Secret Secrets
Joan Armatrading · 1985
41 min · 10 tracks · pop music
A blend of introspective lyrics and melodic rock, capturing the essence of mid-80s pop sensibilities.
Top tracks — play these first
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Persona Grata Start here — The opening track sets the tone with its infectious rhythm and explores themes of identity and belonging, drawing listeners into the album's introspective journey.
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Talking to the Wall — This track features poignant lyrics about unreciprocated feelings, showcasing Armatrading's ability to convey vulnerability through her emotive vocal delivery.
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Secret Secrets — The title track combines a catchy melody with reflective lyrics on personal truths, encapsulating the overarching theme of self-exploration that permeates the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting with engaging melodies but lacks standout production or cohesion.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's energy.
- Each song features a prominent melodic hook, often supported by layered backing vocals and guitar arrangements.
- Several tracks employ a call-and-response structure between the lead vocals and instrumental sections, enhancing the dynamic feel of the songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 pacing for reflective moments
- introspective lyrics for personal contemplation
- melodic hooks for easy sing-alongs
- consistent flow for uninterrupted listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer immediate gratification tracks
- seek high-energy party anthems
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Solid entry that showcases her evolution but not a standout in wider recognition.
- Career context
- Released in 1985, Secret Secrets marks Joan Armatrading's eighth studio album and showcases her continued evolution as a singer-songwriter. Following the commercial success of her previous album, The Key, this record reflects Armatrading's exploration of more polished production while retaining her signature lyrical depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joni Mitchell· Laura Marling· Nick Drake
Tracklist
- 1 Persona Grata Start here 4:46
- 2 Temptation 4:05
- 3 Moves 4:14
- 4 Talking to the Wall 4:34
- 5 Love By You 3:14
- 6 Thinking Man 4:07
- 7 Friends Not Lovers 4:00
- 8 One Night 5:00
- 9 Secret Secrets 3:32
- 10 Strange 4:09
What to play next
Sleight of Hand
1986
Continues the melodic rock sound with fresh themes and arrangements.
The Key
1983
Sets the stage with similar introspective lyrics and sound texture.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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