Rocktrospectiva: The Eclectic "Don't Explain" Turns 35

Released on 5 November 1990 "Don't Explain" was the tenth solo studio album by English singer Robert Palmer. During the course of its 18 tracks, Palmer displays rock, R&B, jazz and reggae influences. Several classic songs are covered, as well. The album peaked at number 9 in the UK and number 88 in the US. The album spawned the singles: "I'll Be Yout Baby Tonight", "You're Amazing", "Mercy Mercy Me/I Want You", "Happiness", "Dreams To Remember".  

"Don't Explain" was a remarkable album cause it propelled Palmer's huge versatility and skill to mixed genres in a masterful way, this album reafirmed his aura as one of the most innovating artists of his generation, on this record, Palmer explored and reinvented rock, jazz, blues and even pop music, in order to gave the listener an eclectic tour due its rich combination of sound from the ballads to catchy songs performed with sophistication, this was possible thanks in huge part, that Palmer joined with skilled musicians and cutting-edge producer that gave this sort of sound.

The album had not only original tunes but several covers such as “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight” a Bob Dylan cover and performed alongside with the legendary English band UB40, another cool cover was Marvin Gaye's "Mercy Mercy Me", which was actually a mash-up with anothe tune called "I Want You" this was one of the most succesful songs on the record, also remarkable was “People Will Say We’re in Love”  from the musical Oklahoma! that proved Palmer skills to turned different pieces into a more contemporary sound.

Original tunes by Palmer were "Happiness" and "Light Years" with cool lyrics and evolving rhythms by mixing rock and jazz depth elements, Palmer again explored love and nostalgia subjects with a mature perspective, "Don't Explain" was a reinterpretation of Billie Holiday's tune, and again proved Palmer jazzy style with so much precision. 

Critics were mixed, some praised "Don't Explain" due its bold combination of genres and its deep focus, despite it wasn't a smash hit like "Riptide" for instance, the album has grown in a remarkable way, becoming a favourite for many fans nowadays, also, it was a landmark on Palmer's career by consolidated his legacy as a bold and chameleon artist, also well-apreciated  for jazz, soul and pop rock lovers cause it had high-quality tunes. But despite the album had certainly pleasant and smooth interpretations, for some, Palmer's understated vocals don't fully convey the emotional depths of the lyrics, also others called the album failed as a whole cause it lacked onf cohesion and consistency, but the listener has the last word. 

 

Don't Explain Track List: 

 

1. Your Mother Should Have Told You

2. Light-Years

3. You Can't Get Enough Of A Good Thing

4. You're Amazing

5. Mess Around

6. Happiness

7. History

8. I'll Be Your Baby Tonight

9. Housework

11. Mercy Mercy Me/I Want You

12. Don't Explain

13. Aeroplane

14. People Will Say We're In Love

15. Not A Word

16. Top 40

17. You're So Desirable

18. You're My Thrill