Complete List Of Paul Young Albums And Discography

Feature Photo: Zoran Veselinovic (note the photographer’s name is corrected here), CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Paul Antony Young, born on January 17, 1956, in Luton, Bedfordshire, emerged from the English music scene as a distinguished musician, singer, and songwriter. Initially leading bands like Kat Kool & the Kool Cats, Streetband, and Q-Tips, Young eventually catapulted to fame as a solo artist in the 1980s, charming audiences worldwide and becoming a symbol of youthful allure. His chart-topping singles such as “Love of the Common People,” “Wherever I Lay My Hat,” and “Every Time You Go Away” not only dominated the UK Singles Chart but also left an indelible mark on the music industry. With the release of his debut album “No Parlez” in 1983, Young not only achieved the first of his three UK number-one albums but also established himself as a staple in the “blue-eyed soul” genre.

Young’s vocal prowess earned him the 1985 Brit Award for Best British Male, and his rendition of “Every Time You Go Away” topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, further solidifying his international stardom. His involvement in the iconic 1984 charity single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” and his participation in the historic Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium in 1985 highlighted his commitment to philanthropic causes. His performance of “Don’t Dream It’s Over” at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute in 1988 and his collaboration with Queen at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in 1992 showcased his versatility and ability to connect with diverse audiences.

Before achieving solo success, Young’s musical journey began with his lead role in Kat Kool & the Kool Kats. He later joined Streetband, which enjoyed a top 20 UK hit with “Toast.” After Streetband disbanded in December 1979, Young and fellow band members formed Q-Tips, gaining a reputation as a formidable live act and capturing the attention of record labels, though commercial success proved elusive.

Young’s solo career took off when he signed with CBS and released “No Parlez,” with hits like “Wherever I Lay My Hat” propelling him to fame. Despite challenges, including vocal strain in 1984, Young’s career continued to flourish with subsequent albums and hits, including his involvement in Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” and his second album, “The Secret of Association.”

Beyond his solo endeavors, Young formed Los Pacaminos in 1993, exploring Tex-Mex music and performing across Europe and the UK. This project allowed Young to return to his roots and share his passion for a genre that inspired him.

On a personal note, Young married Stacey Smith in 1987, and they had three children. Despite facing personal challenges, including a temporary separation and the tragic loss of Stacey to brain cancer in 2018, Young’s resilience and dedication to his family and music remained unwavering.

Throughout his career, Young’s collaborations with artists like Ian Dury, Squeeze, and Clannad, as well as his work with bassist Pino Palladino, underscored his collaborative spirit and musical versatility. As a beloved figure in the music industry and a friend to fellow musicians like Tony Hadley, Paul Young’s legacy as a talented artist and compassionate individual continues to resonate with fans around the world.

PAUL YOUNG STUDIO ALBUMS

No Parlez

Released 1983

No Parlez was Paul Young’s debut solo album, making a significant impact upon its release. It showcased Young’s distinctive voice and a mix of soul, pop, and R&B elements that became his signature sound. The album includes his hit cover of “Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home),” which topped the UK charts and became a defining track of the 1980s.

The album was produced by Laurie Latham and featured Paul Young on lead vocals, with contributions from The Fabulous Wealthy Tarts on backing vocals, Pino Palladino on bass, and keyboards by Ian Kewley. No Parlez was recorded at The Workhouse Studios, London, in late 1982 and early 1983.

CD Track Listings:

“Come Back and Stay” – 4:24
“Love Will Tear Us Apart” – 5:01
“Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home)” – 5:18
“Ku-Ku Kurama” – 4:19
“No Parlez” – 4:57
“Love of the Common People” – 4:56
“Oh Women” – 3:35
“Iron Out the Rough Spots” – 4:47
“Broken Man” – 3:55
“Tender Trap” – 4:32
“Sex” – 4:49

The Secret of Association

Released 1985

The Secret of Association solidified Paul Young’s status as a global superstar following the success of his debut. The album is most renowned for the hit single “Every Time You Go Away,” which topped charts worldwide, including the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. The blend of soulful pop, sophisticated production, and Young’s distinctive voice created a compelling and emotionally resonant album.

