Ridin' High
Robert Palmer · 1992
49 min · 16 tracks · rock music
A smooth blend of classic jazz standards and pop sensibilities, showcasing Palmer's signature vocal style and sophisticated arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Love Me or Leave Me Start here — This opening track effectively sets the tone for the album, with Palmer's rich vocals paired with elegant instrumentation, embodying the jazz-inflected style of the record.
-
→
Baby It’s Cold Outside — Palmer's duet on this timeless classic showcases his chemistry with the female vocalist, creating a playful yet romantic atmosphere that resonates throughout the album.
-
→
(Love Is) The Tender Trap — This track stands out for its lively arrangement and catchy melody, demonstrating Palmer's ability to interpret older songs with fresh energy while remaining true to their roots.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends jazz standards with pop elements, showcasing strong vocals and arrangements but lacks significant impact.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a classic jazz standard, setting a smooth tone that persists through most tracks, with only a few more upbeat moments.
- Palmer's vocal delivery is consistently front and center, often accompanied by lush instrumental arrangements that feature horns and strings.
- Several tracks feature unexpected tempo shifts, such as the transition from the slow ballad 'You're My Thrill' to the more lively 'Aeroplane'.
- The final track, 'Hard Head', serves as a departure from the preceding jazz standards, introducing a more rock-oriented sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- for relaxed evenings
- soulful vocals with charm
- easy listening for gatherings
- lighthearted tunes for nostalgia
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Solid entry showcasing jazz influences, but not widely recognized as essential.
- Career context
- By 1992, Robert Palmer was transitioning from his 1989 hit album 'Riptide,' which featured the chart-topping single 'Addicted to Love.' 'Ridin' High' marked a return to jazz influences after a period dominated by rock and new wave, reflecting his versatility as an artist. This album highlights his ability to cross genres while maintaining commercial appeal.
- Stylistic neighbors
- David Bowie· Duran Duran· Steely Dan
Tracklist
- 1 Love Me or Leave Me Start here 3:44
- 2 (Love Is) The Tender Trap 2:35
- 3 You’re My Thrill 3:57
- 4 Want You More 4:07
- 5 Baby It’s Cold Outside 3:30
- 6 Aeroplane 3:00
- 7 Witchcraft 3:17
- 8 What a Little Moonlight Can Do 2:41
- 9 Don’t Explain 2:27
- 10 Chance 2:41
- 11 Goody Goody 2:51
- 12 Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me 3:44
- 13 Honeysuckle Rose 2:49
- 14 No Not Much 2:22
- 15 Ridin’ High 2:15
- 16 Hard Head 3:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.