Introducing the Hardline

When Terence Trent D’Arby released his debut album in 1987 Introducing The Hardline I was sure he was destined for great things. So was he, in fact he publicly stated something about his album to that effect. His career has had its ups and downs since then, but that doesn’t take away the fact that this was a really good album. D’Arby’s sound is a combination of soul, pop, funk and rhythm and blues which is just plain fun to listen to.

His voice is subtle and goes from raspy blues exhortations to high pitched squeals and runs such a gamut that it makes it hard to classify. It’s good though, really good and his songs range from snappy dance numbers to silky smooth pop constructions with jazzy/funky twists. There is the occasional slow ballad too. The album produced the hits Wishing Well and Sign Your Name. It has sold over 12 million copies worldwide. I like all the songs on this album and enjoy it thoroughly whenever I listen to it. TTD has since changed his name to Sananda Maitreya.

Here he is performing Wishing Well.