Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby

Hella dated. Almost an easy 1, but Wishing Well went kinda hard...

Finally some black music, and it's the most white sounding pop/soul. List is embarrassing in places.

Little too 80’s for my taste. Plus he seems at times like he’s trying to emulate MJ (HEEEheee)

So boring. So many of these songs are just the same line repeated over and over in a way that doesn’t work.

Over-glossy soundtrack to a lifestyle I'm not buying

Imagine being a male pop vocalist during the 80s and having to be compared to Michael Jackson at his height.

About as good as Coldplay

Very 80s in the best ways but not my taste

#929. It's alright. 2/5: meh

The hit songs I've heard, but then nothing too much that sparked in me. I guess Trent have had its comparisons to Michael Jackson back in the days? But in my ears falls into the shadows

This sounded like the album/artist was trying to capitalize on the success of Michael Jackson. MJ was all I could hear while listening to this. I was not impressed.

I didn't really care for this artist back in the day when he used to get a little MTV play and this listen didn't change that.

Boring 80s funk balads

The way this shows up on Amazon Music these days uses his current name, Sananda Maitreya, which was surprising — not that the artist name has updated, but that the title of the album and the cover image use the newer name. I had only heard the singles before this, although I was certainly aware of the album. Really enjoying "Rain." And "As Yet Untitled" is beautiful.

I mean, yeah ..pretty good for cheesy 80s soul. I remember Wishing Well being ubiquitous on the radio back in the day. But damn do I hate long held high note scream-singing like on the final song. It makes me angry. And for that I removed a star.

I don’t hate it, but 80s cheese is really cranked up here. I was into seven more days though

Introducing The Hardline According To *Sananda Maitreya If you're going to put your own name so prominently in the title of an album, you have to be really sure you won't change your name in a fit of weird spiritual awakening. And if you do, fair enough, you should also be aware that going back and retrospectively fixing the title of said album will just look daft.

Opener on the album was interesting, but then the rest devolved into typical 80's R&B which was pretty boring.

Meh

Felt like a real bait and switch the longer the album went on

Very dated. Just not for me.

The first song was good, everything else sounded like Poundland MJ

Mostly meh. First, couldn't figure out just how many names this artist gets to claim. Took me a second to be sure I had the right album... Thought it was Zendaya singing Terence Trent D'Arby. Weird. Anyway, from 1987 and a little dated. I'll give it up for Wishing Well, but that's about it. Sounds like he could be Bruno Mars' illegitimate father... Electronic drums and keyboard/synth, not terribly soulful singing even though he tries. Not terrible.

++: If You Let Me Stay, Wishing Well, Sign Your Name, Who's Loving You +: Dance Little Sister, Rain +-: I'll Never Turn My Back on You (Father's Words) -: If You All Get to Heaven, Seven More Days, Let's Go Forward, As Yet Untitled 4,5/10

Mid road pop. Nothing much there

music is a touch cheesy (“Rain”) but this guy’s voice is pretty amazing

Somewhere I read that he thought this album was more important the Sgt. Pepper. I have to say it falls more than a little short.

There's a great album burried behind the 80's production, but as it is does not impress me much

come on. this is basically penis music.

great album name, not the biggest fan of it tho

I have not heard this before. I remember hearing Wishing Well on the radio and MTV a lot and I figured he was a one hit wonder, and I don’t think I’ve heard any of his other songs. The main thing I am noticing listening to this album is that it has that really terrible production from the mid to late 80s that drenches every instrument in a kind of synthetic sound, it’s noticeable most in the drums and keyboards which are electronic and filtered as hell, but the guitars and bass have an uncanny valley feel I guess as the best way I can describe it. This sound covers so much pop and r&b from 1986 to 1989 that made it hard for me to like anything from these genres in this era. So this is going to be a big stumbling block for me enjoying this album. I’m recognizing other songs from the radio including Sign Your Name which I always liked. Unfortunately that one and Wishing Well are the only two songs good enough to overcome the production. I am wondering if I would like any of the rest of these songs without that ‘87 studio polish and with a better keyboard, like maybe there are a few hidden gems, but on a second listen I don’t think that’s the case.

80’s rock with a little Tracey Chapman sound

michael jackson meets sade meets I cant remember who the third one was. Decent

not really a 2 but not a quite a 3 either, there are some boppers though.

It might just be my car stereo but this album really suffers from some of the recording foibles of the 80s. I wonder what it could be like if it was able to have bigger drums. Other than that, this song has a single I recognize but I don't think it was that different from anything going on at the time.

Amazing for an artist to do so little with so much. Absolutely stunning voice, but i was barely able to force myself to pay attention to the record. 0 dopamine delivered, I had some mental notes made about the first track having weird pacing and starting the record with a very middle of the album energy, and then my brain slid straight off the music and starting thinking about something else. After the biggest track, apparently, 'Sign Your Name' with 200m plays on Spotify, wrapped up, it had barely touched the sides. Just as I was considering literally switching it off to do something else, the opening gambit of As Yet Untitle peeled out, unaccompanied vocals finally delivering some sonic contrast and letting Terences true talent genuinely shine. But my optimism is shortlived, by the 5th minute the vocal only endeavour has once again forgotten to be interesting in spite of technical ability and vocal talent. I'll be honest, i switched off if the final track is the cover of Who's Loving You i think it is, I'll stick with the Michael Jackson version. Thanks Terrence, now i see why your record is on every charity shop vinyl shelf in the Uk.

Not for me

3/10 - He has a good voice but I did not like the album. It felt like a production company saw the success of Thriller/MJ and Purple Rain/Prince and tried to recreate it in a forced way. The album felt like a Disney remake of good albums.

This is almost impressively boring, given how much energy he seems to put into it. I can't believe this was top of the charts for so long. I don't recognise ANY of these songs, so it goes to show how well it's endured in the culture. As others have said, it doesn't help that the 80's aesthetic is dreadful.

Strong voice, just a pity that the music is weaker than it should have been.

Pretty upbeat. Quite 80s in sound. Bit naf in places. Nothing really stands out. I even find 'sign my name' is quite dated in terms of instrumentals etc.

Feels very of it's time, but not particularly captivating.

Pretty upbeat. Quite 80s in sound. Bit naf in places. Nothing really stands out. I even find 'sign my name' is quite dated in terms of instrumentals etc.

2.5

I liked the first two songs and then this fell off so hard

'We have Prince at home', except this Prince forgot how to be fun OR funky. Recommended for all those who care about great voices and not much else.

This one is as wierd. Prince vibes but also reminded me a lot of early 90s pop. Didn’t love it, probably won’t be back

Most of this was generic 80’s love music which is fine. Then he had a song that had the “rain rain rain go away” rhyme as the chorus and I got mad at this whole album.

Another nobody, doesn't connect Wishing well Dance little sister

- It gives a very sterile/packaged feeling, which is annoying given his soulful voice. Basically, they somehow made a soulful Black man sound like he is singing basic White af music. - The songs bored me - I didn't find anything interesting in them. The instrumentation is your basic 80s random percussion and jangly or honking/horn sounding (I have no idea what effect does that) keys. - Wishing Well and Sign Your Name are jams, for sure, and they were everywhere when I was a kid. - I won't go back to this album, and it doesn't deserve to be on this list. - Reading about how TTD, now Sananda Maltreya after breaking down when he was humiliated about flopping and reinventing himself, kept grandstanding, saying this was the best album in the world makes me like it even less. Delusional narcissism much? This is just so bland.

This is platonic ideal of 80s production. I struggle with the mad tropes in this- the punchy snares, the keyboard, the MJ-style vocals, the cheesy lyrics. This is doing things to soul I do not like. The vocals are really good and I can't help but thinking if this was a different genre it would be so much better

This guy can really sing. A bit like Sade, it's soft-pop smoochers for middle-of-the-road 80s shaggers. But I got a wee kick of nostalgia from a few tracks, like Sign Your Name.

I appreciate a conscious soul record. 80s nostalgia has a way with me at times but this was just Unremarkable.

Very 80s. Some good singles

2/5

For an 80s album it was fine. Prince-like vibe.

He has a great voice but I hate the sound of this record

I need more than just Wishing Well to keep me interested

These songs sound like the kinds you hear during the credits of a 90s movie. Not for me, but not bad.

Three very evocative 80's bangers (Wishing Well / If you let me stay / Sign your name) which take me right back to the glories of Now Thats what I call Music compilations and the Sunday Chart show. He's got a great voice but I didn't particularly care for the songs then and I care even less now. Rest of album of pretty lite 80's plastic soul.

Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D'Aarby This is definitely a bit of a mixed bag, he’s got a great voice of course, capable of both soulful tenderness and soulful grittiness, but the song quality is a bit patchy and it loses its way a bit in the middle. Sign my Name is a great late 80s soulful pop song, and the retro soul of the excellent If You Let Me Stay (love the organ) and the quirky synth of the great Wishing Well are very enjoyable. If You All Get to Heaven also has a nice drama to it. As Yet Untitled’s solemn acapella is great as well. Those more upbeat retro-soul-pop-driven tracks do seem to work better, when it is more funk driven, like I’ll Never Turn My Back on You, and when he goes OTT with the James Brownisms on Dance Little Sister, or gets a bit overwrought on the cover of Who’s Loving You it feels less successful. And in between it’s mainly pleasant if largely generic late 80s soul - Seven More Days, Let’s Go Forward and Rain are nice enough, but hard to recall. Granted the piano can often sound uber 80s, particularly on I’ll Never Turn My Back, but I think the 80s-ness of the production, particularly the songs Martyn Ware is involved with, is actually a plus point here, especially on Wishing Well and If You Let Me Stay, the latter fitting right alongside Aretha & George and Annie Lennox & Al Green in that nice little genre of 80sified retro soul. Although I enjoyed the good tracks I’m not sure there’s enough to come back to, so I’ll go a high 2. 📉📉 Playlist submission: If You Let Me Stay

Another one that's just not my cup of tea.

I wanted to like this a lot more than I did. I remember thinking D’Arby was mythically special when I was younger. This was not that good.

I really just don't care for this at all. Just kinda whatever soul that is not really that inspired

There's talent here, but I got bored. Real bored.

diet mj

"Wishing Well" is still a great song, but there's a reason I'd never heard anything else by him.

Does nothing for me. Gave up on it.

Not for me

Not in the mood.

It was an alright listen, probably not something I'd come back to. But I did love the cover of Who's Lovin' You.

Some day, maybe with professional help, I may get to the bottom of my strong aversion to 80's pop music. For now, I will acknowledge and respect this intense emotional reaction, without quite understanding it. I tried to maintain an open mind listening to this, but I actually find in doing so I am more irritated by it. Something about the "over singing" layered on-top of the super cheesy 80's drum sounds, paired with the general bravado that the artist truly believed with is one of the greatest albums of all time.... To each their own, I don't want to yuck anyone else's yum, but this album is very much not my taste in music.

Slick Michael Jackson-ish soul with big 80s production and mechanical drums. A bit reminiscent of the Eurythmics. To me, it's as dull as dishwater.

Even if it was really well done, I wouldn't enjoy this much, as it's just not my sort of music. Also the 80s production is hard to ignore, making itself known by its sheer awfulness. I was surprised how many songs I knew from this album, but none of them were ones I looked back on fondly. Terence seems like a mix between Michael Jackson and Prince in places, but fails to excel. I'm going with two stars, slightly stingy, as much of it is workable, but it doesn't feel worthy of a full three stars from me.

Finger snapping, toe tapping, knee slapping music. Perfectly tolerable but not too memorable.

I think the '80s production is doing a lot to carry songs without much of a tune. The vocals aren't impressing me too much either. Perhaps it's a little reductive to say, but if I want music like this but much better, I'm listening to Michael Jackson or Prince.

I didn’t particularly enjoy the music, and I find this guy to be quite eccentric based on his Wikipedia article. I don’t trust him.

Terence Trent D'arby is one of those names I know, but I had no idea who it was. The Wikipedia review suggests this is a cultural moment I should be aware of. I think I only recognised "sign your name" and my feelings on that match the rest of the album. Man this is boring. Its not in a space I enjoy musically, it just happens and then it ends, my brain goes, oh good that's ended I can put on something good now. I'm somewhat baffled it was so popular. Ah well.

*Introducing the Hardline* sounds like a polished artifact from the late ’80s: slick, funky, but weightless without ever feeling urgent or dangerous. Sananda Maitreya’s voice does the heavy lifting— turning weak songs into memorable moments. Some tracks feel oddly familiar, triggering hazy childhood memories of standing in front of the radio. In another universe, this album might have launched a new Michael Jackson. Instead, it lands as stylish but disposable ’80s pop: pleasant, nostalgic, and ultimately easy to forget.

Generic 80s. Made me think of a Temu Michael Jackson. Not worthy of this list.

It just seems like Mr. D'Arcy or Maitreya or whatever his name is now (Hey! It's like Prince.) heard Michael Jackson & Prince & said: "I can do that." With varying degrees of success. I hope he evolved beyond being poor man's MJ or Prince because his voice is good & it just sounds like poppy 80s soul. 2.5

I had honestly forgotten that this album ever existed. I remember when this came out to a lot of fanfare. He was going to be the next big thing but that never happened and the general underwhelming music on this album is why. Wishing Well is a nice song and Dance Little Sister is good but the rest of it is just kind of there. Underwhelming in the mid 80s and now it's just a faded memory

sounds very 80’s, a little dated

Sounds like the 80's

Not an introduction I was seeking-out.

Great soulful voice with polished production. Diet Michael Jackson on the mic.

A derivative, and generally uninteresting album. He sings way too high in the register which makes his voice sound at the breaking point much if the time. Most of the songs sound like bad Michael Jackson/Jackson 5 covers (horn sections and all). The slower ballads also weren't amazing, other than Sign Your Name which is a bop. If he had gone in more of a Sade direction with this I think it'd have been more successful. 2/5

his voice is nice but i'm really bored, got nothing else to say honestly. Highlights: Seven More Days, Rain, Who's Loving You ???

Holy 80s

eh

80s R&B based pop in the style (if not the achievement) of Michael Jackson, this record has some clear highlights - mostly the overplayed hits such as "Wishing Well" and "Sign Your Name". The album tracks are a bit uneven, and the production throughout is extremely dated. Overall, it comes across as a record that doesn't successfully transcend where it came from, and as such remains an occasionally interesting and modestly engaging curio from the period.

i liked the first track, but it was just kinda downhill from there. nearly everything after that was pretty boring, nothing incredibly interesting to me and the songs felt way longer than they had to be despite none of them actually being very long, if that makes sense. i did like 2 songs though so it's not horrible by any means

Very much drawing inspiration from the King of Pop. Horn lines are delectable but I feel there is a sense of loss - too much trying to be the king of pop and individualistic character is removed from the pieces. Just looked it up - released in 1987 so perhaps not so much an influence but a direct competitor to Michael Jackson himself. Not sure how to feel about this album - the cohesiveness I feel is all over the place and nothing stands out to me specifically as Terence - but a tenor imitation of Jackson. To play in the shadows of a king is suffocating.

Something about this album just didn't sit right with me. I feel like the production on the instruments could have been a little smoother. I also don't think D'Arby has the best voice; it's not bad at all, but there were moments where I was questioning it. Idk, the album was a bit all over the place. A true rating would be 2.5, but I gotta round down cause most of the albums I've rated a 3 are better than this.

Did not enjoy this one. Whole thing felt cheesy. It's trying so hard to be catchy and it's absolutely not. Singing style isn't my favorite either. L

The easiest 2 I've ever given.

It's certainly of its era. The production is good and there are elements I like, but it doesn't do a great deal for me.

He is obviously a talented singer and songwriter but the layers and layers of dated 1980s production make this album almost unlistenable. All I could think of how bad it sounds instead of the songs, the music themselves. This is a really generous 2 stars because otherwise I would rather give it 1 star.

2,5

wishing well is the best prince song of 1987…other than every song on sign o' the times.

I definitely appreciate the Prince vibes, and he has a wonderful voice. All that said, can't see myself coming back to this one much. Favorite track: Who's Loving You

Man th 80s

Meh. Very indifferent, sounds like any other late 80s/esrly 90s R&B record.

Blind album and artist. Gave off Michael Jackson vibes but the album wasnt as strong. Walmart Michael jackson.

This felt so much longer than 47 minutes. Absolutely not a fan of the 80’s production.

Holy 80s! This is not soul, and it is not rock. It is 80s pop. And that's okay! Except actually it's not. Damn, I don't like this music. He has a nice voice and there are certainly some hits here, but woof man, this was a pretty lackluster listen. Fave tracks: - If You Let Me Stay - Wishing Well - Dance Little Sister - Seven More Days - As Yet Untitled

Dude recorded the “rain rain go away” song. But sign your name is a bop

Never knew this guy sang wishing well. Nice first album

A core staple of 90s jazz ballet teachers....no doubt

Reminded me of other artists at times, not least Prince on tracks like Wishing Well. But overall left me pretty cold.

Not for me

I don't know what to think of this so I'm giving it 2

This is very Steve Winwood-coded. Some good tunes on here, lots of slappa da bayaass, some shite too though.

Nothing really wrong with this album. Good voice, great melodies. It's just low key boring.

Pound shop prince.

So a couple of hits buried within an over hyped and overplayed 80s album is enough to make the list? I don't think so. At best this is a historical footnote to the 80s.

Afrobeat funk and soul album that is a solid debut from an artist I am not familiar with. Some good tracks on this, but not quite special. Also someone I just found out shares a birthday with me.

Whatever

Budget Michael Jackson. Couple of decent tracks but nothing outstanding. 5/10

I have mixed feelings about this one.  Wishing Well is a great song and Sign Your Name is ok, but the rest is a bit bland for me.  I hear too much 80s electronic drums/drum machine and synth bass to be taken too seriously. Liked Songs Added Wishing Well

His debut album. Rock / Soul. This is plastic 80s music with awful production. D'Arby has a good voice but everything else on this album is not so good. Of the one hundred and sixty seven albums I've listened to so far, the track Rain is a low point. Sign Your Name is the best track but everything else is meh.

I k ow people who love this album. Im not one of them but it's good enough. Better than i could so

It's a very typical 80s album, what more can I say. Wishing Well is a great song though, I found it to be really catchy.

I recall Sign Your Name as a staple of the 1980s, and I think it holds up pretty well. Seven More Days, I think, is the most interesting track here, though I’m not sure I like it, exactly. Terence Trent D’Arby/Sananda Maitreya has a beautiful voice, but overall the album is boring.

Unfortunately I couldn’t quite get into this. Clearly a good singer but this is very 80s in a way that didn’t work for me

Today’s album does very little for me, but isn’t bad as such, it’s getting some kind of 2 from me though

Liked a few tracks but wasn't that into it. Wishing Well slaps

Pathetic that he thinks he makes better music than the Beatles.

Being an american-born musician and going to the UK to find success is an indication of the quality of music. Four songs in, I was hoping I was eight songs in so I'd be more than halfway through. It sounds like Foreigner, put Michael Jackson out as front man and they were tasked with making elevator music. 1.8 outta 5

I can understand why this album probably made an impact back in the 80s, but I personally think it aged horribly. It’s basically soul and contemporary R&B with that cliché 80s sophistipop feel. The production and style just scream “product of its time,” and not in a good way. Overall, this just isn’t for me, and I don’t see myself ever coming back to it.

The only actively good song on this album was the last one, but then you realise that is was originally a Jackson 5 song and it all sort of makes sense why you like that one so much…

Well… lots of thoughts. I’m mostly glad I can pinpoint where some of Twin Shadow’s slow jams came from.

1.5 stars Forgettable. It was like off brand Prince. It wasn’t terrible. But I just didn’t care.

If You Let Me Stay Wishing Well Sign Your Name

Okay

Just didn’t perk my ears, weird sounds

Please, no more. 2 cause I guess this appeals to some people and it's not outright shiz, just can't stomach it.

First song really drew me in, loved the drum machined high hats especially, such a refreshing contrast to the the otherwise folkish/blues to open. But then... What's happening here?? So many of these songs feel crowded (derogatory), the lyrics feel shallow/perfunctory ("let's go forward with our love"???), and while TTD has pipes, I remained unconvinced that he has power behind his voice. Compositions feel repetitive, and while they're not doubt fun to play and jam on, but they just are NOT ENOUGH to carry it forward. Without any sort of X-factor to guide this, it really leaves me scratching my head as to what all the fuss is about.

Pretty dated, cheesy lyrics and overproduced. Seems to be a lot of these albums on here so far. Running out of things to say about them

Pretty typical 80s pop. Not bad but not my thing.

Not my thing

Wishing Well is strong, however the rest of the album doesn't live up to that track.

This was pleasant. I feel like that’s all I have to really say honestly, not much more. It was relaxing but I kind of lost interest?

The Prince comparison seemed embarrassingly transparent from the start so get that out of the way immediately. I bought this record based off of "Wishing Well" even though that little flute riff annoyed me (and still does), but it is still a damn catchy song. But the album overall comes off as more than a bit cheesy - I can't remember if I felt that way back then but "get up outta your rocking chair grandma!" followed by some very 80s dated keys isn't aging well. What does age well is his voice - more Teddy Pendergrass than the aforementioned artist - and that alone might be what makes this worth one listen at least, but that's enough. I'm probably too hard on the dated aspect of it - nearly everything from c1984-1989 has/had "new" keyboard sounds for the time that sound like ass now - but it's real and it's not spectacular. TL;DR: It's fine for a few songs' worth, but not anything close to the entire album. Honestly kinda disappointing after all these years. 5/10 2 stars.

This is not at all my thing...

Fav songs: Sign Your Name; Wishing Well My whole life I thought TTD was British. I stand corrected on that fact. As for the album, it is full mostly of pretty conventional soul. 'Sign Your Name' recalls Prince the most with its stripped down production, especially when compared with a lot of the songs on this album. More of this. His vocal talent is obvious. I think he should have long term been paired with a strong producer/songwriter who could provide more direction.

This was an interesting album, could see myself listening to it again on a chill day

Meh. Nice, but not something I'll think of again any time soon.

I didn’t think I knew of this artist’s music at all. Then “Sign your Name” came on and I was transported back to the orthodontist’s office, having my braces tightened to the adult contemporary sounds of K-OST 103.5.

This didn’t age at all well. It’s vey 80s, with all that synth, and over production. I like his voice, but I can’t help feeling it wouldn’t sound so good in a live setting. This is not my kind of music, and it sounds very dated.

Didnt fuck with it, boring

Not good

Ich kann mich noch gut an den Einschlag des Albums erinnern. Einige feierten schon den neuen Prince. Irgendwas muss dazwischen gekommen sein.

boring

I was hoping to rediscover an album I recalled being popular for reasons I didn't understand at the time. Alas, no rediscovery.

liked songs: As Yet Untitled (I think?) Some stuff to like here, but I didn't love it. It felt like it was trying very hard but didn't execute well. 2.25

God that sucked. I guess I missed that one when it charted in the 80s because nothing on that album was vaguely familiar.

No thanks

Music built around a voice that's almost, but not quite, good enough to carry it. Sign Your Name is a stand-out single because it's the only song that understands Terence's/Sandana's appeal. Belting passionately, he sounds weak - give him a song that focuses on being tender, layer up the harmonies, and that weakness becomes a strength.

A couple of catchy moments but I like my pop with a little more punch

Fine, but not my thing.

“Mom, can we stop and get Michael Jackson?” “No, we have Michael Jackson at home.”

I haven't heard anything from this album since I was a kid (I remember my mom played this album a lot). I was hoping it was going to be good in a nostalgic way, but aside from the single Wishing Well, there wasn't any nostalgia and it really didn't do anything for me. Not a style I'm into, so not going to be listening to this again anytime soon. 2/5

I didn't really care for this. It reminded me of Prince but more boring, and I already don't really care for Prince? I dunno, I don't get how this sold 3 mil records in 3 days. 2/5

Bleh

Really wish I connected more with this album. Great vocal performance, but less than interesting songs make a surprising amount of this album forgettable. Good moments, but inconsistent. Top tracks: Dance Little Sister, Who's Loving You

Not my style bruv

You know what? I’ll pass.

Not a fan of 1980s compressed pop. Last 2 songs in other genres are good.

LW

Fine and totally harmless pop record. I would have liked to call it Prince from Temu, but it wasn't actually that bad. That being said, I don't remember any of it a few days later.

I imagine when this came out it sounded cutting edge, but now it just sounds very dated. Production is so of it’s time - overtly 80s percussion, treble-y bass tone and his voice, though no doubt is talented, just somehow grates on me. Album gets very same-y after a while too. Though i liked and recognised Sign Your Name, it wasn’t enough to save the album. 1.5/5

Never really got why this was a big thing in the 80s.

Ehdin jo vähän innostua tokan biisin kasariafroilusta, mutta kokonaisuudessaan levy jää jumiin genrensä, no, kornimpaan ilmaisuun. Seuraavan kerran innostukseni osoitti merkkejä itsestään viimeisen kappaleen paluussa Sam Cooken universumiin.

Very 80s. I liked Wishing Well and remember the video but probably wouldn't listen to the full album again.

2.2 1x not a fan of 80s but not awful

Ok

What is this?

2 decent tracks but not my thing

"Wishing Well" is cool, and "As Yet Untitled" actually kind of blew me away. There are a few other elements here and there that I like fine enough, too, but overall, this just isn't a sound I dig very much. He also cribs a bit too much from Prince and MJ for my liking - two artists I'm not big on anyway, but I respect their singularity. 2.5/5

Wishing Well is cool but mostly not my scene

A couple of bangers here but wow the rest of the album is just filled with crap songs. Disappointed

2.5

Not for me

2/5

Budget mj, wel ok maar niet mn muziek

This has typical late-80s production values - make it chimey, and the bass, while not absent, doesn't sit in the mix at all, so that it might as well be not there at all. Speaking of which: Do you know what's also not there? - The songs. Wishing Well and Sign Your Name were chart toppers in their day, but the rest is derivative and quite forgettable. As is this album. 2/5

The biggest surprise with this was that on searching for 'Terence Trent D'Arby' I was presented with 'Sanansa Maitreya'. Found it quite bizarre that even with a name change post-album, the whole library of music had changed to represent said name change. That aside, this was okay, some recognisable songs from a recognisable voice but not an album I'd feel obliged to listen to again. His voice isn't really for me

I listened to this yesterday and already remember nothing about it. It was just a little too consistent throughout I think so nothing stuck out. If i remember correctly, wishing well was fun. I think if i could have just paid closer attention to the lyrics the whole time it could have been a good experience but it didn’t draw me in.

OK I don't get it. Like there isn't that much to actually get but I don't. I just hear some like movie credits songs and some singer songwriter stuff. And that'd it. I guess I just don't understand this one it should at least be decent to me but I didn't even gel that much. Idk mannnnn

Bit of a snoozer this one. Couple of decent tracks which i gather were the singles, but the production is a bit bland and his voice wasn't stirring much emotion out of me. Doubt i'll return.

Production is solid but this doesn’t click for me

Meh...just a load of meh. 1.5/5

Not really my cup of tea. Too watery.

Not really my jam

Plasticky overproduced 80s soul. Sounds like a one hit wonder artist. Maybe with a more organic arrangement it would have sounded better. That said the second half is slightly better.

This would not have been a quick album to make. Heavy Heavy Heavy production and has not aged well. TTD'A is clearly a talented man, but this is too polished and slick for my punky tastes.

Pretty meh except wishing well

Now I know who Bruno Mars ripped off. Doesnt make it sound any less dated, though. 2/5

Artificial sweetener.

3 hit singles and I vaguely recognise the rest because my sister bought this and played it loads. I never liked it!

Bland 80s nothingness. Last track was pretty good though.

I am preemptively annoyed by this album. OK, fine, the artist changed their name. I still sort of think it should be under the name used when they released the album(*), but ok. But Spotify also changed the name of the album to Introducing the Hardline According to Sananda Maitreya with a release date of 1987. WTF, you don't get to retroactively change the name of the album, that is very much not the name of the album that was released in 1987. This is the mood I'm in going in to listening to this album. It's fine, I'm just in no mood to listen to it today. Sorry Sananda. (*) ok, so discussion item. Elliot Page transitioned during the run of Umbrella Academy. Cool, good for him. But if you go back and watch (watch, not read about or something - they re-edited the video) the earlier season, the credits lists Elliot Page. But that wasn't Elliot Page. I know this is just one of the wonderful things about humans that don't need to fit into my programmer brain, but it seems strange. Kind of want to buy our local librarian a beer and ask questions about a personal right to identity and a societal right to accurate data. Or a slightly abstracted form of that which doesn't involve gender identity, which is in itself not really the point.

Hmm, I don’t really know this artist by either name. Tried to give it a chance but I skipped through this one pretty quickly, I guess it’s not my favorite.

Better than I expected but not great.

Meh. It's an 80's pop album. This guy was a one-hit wonder, and I don't know why he's on the list. There wasn't anything special about the album. His straining to hit higher registers got annoying.

Too poppy for me, but a couple of classic tunes

Two or three catchy tunes. Not much more.

Tries very hard to be Prince. It's a noble ambition but there is only one Prince. As Yet Untitled is a good song but the rest is just filler and the singles don't hit.

Gospel album produced like an 80s pop album. Undeniable vocal talent, very indicative of 80s pop music.

Favorite Track: Who's Loving You

you gotta love that 80s pop production where all the instrumentation sounds like it was recorded in an aluminum shack

Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D’Arby (if that is his real name) Uninspiring. Was hard not to skip tracks. I understand he had some singles off this but it’s all just boring 2

supposedly sounded better before, now the voice sounds like it's being squeezed out. It's still bearable, but one listen is enough.

Its Ok doesnt bother me. Good songs and productionwise it works. Not my type of music but I can hear its a good album overall

3/10 This shit used to put me to sleep at night when I listened to the local R&B station. This and Don't rock the boat baby. I bored myself writing this and am now done. 1-28-2025

stopped listening 4 songs in, not my thing

One hit, too much 80s schlock.

Was not familiar with the artist or the album. After listening, I realized I did not miss much after all these years. Unmemorable.

This just didn't do it for me. Didn't really find the songs too memorable, but his voice is incredible.

It aight

2-3 - Interesting….

My review vanished. I was underwhelmed.

I had real nostalgia for this album. But not as musically or vocally great as I remember.

i couldn't get into this record back then, and i still didn't care for it today. absolutely nothing works for me, but the 80s production really keeps me at a distance.

2.5

Couple good performances- great voice. Dated flat album.

Sorry, but this does not do much for me. He sounds like a worse and more boring Prince. 2.5 stars

I've only ever heard "Wishing Well" and "Sign Your Name", and that's with good reason I suppose. The rest is pretty mid 80s R&B. 2.5 stars.

