What makes Skin on Skin by Vanity notable?

The album's title track became a significant hit, reaching the top of the R&B charts and helping to define the sound of contemporary soul during that era. Critics praised its blend of seductive lyrics and catchy melodies, which influenced the direction of R&B music in the late 1980s. By the time 'Skin on Skin' was released in 1986, Vanity was already a prominent figure in the music scene, having gained fame as part of Prince's entourage. This album followed her successful debut, 'Wild Animal,' and showcased her artistic evolution, solidifying her identity as a solo artist with a distinctive sound.

How many songs are on Skin on Skin?

Skin on Skin has 9 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Skin on Skin

Vanity · 1986

40 min · 9 tracks · soul

An intoxicating blend of sultry soul grooves and polished pop production, capturing the essence of mid-80s romance and desire.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Under the Influence — Opening with lush instrumentation and smooth vocals, this track sets the tone for the album's themes of allure and intimacy.
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Manhunt — This track showcases Vanity's confident delivery and playful lyrics, making it a standout that captures the spirit of bold romantic pursuit.
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Skin on Skin — As the title track, it encapsulates the album’s seductive essence with its catchy chorus and rhythmic grooves, resonating widely with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends sultry grooves with polished production, showcasing Vanity's vocal strengths and solid songwriting.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong mid-tempo groove in 'Under the Influence', establishing a sultry atmosphere that persists throughout.
Several tracks, like 'Romantic Voyage' and 'Confidential', utilize smooth transitions between sections, maintaining a cohesive flow.

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: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Under the Influence 5:08
2 Manhunt 4:08
3 Romantic Voyage 4:50
4 Confidential 4:20
5 Animals 4:46
6 Skin on Skin 4:11
7 Gun Shy 3:44
8 Ouch 4:17
9 In the Jungle 5:24

What to play next

Go back to

Wild Animal

1984

Full Vanity discography Artists like Vanity

soul

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata