Heavy Nova

"Simply Irresistible" is just that, an infectious danceable mixture of snarling and chugging rock guitar accompanied by synths and a high-pitched sound resembling metal whiplash.

The funky "More Than Ever" could've been something left over from The Power Station what with the power guitar licks.

Things get amusing and a bit silly with "Change His Ways" and the African/reggae rhythms, with accordion, violin, African harmony singers contributing to the exotic sound. Oh, and he even yodels to boot. A gigolo type keeps trying to regain the favour of a woman he's chasing, and the title reflects what she wants to do.

"Disturbing Behavior" is more in the mold of the heavier style and tells of a woman who doesn't tolerate carefree behaviour, but also maybe the mindset of straight-laced people rattled by those who live it up. He sings "Outrageous behaviour concerns everyone/We want perfect behaviour out of everyone."

With synths resembling a harpsichord providing a dominant rhythm throughout, "Early In The Morning" was the second single, and quite a change for those expecting another "Simply Irresistible"-like single. It's a mid-paced affair that bubbles up and down. There is a bridge instrumental that includes a funky guitar solo, weird sounds, before cutting back to the song.

The languid dreamscape of "It Could Happen To You" has a lush strings and piano in the same manner as "Riptide" or "Get It Through Your Heart."

"She Makes My Day" was the third single from here and it's the closest to bossa nova as his album gets. The strings and trumpet are more pronounced than anything by Stan Getz's mellowed style. There's parallel verses here. While his main vocal's singing "I'll never be lonely, now I know her", a background vocal sings "She trust her intuition" at the same time. Interesting technique there.

The swinging piano, percussion, and guitar of "Between Us" leans again to the bossa nova direction, and it would snugly fit on a various artists bossa nova album.

A voodoo motif begins "Casting A Spell" including a chant likened to that of a witch doctor. It then goes into a number as lively as "Simply Irresistible" only with a host of R&B backup singers. It shows that women don't have the monopoly on the art of bewitching.

The funk of "Tell Me I'm Not Dreaming" rounds out the album. He shares vocals with an unnamed female R&B singer here.

Palmer's styles varied greatly from songs such as "Looking For Clues", "You Are In My System", "Johnny And Mary", "Addicted To Love", "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)", and even "She Makes My Day". Though much of his output arose from the 1970's, his second big album of the 80's carved him as a vital force in pop history. Now that he's gone, maybe the rest of his catalogue will be just as examined.

Robert Palmer simply put is an individual. No one will ever be him, and no one will even come close to it. His lyrics contain so much wit and clever hooks it is almost inconcievable he doesn't seem more highly regarded. Heavy Nova carries just about every type of music Robert attempted in his pre-empted life. But the one thing it contains that makes it the most memorable to me is the obvious attempt by Robert to be whatever he wanted to be. And to him I am eternally grateful for the great memories. Thank-you Robert, now get up on that heavenly stage, you deserve it.

Great talent, great album!