No hardline as such, this is album is squishier than the squishiest clean up on aisle 3. Perhaps more like The Flatline. Super rancid 80s hospital. radio squared with supermarket radio featuring soggy, boring grooves all played by a singer who seem like a bland smush between Prince, MJ and Stevie Wonder. I’m normally a big sucker for 80s pop and RnB but this was way too iffy and derivative.

Feels like such a waste of time to even put effort into this. Trying to type this album name made me take up smoking again 4/10 Fav tracks - If you all get to Heaven

I could have gone without hearing this.

Just didn’t really do anything for me

Fairly cringy. 80s - world - R&B. Like a cringe vortex

Modern/80s soul by great vocalist but only 2 or 3 great tunes

Terence Trent d'A was big when I was in secondary school and I found him OK, no more. I recall reading an interview where he seemed quite full of himself, proclaiming he was the new Michael Jackson and Prince combined I think. He said it was something to do with his name. He must have changed his mind then because he now goes by a different name. Anyway, what do I feel about the music? Not much. It's OK but a bit "meh". Some songs have nice arrangements and his high pitched gritty voice is good. It has soul and funk in it but it's mostly just quite commercial sounding pop. It also feels a bit dated and I can't see why I'd listen to this again. Could have been a 3 on a very good day but I'll go for a 2.

He seems to have a great voice but this was just really not for me.

This album was alright I guess. He obviously has a great voice but the style of music just isn't for me.

It's just not my cuppa tea. I quite liked some of it but on the whole not for me.

I think Michael Jackson just ripped this dude off. Fave: As Yet Untitled

I didn't really think the hype was justified.

2.18

His sound really encapsulates the 80s. I don't think this is super easy listening.

These people from the East Midlands swear a lot

I liked it at the start but quickly turned pretty stale. Nice sounding voice and music but just nothing that particularly made it stand out to me. Rating: 2.5

Now That’s What I Call music that would be blaring over the speakers while you’re overstimulated in a Dillards dressing room “GET UP OUT OF THAT ROCKING CHAIR GRANDMA … or rather … would you care to dance grandmother?” this is the first artist i haven’t known so that was exciting

Good vocals I guess, but super 80s in the worst possible ways? 2.2 stars

Didn’t love it. Too nondescript.

Introducing the Hairline Torn between 2 and 3. Obviously impressive vocals. Nice production. Very 80s R&B

For as much as this guy said he made the best album ever recorded, I have to say that I am a little disappointed. That might not be the right word, underwhelmed might be better. First, this album just screams 80s pop and to me that alone disqualifies it from being called the best album ever. I get the comparisons to Prince but there really is no comparison there, this guy will never be Prince. I listened to this whole album and don't think I added any of the songs to my liked songs on Spotify. I didn't dislike any of it really, just nothing stood out. I would be interested to hear more from him, but I suspect he kind of got stuck making the same record over and over. It's fine, middle of the road for the genre. 2.25/5

Classic 80s production. Wannabe prince/stevie wonder vibes. Pretty solid fun songs but it's lacking some character

I generally love 80s pop music, and I was aware of his one hit wonder status as someone shunned for thinking so highly of himself and his excellent voice, so I was prepared to really enjoy this album. I did not. It's a one hit wonder for a reason, and jealousy wasn't it.

Terence Trent D'Arby (or Sananda Maitreya, as he's now known) was clearly influenced by just about every big 80s act. In this album, I can hear Prince, Michael Jackson, 80s Bowie, Genesis, Michael Jackson, and more. The cynical part of me hears this as a record label executive's attempt to capitalize on the popularity of others. I can certainly see talent agents courting him for that reason. Having said that, it has its charm, despite falling well short of the greats. This album obviously hasn't stood the test of time very well, although it's certainly not the cheesiest 80s album out there. There's a handful of decent songs here, including 'Rain', 'Wishing Well', and 'Seven More Days'. The rest is fairly forgettable and not that interesting. The album has been considered as a soundtrack to 80s prosperity, although I don't know that the image of a Wall Street banker dancing to it makes it any cooler.

I remember saving up to buy this cassette, cause there was so much buzz at the time. Was so disappointed when I finally got to hear it. Was hoping to find something this time around. Disappointed again. 2/5

Introducing The Hard Truth According To Blake Matson Becker: This Shit Sucks, Terence.

Instrumentation 5 stars vocals 1

Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby - Terence Trent D'Arby (1987) Não Não obrigado. Melhores músicas: Piores musicas: 2/5

This is so 80s I can’t.

Just nothing on here was interesting. Overall bland

Some enjoyable tracks here but the project is predicated on being an one-man anthem and there is not enough soul here to counteract the impersonal production.

Can't stand this bland commercial type of R&B. The guy is clearly talented, but I really don't see how he found himself on this list.

I have a hard time with contemporary R&B and pop soul straight out of an 80s production. Too cheesy and gentle for me, sorry.

Clearly made by talented artists, D'Arby has great energy, but it sounds too much like the 80s

He certainly had his 15 minutes of fame in the 80's with this album. Wasn't a fan at the time and honestly still not. It's just heavily borrowed 60's R&B with dated 80's production.

What am I missing? Because this sounds like a thousand other records. Everything here has been done before and better. Much is dated sounding 80’s R&B. And stop it with the Prince comparisons.

Nothing here for me. Didn't like or connect with the music, and didn't find much here that hasn't been done by others, better.

