Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent d'Arby
is a strong debut by this young singer, who wrote virtually every note, played a multitude of instruments, and claimed that this was the most important album since
the Beatles
'
Sgt. Pepper
. Hits included
"If You Let Me Stay,"
"Dance Little Sister,"
"Sign Your Name,"
and the number one
"Wishing Well."
His first album is a curious mixture of old and new styles. Although the production is quite modern,
d'Arby
shows his roots in the work of older artists, borrowing a page or two from
Michael Jackson
and
Stevie Wonder
, while
James Brown
appears to have had the strongest influence on
's stage presence. ~ Rob Bowman