CD Track Listings:

“Bite The Hand That Feeds” – 4:29
“Every Time You Go Away” – 5:24
“I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down” – 5:06
“Standing on the Edge” – 4:32
“Soldier’s Things” – 6:20
“Everything Must Change” – 5:34
“Tomb of Memories” – 3:53
“One Step Forward” – 3:42
“Hot Fun” – 4:26
“This Means Anything” – 3:13
“I Was in Chains” – 5:42

Between Two Fires

Released 1986

Following the success of The Secret of Association, Between Two Fires sought to capture the same magic with its rich blend of pop and soul influences. The album features Paul Young continuing to explore themes of love, loss, and longing through his expressive vocals. While it didn’t achieve the same commercial heights as its predecessor, the album contains standout tracks like “Some People” that showcase Young’s ability to convey deep emotion. Recorded in various locations, including the Mediterranean Sound Studios in Ibiza, the album was produced by Laurie Latham, who again brought his distinctive touch to Young’s music.

CD Track Listings:

“Some People” – 4:43
“Wasting My Time” – 5:18
“Wonderland” – 5:02
“War Games” – 4:18
“In the Long Run” – 4:18
“A Certain Passion” – 4:10
“Between Two Fires” – 3:48
“Wedding Day” – 5:04
“Steps to Go” – 3:12
“Prisoner of Conscience” – 4:15
“Why Does a Man Have to Be Strong” – 4:23

Other Voices

Released 1990

Other Voices marked a new decade for Paul Young, featuring a more mature sound that leaned heavily into adult contemporary and pop rock. The album includes the hit “Oh Girl,” which successfully charted in the United States, showcasing Young’s ability to reinterpret classic songs with his unique vocal style. The production saw a shift with the involvement of new producers like Don Was, which brought a fresh perspective to Young’s music. Recorded at studios such as The Manor Studio in England.

CD Track Listings:

“Heaven Can Wait” – 4:09
“A Little Bit of Love” – 4:48
“Softly Whispering I Love You” – 4:11
“Together” – 4:22
“Stop on By” – 5:12
“Our Time Has Come” – 4:42
“Oh Girl” – 3:34
“Right About Now” – 5:57
“It’s What She Didn’t Say” – 4:45
“Calling You” – 5:12

The Crossing

Crossing: 30th Anniversary Edition - 180gm Turquoise Vinyl

Released 1993

The Crossing represents a pivotal moment in Paul Young’s career, showcasing a matured sound that straddles soul, pop, and rhythm and blues. The album, peaking at No. 27 on the UK Albums Chart, reflects Young’s adeptness at blending his distinctive voice with a diverse musical palette. Notable singles from the album include “Now I Know What Made Otis Blue,” “Hope in a Hopeless World,” and “It Will Be You,” each contributing to Young’s sustained presence in the charts.

Produced by a team including Don Was and Peter Vale, The Crossing was recorded across various studios, bringing together a wide array of musicians and backing vocalists, including the likes of Billy Preston on the Hammond B3 organ and Patty Smyth on backing vocals. The album’s production team managed to create a sound that was both contemporary and timeless, with arrangements that highlighted Young’s vocal prowess.

CD Track Listings:

“Hope in a Hopeless World” – 4:13
“Now I Know What Made Otis Blue” – 3:51
“Bring Me Home” – 4:00
“The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter” – 4:13
“Won’t Look Back” – 5:20
“Only Game in Town” – 4:11
“Love Has No Pride” – 3:44
“Down in Chinatown” – 5:26
“Half a Step Away” – 4:55
“Follow On” – 4:05
“It Will Be You” – 4:36

Reflections

Released 1994

Reflections marks a unique entry in Paul Young’s discography, with the singer taking a deep dive into the realm of soul music by covering classic tracks. Released on the Vision label, a departure from his previous collaborations with Columbia Records, the album reached No. 64 on the UK Albums Chart. This collection of 15 soul covers showcases Young’s respect and passion for the genre, highlighting his versatility as a vocalist.

