Rediscovering Paul Young’s “No Parlez” in a Deluxe 40th Anniversary Edition
Paul Young’s seminal album “No Parlez.” is celebrating its 40th anniversary, this reissue is not just a nod to nostalgia but a beautifully crafted piece of memorabilia that beckons both long-time fans and new listeners to explore its joyous music.
Released in 1982, “No Parlez” marked Paul Young’s ascent into pop stardom, blending soulful vocals with catchy pop and rock elements. The album, now reissued in a 2 CD Deluxe Edition, features the original LP and a second CD brimming with 7-inch and 12-inch mixes, extended club mixes, and more, encapsulating the essence of an era where the extended mix reigned supreme.
The packaging of this anniversary edition is wonderful. Designed to mimic a 7-inch single, it includes a gatefold sleeve adorned with an exclusive US album cover, diverging from the familiar crimson hue of the UK version. Inside, the CDs are nestled within the pages, accompanied by a booklet that serves as a mock-up of a 7-inch single. This booklet is filled with credits, insights, and photographs that paint a vivid picture of Paul Young’s journey through the creation of “No Parlez.”
Tracks like “Love of the Common People,” “Wherever I Lay My Hat,” and the Joy Division cover “Love Will Tear Us Apart” showcase Young’s ability to infuse rock and soul with his distinctive vocal style. It was actually Paul Young’s admiration for Paul Rodgers of Free, highlighting the rock-centric and soulful interpretation of lyrics that drew me to this album all those years ago.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
