Rocktrospectiva: The Mellow And Charming "Curiosity" Turns 40

Originally released in August 1986 although some specific US/International editions were rolled out around September 1986, Regina Richardson solo debut studio album "Curiosity" just turned 40, the album is considered Regina's most succesful studio album in her career so far, spawning the singles "Baby Love", "Say Goodbye", "Head On" & "Beat Of Love." 

Oftenly and unfairly compared to Madonna due startling vocal similarity on her debut solo LP resonated through the industry upon its release and perhaps this became the overriding factor in its short-lived popularity. Her first single, "Baby Love," was the main culprit. Co-written by Regina with producer Stephen Bray and Mary Kessler, "Baby Love" was originally intended for Madonna, who did cut a demo of the song, but scrapped it. One can only speculate on the subsequent circumstances; but Bray, who co-wrote much of Madonna's wildly successful Like a Virgin, ended up producing the track for Regina, and it became a Top Ten pop hit. While Regina here undeniably employs the chirpy tone and coquettish nuances Madonna had become known for, a few listens to Curiosity demonstrate who the better vocalist of the two is. 

Despite the comparison and popular beliefs back then, Regina was not a start-up. She was actually on record before Madonna, fronting the band Regina Richards & Red Hot on an obscure A&M album in 1981; the next year releasing the independent solo single, "Deep Dreaming." While Curiosity is much different than the "Head On" pop/rock sound she established with her earlier material, her songwriting and vocal abilities are perfectly intact here. 

Unfortunately, the strong attempt to write and sing Madonna-esque songs detracted back then even when not all of the cuts of this record had this syndrome, proving the singer was more substantial in both areas than the so called Madonna. The standouts were the riveting R&B/rock fusion "Sentimental Love"; especially due to its playful lyrics; and the light, Motown-esque soul groove of "Just Like You." On these cuts, Regina sounded spirited and the arrangements were vibrant. Additionally, "Love Time" and "Bring Me All Your Love" did a good job of meshing pop/dance radio trends with jazzy R&B shades. The other single releases "Beat of Love," "Head On," and "Say Goodbye" unfortunately for her, only continued the soundalike Madonna's concept, and Regina became a one-hit act. 

She eventually would  released one more single for Atlantic in 1988, "Extraordinary Love," as well as "Track You Down" on the small Centurion in 1990 from a "forthcoming" album entitled Best Kept Secret was promoted and that was it, but at least, she left this nice and interesting record.

 

Curiosity Track List: 

 

1. Sentimental Love

2. Beat Of Love

3. Say Goodbye

4. Baby Love

5. Head On

6. Love Time

7. Bring Me All Your Love

8. Curiosity

9. Just Like You