What does Groove approved sound like?

A smooth blend of blue-eyed soul and soft rock, rich with heartfelt melodies and polished production. Rooted in pop rock and soft rock. Start with "Only My Heart Can Tell".

Is Groove approved a good place to start with Paul Carrack?

Yes, Groove approved is recommended as a starting point for new Paul Carrack listeners. A smooth blend of blue-eyed soul and soft rock, rich with heartfelt melodies and polished production. Released in 1989, Groove Approved was Paul Carrack's third solo album, following his successful records in the mid-1980s. At this point in his career, Carrack had established himself as a prominent figure in the pop and rock scenes, known for his work with bands like Squeeze and Ace. This album further solidified his reputation as a skilled songwriter and vocalist.

Who is Groove approved for?

Groove approved works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove, heartfelt melodies for reflection and for afternoon drives.

How many songs are on Groove approved?

Groove approved has 10 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Groove approved

Paul Carrack · 1989

53 min · 10 tracks · pop rock

A smooth blend of blue-eyed soul and soft rock, rich with heartfelt melodies and polished production.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Live by the Groove — This track encapsulates the album's vibrant energy, featuring infectious grooves and an upbeat rhythm that highlights Carrack's vocal prowess.
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Love Can Break Your Heart — A poignant ballad that showcases Carrack's emotive delivery and lyrical depth, reflecting themes of vulnerability and love.
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Only My Heart Can Tell Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the album, combining lush instrumentation with heartfelt lyrics that draw listeners into Carrack's world.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album features solid songwriting and production but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its genre.

What we noticed

The first five tracks maintain a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the latter half introduces slower ballads that shift the album's energy.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact of the melodies.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
heartfelt melodies for reflection
for afternoon drives
smooth background for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

seekers of high-energy tracks
prefer short standalone songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified Carrack's reputation after earlier successes.
Themes: heartfelt ballads· 1980s pop nostalgia
Career context: Released in 1989, Groove Approved was Paul Carrack's third solo album, following his successful records in the mid-1980s. At this point in his career, Carrack had established himself as a prominent figure in the pop and rock scenes, known for his work with bands like Squeeze and Ace. This album further solidified his reputation as a skilled songwriter and vocalist.
Stylistic neighbors: Michael McDonald· Hall & Oates· Billy Joel