Robert Palmer on DeBaser: reviews, quotes, and essential works

Robert Palmer

Musician

Forfans of 70s/80s rock and soul, new wave explorers, and mtv-era nostalgics.
5 Reviews 1 Definitions 2 Charts

The Profile

British singer and songwriter (1949–2003) known for blue‑eyed soul, rock and new wave. After early stints in Dada and Vinegar Joe, he launched a solo career in 1974 and later joined the Power Station. Hits include Addicted to Love and Johnny and Mary; albums span reggae/soul‑inflected 70s sets to the electronic‑leaning Clues and Pride.

Explored electronics on Clues and Pride; collaborated with Gary Numan and Chris Frantz; sang in Urdu on The Silver Gun (Pride); achieved MTV heavy rotation with Addicted to Love; early path through Dada and Vinegar Joe; recognized as a leading blue‑eyed soul interpreter in the 1970s.

British singer blending blue-eyed soul, rock, reggae, and new wave. Reviews revisit 70s albums (Pressure Drop, Double Fun), the electronic pivot Clues, the exploratory Pride, and the hit Addicted to Love. Noted collaborations include Gary Numan and Chris Frantz, with an MTV breakthrough in the mid-80s. Emphasis on versatility and genre-hopping throughout his career.

Notable Quotes

❝ In 1985, the young MTV audience discovers for the first time the power and charisma of a little British guy who has long since earned his place in rock history.

❝ You can start with the last track, the very unique “The Silver Gun”, where Palmer sings in Urdu, an Indo-European language, over a very sophisticated and ethereal electronic melody which is enhanced by a precious sitar contribution.