Produced by Ian Levine, known for his work in modernizing Northern soul, Reflections offers a fresh take on beloved soul standards. The album didn’t produce any major hits in the UK top 100 but stands as a testament to Young’s artistic exploration and his ability to interpret the work of others with sincerity and depth.

Track Listings:

“Grazing in the Grass” – 4:13
“Until You Come Back to Me” – 3:42
“That’s How Heartaches Are Made” – 3:40
“Love Won’t Let Me Wait” – 3:15
“Just a Little Misunderstanding” – 4:00
“Hey Girl Don’t Bother Me” – 3:43
“Baby, Don’t Change Your Mind” – 3:40
“Reflections” – 3:04
“Love Is Like an Itching in My Heart” – 4:01
“Ain’t No Sunshine” – 2:35
“Your Precious Love” – 4:34
“More Love” – 3:52
“Take Me in Your Arms and Love Me” – 3:17
“Love Makes The World Go Around” – 3:58
“Reach Out I’ll Be There” – 3:07

Paul Young

Released May 1997

Paul Young, the seventh solo studio album by English singer Paul Young, marked a significant departure from his earlier work, showcasing a pronounced country influence and greater songwriting input from Young himself. Released on East West Records, this album was Young’s last collection of original material until his 2023 album, Behind the Lens. The album, including the lead single “I Wish You Love,” achieved modest success, charting within the UK top 40.

CD Track Listings:

“Ball and Chain” – 5:12
“I Wish You Love” – 4:52
“Tularosa” – 5:55
“Vanish” – 3:46
“Hard Cargo” – 5:40
“Say Goodbye” – 4:10
“In A Dream Gone By” – 4:07
“You’d Better Run Away” – 3:39
“Across The Borderline” – 5:39
“Then There’s You” – 3:55
“It Was a Very Good Year” – 4:56
“Window World” – 6:29

Rock Swings – On The Wild Side Of Swing

Released October 2006

Rock Swings – On The Wild Side Of Swing is Paul Young’s eighth studio album, taking a unique turn by venturing into the world of jazz and swing. Released in 2006, this collection presents a series of swing-style covers of classic rock and pop songs, showcasing Young’s versatility and ability to cross musical genres. The album includes interpretations of songs originally by artists ranging from Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” to Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” offering a fresh and jazzy twist on these well-known tracks.

CD Track Listings:

“Tainted Love” – 3:24
“Bennie And The Jets” – 4:06
“Enter Sandman” – 4:30
“Why Does It Always Rain On Me” – 4:12
“Isn’t It A Pity” – 4:27
“The Boys Of Summer” – 4:16
“Lose Yourself” – 5:14
“Hungry Heart” – 4:02
“I’d Better Get My Coat” – 3:07
“In The Ghetto” – 3:08
“The Jean Genie” – 3:24
“Walk On The Wild Side” – 3:57
“White Christmas” (Bonus Track) – 3:22

Good Thing

Released 2016

Good Thing marks Paul Young’s foray into the realms of funk and soul, blended with elements of pop rock. Released in 2016, this album showcases Young’s exploration of classic soul music, reinterpreting songs with his distinctive vocal style. The selection of tracks pays homage to the rich heritage of soul music, featuring covers of songs by revered artists and songwriters.

Track Listings:

“L-O-V-E (Love)”
“Touch A Hand, Make A Friend”
“Eloise (Hang On In There)”
“Back For The Taste Of Your Love”
“Big Bird”
“Ain’t That A Lot Of Love”
“Slipped, Tripped And Fell In Love”
“I Believe In You (You Believe In Me)”
“Words”
“Your Good Thing (Is About To End)”

Behind The Lens

Released 2023

Behind The Lens represents a significant milestone in Paul Young’s illustrious career, being one of his most personal projects to date. Released in 2023, this album sees Young venturing into new creative territory, with a focus on original compositions that reflect his introspective and contemplative side. The album spans a wide emotional range, from the uplifting “Angel” to the reflective “I Hadn’t Finished Loving You,” showcasing Young’s versatility as a songwriter and storyteller.