What makes So Close by Dina Carroll notable?

The album achieved commercial success, peaking at number 5 on the UK Albums Chart and featuring hit singles that helped define the sound of early '90s British soul. It received critical acclaim for its production quality and vocal performances, solidifying Carroll's place in the music industry. So Close is Dina Carroll's debut album, released in 1993 when she was emerging as a significant figure in the UK R&B scene. The album followed her successful singles and marked a pivotal moment in her career, establishing her as a prominent artist in contemporary pop and soul.

How many songs are on So Close?

So Close has 12 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

So Close

Dina Carroll · 1993

53 min · 12 tracks · contemporary R&B

Smooth melodies intertwine with soulful vocals and contemporary beats, creating an intimate landscape of love and loss.

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Top tracks — play these first

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So Close — The title track encapsulates the album's emotional core, blending heartfelt lyrics with a catchy melody that showcases Carroll's vocal prowess.
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Special Kind of Love — This track stands out for its powerful chorus and lyrical depth, emphasizing themes of devotion that resonate throughout the album.
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Ain't No Man — With its upbeat tempo and vibrant instrumentation, this song exemplifies Carroll's ability to merge pop sensibilities with R&B influences, making it a memorable highlight.

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 showcases solid songwriting and production but doesn't fully stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's energy.
Vocal harmonies are layered throughout, with Dina Carroll's lead vocals often accompanied by backing singers that create a rich texture.
Several tracks incorporate contemporary R&B production techniques, including syncopated rhythms and smooth synth pads, which define the album's sound.

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 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 Special Kind of Love 4:40
2 Hold On 4:51
3 This Time 5:22
4 Falling 3:34
5 So Close 4:54
6 Ain't No Man 3:53
7 Express 4:36
8 Heaven Sent 3:45
9 You'll Never Know 5:57
10 Don't Be a Stranger 4:22
11 Why Did I Let You Go? 3:30
12 If I Knew You Then 4:17

What to play next

Listen next

Only Human

1996

Go back to

People All Around The World

1989

Full Dina Carroll discography Artists like Dina Carroll

contemporary R&B soul

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata