What makes Tell Me on a Sunday by Marti Webb notable?

Tell Me on a Sunday received notable acclaim for its narrative-driven songs and strong emotional resonance, becoming a staple within musical theatre repertoires. The lead single, Take That Look Off Your Face, achieved commercial success, reaching high positions on UK charts and solidifying Webb's status as a prominent figure in musical theatre and pop music. Released in 1980, Tell Me on a Sunday was Marti Webb's first solo album following her acclaimed role in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical of the same name. This album marked a significant moment in her career as it showcased her transition from stage to recording artist, establishing her voice in the pop and musical landscape of the time.

How many songs are on Tell Me on a Sunday?

Tell Me on a Sunday has 17 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Tell Me on a Sunday

Marti Webb · 1980

40 min · 17 tracks

A captivating blend of theatrical storytelling and heartfelt melodies, exploring love's complexities with wit and poignancy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Take That Look Off Your Face — This track stands out due to its compelling narrative about disillusionment in love, paired with an infectious melody that showcases Webb's vocal prowess.
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Tell Me on a Sunday — The title track encapsulates the essence of longing and vulnerability, effectively summarizing the emotional journey present throughout the album.
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You Made Me Think You Were in Love — This song's poignant lyrics highlight feelings of betrayal and confusion, resonating deeply with anyone navigating complex relationships.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

52 /100

Foothills

Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The album effectively combines storytelling with varied instrumentation, though it may not resonate deeply over time.

What we noticed

The album features a narrative structure where each song progresses the story of a woman's romantic experiences, creating a cohesive arc.
The instrumentation varies from solo piano to fuller orchestral arrangements, which enhances the emotional weight of the storytelling.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Take That Look Off Your Face

The song shifts from frustration to self-empowerment as she asserts her independence after heartbreak.

This shift not only underscores the emotional arc of the song but also reflects broader themes of self-worth and resilience.

Tracklist

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

1 Take That Look Off Your Face 2:57
2 Let Me Finish 2:16
3 It’s Not the End of the World (If I Lose Him) 1:37
4 Letter Home to England 1:12
5 Sheldon Bloom 3:29
6 Capped Teeth and Caesar Salad 2:51
7 You Made Me Think You Were in Love 2:22
8 It’s Not the End of the World (If He’s Younger) 2:12
9 Second Letter Home 1:14
10 Come Back With the Same Look in Your Eyes 3:22
11 Let’s Talk About You 2:13
12 Take That Look Off Your Face (reprise) 0:50
13 Tell Me on a Sunday 3:27
14 It’s Not the End of the World (If He’s Married) 2:12
15 I’m Very You, You’re Very Me 2:55
16 Nothing Like You’ve Ever Known 3:06
17 Let Me Finish (reprise) 2:36

What to play next

Listen next

Won't Change Places

1981

Go back to

Marti Webb Sings Gershwin: The Love Songs

Full Marti Webb discography Artists like Marti Webb

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata