album that sounds even better today. At the time D'Arby was compared (sometimes by himself) to Stevie, Michael, Smokey, and Marvin. Simply put, without TTD's egomaniacal/lover stance, it's hard to fathom Maxwell, Tony Toni Tone, or any other neo-soul boys. --Amy Linden

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A FLYING EGO THAT WAS JUSTIFIED, August 21, 2002

By	J. Johnson "capricornrising1" (CT) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

First of all,let me start by staying that TTD is the MAN! And he still is the man! That's right although after the success of this album he'd fall into commerical obvilion and let his big ol' ego get the best of him,Mr. Terence Trent D'Arby ran thangs.
Like Prince,TTD was a hypercreative genius who pushed boundaries and let his eccentricties be shown.In fact,the London-based,New York-born,Flordia-raised singer was dubbed "The British Prince".

It started started with this 1987 debut right here.TTD proclaimed that it was the best solo album by a male artist in 20 years.Bragging that it was superior to "Sgt. Pepper Lonely Hearts Band" and comparing himself to the Purple One and Sam Cooke.The funny thing is that he was RIGHT.This is one egomanaic who knew what he was talking about! "Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby" is a genius album.
Filled with diversity and just straight-up great prduction.TTD bragged that he was passonaite about his music.And the boy wasn't lying.There's not uninspired moment on this classic.From the #1 hit "Wishing Well" with it's funky drums to the smoldering cover of "Who's Lovin' You"(better sung by a grown man in my humble opinion) to the tender "Let's Go Forward".And then there's the calypso/African-rhythmed "Rain",old school styled "If You Let Me Stay",my favorite "Seven More Days",and the powerful opener "If You All Get To Heaven".All are highlighted by TTD's gritty,soulful voice.That's right there'd be NO Maxwell.No D'Angelo.No Remy Shand.No Lenny.No Seal.Without TTD.Along with Prince,TTD set the way.The man is a genius and it's sad that's he's forgetten in the US.

Now christening himself Sananda Maitreya and residing in Italy,
TTD is basking in his own greatness.But this one guy whose huge ego is justified.Don't believe him? Just listen to this disc.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece!!!, August 27, 2005

By	Nse Ette (Lagos, Nigeria) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

A stunning debut if ever there was one. Terence Trent D'Arby's `Introducing the hardline' was definitely one of the best of 1987, years ahead of its time, and the fore runner to the D'Angelos, Maxwells and Seals of today.

Comprised of 10 of his compositions (produced and for the most part played by him), and an outstanding cover of the Smokie Robinson classic `Who's loving you', the album found success in the UK first hitting #1 and spinning off 4 top 20 hits. The success crossed over to the US in 1988 with the album hitting #4, selling over 2 million copies, and spinning off two top 5 singles, and winning the Grammy for best male R&B vocal performance.

D'Arby's rich gravelly yet elastic voice coupled with a retro soul/funk hybrid hearkened back to the soul greats of yesterday; Marvin, Stevie, James Brown, as well as contemporaries like MJ and Prince, a point he was never shy to loudly proclaim. He even proclaimed it the most important album since the Beatles' `Sgt. Pepper', cockiness that ultimately backfired.

Still, this is a stunning collection of music.

Opening track `If we all get to heaven' is a sweeping majestic questioning protest midtempo number, with his gravelly voice hitting some unbelievably high notes. It also features some Arabic influences.

`If you let me stay' is a retro sounding funky, energetic number, featuring a heartfelt plea to a lover. Wow!

Next is the US #1 `Wishing well', an upbeat dance number with razor sharp synths and that distinctive whistle.

`I'll never turn my back on you (Father's words)' is a lilting midtempo number with a reggae feel, and lyrics about a strained relationship between father and son.

The horn laden `Dance little sister' could have been done by the god father of soul himself. An energetic retro funk number that will get any grandma on the dance floor!

`Seven more days' is a slower lilting number. Beautiful.

`Let's go forward' is one of my absolute favourites on this CD. Awesome mid tempo number featuring the chameleon like nature of his vocals.

`Rain' is a lilting reggae-ish number.

The beautiful ballad `Sign your name' was a #4 US hit. Again, an outstanding vocal delivery, and wonderful percussion.

Then comes another highlight; the accapella `As yet untitled' with deeply moving lyrics about prejudice, and a very fiery, angry vocal delivery. D'Arby's performance on this song is simply beyond belief. Outstanding.

Closing out the collection is `Who's loving who', again stunning!

So was he right to toot his own horn?? Er..YES!!!!

Definitely a CD worthy of any music collection. A strong album from start to finish, and miles better than most of the music coming out today. A masterpiece!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is GOOOD!!!, February 27, 2001

By	David Farber (NYC) - See all my reviews

I am writing this review now, around 13 years after I first bought it. I used to listen to this one as I walked to and from 8th grade. What a great album. The big hit 'Wishing Well' isn't even the best on the album. 'Sign Your Name', 'Lets Go Forward', 'Seven More Days'.......these songs are superb. There's nothing like blastin a little Terence Trent in your ear to drown out the loud streets of NYC. I was on the subway once and had my earphones blasting. Some woman says to me, "damn that Terence Trent is good aint he?????'. I said "Sure is Woman!" and I smacked her Five!