Robert Palmer is a British soul-funk singer and songwriter whose career spanned four decades. He was hugely popular in the 80s with classic hits such as Simply Irresistible and Addicted to Love. But beneath the glossy sheen of his mainstream success also lies an artist who experimented with different genres, from jazz and blues to rock, providing for an exciting musical journey. In this blog post, we will dive deep into Robert Palmer's illustrious career – exploring his good points as well as critiquing some of his more questionable choices along the way.
Robert Palmer was a British soul-funk singer and songwriter who captivated audiences for four decades. His music was widely popular in the 80s, and he gave us unforgettable hits like Simply Irresistible and Addicted to Love. However, beneath the polished surface of his commercial success, there was an artist who experimented with various genres, from rock and jazz to blues and reggae. This blog post delves into Palmer's fascinating career, and we will take a closer look at some of his good and not-so-good musical choices.
Palmer started his career in the 60s as a member of the band Vinegar Joe, which fused rock and pop elements. In the mid-70s, he went solo, experimenting with pop, funk, and soul sounds. His second album, Pressure Drop, was a critical and commercial success in the UK, thanks to the hit single Best of Both Worlds. However, it wasn't until the 80s, with the release of Riptide, that Palmer gained worldwide fame. The album featured the iconic music videos for Addicted to Love and Simply Irresistible, which showcased his distinctive style, combining rock and funk with a suave pop sensibility.
Nevertheless, Palmer didn't let himself be pigeonholed into a single genre. He continued to explore different styles throughout his career. For instance, his 1988 album Heavy Nova takes a more R&B approach than his previous work, featuring collaborations with Peter Gabriel and UB40. Don't Explain, released in 1990, is a collection of covers of blues and jazz standards, reimagined in Palmer's distinctive voice. And Rhythm and Blues, from 1999, sees him revisiting the musical roots of his youth - classic R&B and rock tracks.
However, not all of Palmer's musical choices were on-point. His album Don't Explain received mixed reviews, with critics accusing him of playing it too safe and not adding much originality to the songs. And while his 1995 album Honey showed him embracing a more electronic sound, it didn't quite capture the same magic as his earlier work. Nevertheless, even his less successful albums are worth exploring, as they show a willingness to experiment and explore new styles.
Robert Palmer was a musician who embraced various styles and sounds, from rock and pop to jazz and blues. While he was best known for his 80s hits, his career spanned four decades, and he remained an active and creative force until his passing in 2003. Listening to his albums, we can appreciate his unique musical vision, which combined different genres in an exciting and often unpredictable way. So if you're a fan of classic rock or 80s pop, give Robert Palmer a listen - you might just discover a side of his music you didn't know existed.