I didn't really dig this. The rest of my listening group liked it more than I did. I found it kind of insufferable actually - I was just bored and tuning out immediately and a few times cringing.... not my thing.

He has a nice voice. Their is talent on display here. It's just not a style of music I'm into.

Idc

Like a lot of albums here- this isn’t my thing. Not sad I listened to it -but not likely to ever do so again.

Arrived with one of the cockiest promotional campaigns in music history when he declared it "the most important album since Sgt. Pepper’s". Did I miss something?

I read people’s reviews and felt interested in revisiting this album. I’m certain I was not focused on this in 1987. Probably more on rap and what not. Found album very locked in the 80’s and just not particularly catchy or engaging. I don’t see why it’s on this list honestly.

Wishing Well and various inferior songs that are moderately catchy.

It's got those songs! Sure, Wishing Well and Sign Your Name were big when Top 40 was big, but it's so bad today. This guy isn't even Terence Trent D'Arby anymore, he's changed his name, probably in hopes to distance himself from his 80's music.

Well that’s a super familiar album cover. But not a super familiar album. Why do I know this picture? Is it just from looking through the 1001? It's a great photo. Conveys a lot very simply. And it’s the best part of the album. The rest is easily forgettable Michael Jackson and Prince knock-offs. That, combined with the cover and the fact that the album is attributed to Sananda Maitreya got me quite curious. Which wound up leading me to this article from The Guardian from 2017 - https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/oct/05/why-terence-trent-darby-became-sananda-maitreya-it-was-that-or-death. I can’t do justice to Terence Trent D’Arby (or Sananda Maitreya). You’ll just have to read it for yourself.

The guy has some pipes but the songs weren’t that good imo. Just not my favorite type of music

My review was initially going to be "Michael Jackson for the people who can't forgive MJ for having once been black." I later realized that this guy is also black and that the album didn't sound like Michael Jackson at all past the first half. Still didn't like it, but that would've been a colossally incorrect review had I not came to my senses

Not for me

Groaned when I saw this, halfway through, to be fair it's more enjoyable than I was expecting, but it's not going into rotation! Sign Your Name is annoying, Wishing Well is catchy alright. Terence (or Sananda, or whatever) can sing alright, but I don't want to listen to it thanks, I wanted it to end 15 minutes before it did.

It's good, but an entire album of music like this is not for me. I'd much rather these kinds of songs just mixed in with general listening.

I liked Wishing Well.

Mmm ok? Siento que el disco me regañó por no escucharlo brincando en la calle

I was still in Trinidad when I first heard Wishing Well. A catchy and interesting song with a cool lick that is memorable. I also remember Sign Your Name. I always thought he was just sort of a one or two hit wonder though. It's one of the those albums where upon listening to it I thought, 'ohhh so this is the other stuff he was doing in addition to the singles'. I am not sure I really see very much that is ground breaking or particularly special on this album. Terrence does have a really good voice though and a lot of control to do some of the vocal runs that he does on some of the songs. I could see how their might be a bit of a Michael Jackson comparison. The Darbs has a bit deeper of a tone of voice than MJ but similar vocal stylings...which really could just stem from James Brown,.who was a big influence on MJ, even though he was apparently very guarded about telling who is influences were. TTD even covers Who's Loving You, which MJ also did as a child. Good voice but the rest of the album didn't particularly grab me.

Meh

80s pop, sounds a bit like Prince. Knew quite a few songs already. Won't be listening again

Lovely timing to get this album the day after Terrence Trent D’Arby and the rest of the England squad make it to the Euros final.

Not for me. 2/5

Good start, but sadly declined fast. 2/5

Wishing Well is nostalgic and kinda fun, but there's just not much else going on in this album.

This is really TOO 80s for me

Not bad. Definitely some good rhythm and vocals but not my typical go to.

This one never really grabbed me. It’s okay I suppose tho. Fav Song: Wishing Well.

Mediocre album. Reading about this album was a bit wild as D'Arby said it was the most important album since SPLHCB. He's talented, but this is just 80s funk-pop, which I don't really care for. He's doing a bit of a Prince/MJ/etc. thing. **

wish.com version of Michael Jackson

Not a sound I enjoy.

Best Song: I'll Never Turn My Back On You. I liked the staccato delivery. Worst Song: Dance Little Sister. The Michael Jackson impersonation trying its hardest (and failing) here. Overall: This feels a bit like a poor man's Michael Jackson. It wasn't altogether unpleasant, but I also don't know when or why I would return to it. It's also full of a lot of really 80s production choices, that just sound a bit annoying now.

On the one hand, TTD is very talented, and knows how to compose a bop. On the other hand, the overly formulaic approach he takes wrings all the soul out of his songs. At the end of the day, I'ma sleep on this one.

Gear: Meze 109 PRO Artwork: Als Thaddäus das Maximum seiner Schönheit erreicht hat, wird im Hintergrund das Intro zu der Arie „Votre toast, je peux vous le rendre“ aus Bizets Oper "Carmen" eingespielt. Mix: "Dat soll Rio sein? Dat han isch mir größer vorgestellt!" Musik: "Haben Sie manchmal Déjà-vus?" - "Ich glaube nicht, aber ich könnte ja in der Küche nachfragen." Wertung: 🪃🪃/5

3.5/10

Could have died without listening to this album