Paul Young – No Parlez (2xLP, Clear Vinyl)

Released in 1983, No Parlez marked Paul Young's debut as a solo artist, showcasing his distinctive blend of blue-eyed soul, pop, and new wave. The album features a mix of original compositions and inventive covers, including Marvin Gaye's "Wherever I Lay My Hat (That's My Home)," which became a UK number one hit. Young's emotive vocals, combined with the innovative production of Laurie Latham and the fretless bass work of Pino Palladino, created a sound that was both contemporary and rooted in classic soul traditions.

Critics have praised No Parlez for its adventurous arrangements and Young's heartfelt performances. The album's success, reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart and remaining in the Top 100 for 119 weeks, solidified Young's place in the music industry. Tracks like "Come Back and Stay" and "Love of the Common People" further demonstrate his ability to reinterpret songs with a unique and soulful perspective. No Parlez remains a standout album of the 1980s, reflecting Young's artistry and the era's musical innovation.

Reviews

"Paul Young’s debut solo album was my guilty secret in 1983... Blue eyed soul pop music but I was and I still am and it’s still as good today as it was then." — Martin Leedham

"No Parlez is an album that could use reassessing... it’s an album with a strong identity. I still can’t think of an album that sounds quite like it." — SuperDeluxeEdition

"This album gave us five singles, and hung around in the UK charts for 119 weeks. This longevity earned it sales of around 900,000." — Pop Rescue

"No Parlez has become such a staple... it’s easy to forget just how radical the album’s sumptuously smooth hits... seemed when they landed." — Classic Pop Magazine