Read My Lips cover

Read My Lips

Jimmy Somerville · 1989

56 min · 11 tracks · pop music

A vibrant fusion of synth-pop and Hi-NRG that pulsates with infectious energy and emotive vocal performances.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) — This track is an energetic cover that captures Somerville's powerful vocal delivery and has become synonymous with LGBTQ+ pride celebrations.
  • →
    Comment te dire adieu — Somerville's rendition of this classic song showcases his ability to convey deep emotion through his voice while blending sophistication with pop sensibilities.
  • →
    Heaven Here on Earth (With Your Love) — With its uplifting melody and heartfelt lyrics, this track exemplifies Somerville's knack for creating songs that resonate on both personal and universal levels.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends vibrant synth-pop with emotive vocals, establishing Somerville's distinct solo identity.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a French-language cover, setting a unique tone before transitioning into upbeat tracks.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered synths and rhythmic bass lines, creating a danceable atmosphere.
  • The final track slows down significantly, providing a contrast to the energetic preceding songs.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 dance energy
  • emotional depth for reflection
  • sing-along moments with friends
  • uplifting vibes for celebrations

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1989, Read My Lips was Jimmy Somerville's debut solo album following his success with Bronski Beat and the Communards. This album marked a significant shift as he began to establish himself as a solo artist, showcasing his distinctive voice and penchant for danceable pop melodies.
Stylistic neighbors
Bronski Beat· Pet Shop Boys· Erasure

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Comment te dire adieu 3:39
  • 2 You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) 5:14
  • 3 Perfect Day 4:09
  • 4 Heaven Here on Earth (With Your Love) 5:04
  • 5 Don’t Know What to Do (Without You) 6:12
  • 6 Adieu! (Madame Tata mix) 7:31
  • 7 Read My Lips (Enough Is Enough) 5:00
  • 8 My Heart Is in Your Hands 4:24
  • 9 Control 4:37
  • 10 And You Never Thought That This Could Happen to You 5:00
  • 11 Rain 5:48

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata