Secrets was recorded entirely in New Providence, Bahamas, and an island influence is apparent on a number of its songs. But for the most part, the album features some of
Robert Palmer's funkier stabs at
R&B and
soul ballads. The addictive
"What's It Take" gives the clearest sense of a tropical recording setting, and its juju mix of a
pop beat and Caribbean rhythms brings a smile with each new listen;
Palmer was apt to call it the most fun song he'd penned. The song's theme of marital/relationship troubles crops up in almost every track on
Secrets, but such repetition never becomes grating thanks to
Palmer's eclectic musical heart. One can hardly imagine the aforementioned tropical
"What's It Take" sitting easily with an earnest cover of
Todd Rundgren's
"Can We Still Be Friends?" and a passionate, scuzzy take on
"Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)," but of course
Palmer manages to mix genres and tempos with his trademark flair. These three songs are among the highlights of the album, but
Palmer treads similar ground through the remaining songs, and expert sequencing along with
Palmer's subtle and clean production make for a cohesive whole.
"Mean Old World" is a beautiful sleeper of a song, where
Palmer nearly defines the
blue-eyed soul genre. The song's uplifting tones and
Palmer's gentle voice together make for a track reminiscent of
Nina Simone's version of
"O-o-h Child." "Jealous" sees
Palmer rocking out with endearingly edgy
punk-inspired guitars.
Palmer is as suave singing about paranoia and jealousy as he is about love, which makes the album a breezy delight from start to finish.
Secrets might not be essential like its successor,
Clues, but its accessible nature, fine execution, and honesty mark it as another fine moment in
Robert Palmer's recording career. ~ Tim DiGravina
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