Addictions: Volume II cover

Addictions: Volume II

Robert Palmer

60 min · 15 tracks · rock music

A vibrant blend of rock, funk, and soul that showcases Robert Palmer's versatile vocal prowess and eclectic musicality.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Remember to Remember Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Every Kinda People — This track stands out for its uplifting message about embracing diversity and its infectious melody, which helped it become a staple in Palmer's discography.
  • →
    I Didn't Mean to Turn You On — The song's sultry groove and compelling lyrics encapsulate Palmer's signature style, showcasing his ability to blend sensuality with rock influences.
  • →
    Can We Still Be Friends — This cover reflects Palmer's emotional vocal delivery and adds a layer of introspection, making it a poignant moment on the album that resonates with themes of love and loss.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Palmer's vocal range and blends genres but lacks strong cohesion across its length.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a consistent groove, followed by several tracks that incorporate funk elements and layered instrumentation.
  • The last three tracks slow down the tempo, creating a reflective mood that contrasts with the earlier upbeat songs.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo groove throughout
  • smooth vocals for relaxing moments
  • for social gatherings
  • catchy melodies for sing-alongs
  • nostalgic vibes with rhythmic flair

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced, high-energy tracks
  • seek experimental or avant-garde sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Reestablished Palmer's presence with hits, notably 'Every Kinda People', enhancing his recognition.
Career context
Released in 1985, 'Addictions: Volume II' marks Robert Palmer's return to the music scene after a brief hiatus following the success of 'Riptide' in 1985. The album features a collection of his hits and showcases his ability to seamlessly fuse genres, solidifying his status as an innovative artist during the peak of his career.
Stylistic neighbors
David Bowie· Duran Duran· Steely Dan

Tracklist

  • 1 Remember to Remember Start here 4:13
  • 2 Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley 4:44
  • 3 Maybe It’s You 4:04
  • 4 You Are in My System 5:00
  • 5 I Didn’t Mean to Turn You On 3:36
  • 6 Can We Still Be Friends 3:39
  • 7 Man Smart, Woman Smarter 3:01
  • 8 Too Good to Be True 2:56
  • 9 Every Kinda People 3:47
  • 10 She Makes My Day 4:21
  • 11 Best of Both Worlds 4:10
  • 12 Give Me an Inch 3:01
  • 13 You’re Gonna Get What’s Coming 3:58
  • 14 I Dream of Wires 4:33
  • 15 The Silver Gun 5:01

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata