One cover among the 10 tracks: Charlie Rich’s huge country crossover hit of 1973, “Behind Closed Doors.” “When Love Is Blind” features his son Jack on drums. The first single from the album and a BBC Radio 2 Record of The Week. See the video for “You’re Not Alone,” below too. Backing vocals by Michelle John, who Paul met working in Eric Clapton’s band. Horns played by Steve Beighton, who has been in Paul’s band for 20 years, the legendary ‘Pee Wee’ Ellis, of James Brown and Van Morrison fame, Dennis Rollins on trombone, and Andy Greenwood on trumpet. That track also features a horn section, arranged by Mr Carrack’s long-time neighbour, but new friend, Dave Arch. “Precious Time” is typical (and brilliant!) Carrack, and will no doubt become a live favourite. They go back to recordings with The Pretenders, when Robbie was a member, and Paul was as in demand for session work. I think that’s maybe because we were mid-tour when the touring was shut down, but I was still in a kind of ‘live’ mode.”Ī standout cut is the funky “A Long Way To Go,” (with its’ Bill Withers’ feel) which features a sizzling solo by Paul’s long-time friend and collaborator Robbie McIntosh. There’s two ballads on there, but the rest of it is surprisingly upbeat. Paul says: “The sound of the record is warm, I think, and engaging, and nourishing. The groove kicks in straight away with “Good and Ready.” See the video for that song, below. Only one of these songs on “One On One” existed in demo form beforehand Paul conjured the rest during lockdown. “One On One” does have a few guests, such as guitarist Robbie McIntosh and former James Brown sideman Alfred ‘Pee Wee’ Ellis. Working from his home studio base, Paul wrote, played and recorded the whole of his latest album, but unusually, he also mixed the album himself. As well as his own popular solo songs like “Eyes Of Blue,” “Satisfy My Soul,” and the title track of his last release, “These Days.” His voice rings out on such classics as “The Living Years”, “Over My Shoulder,” “Silent Running,” “Tempted,” “How Long” and more. Paul Carrack will release his first album for three years, “One On One” on 17th September 2021 via his own record label, Carrack-UK.Ī gorgeous blue-eyed soul album to add to his impressive 17 previous solo studio albums, and of course, his golden contributions to legendary tracks with Mike + the Mechanics, Squeeze, Ace and more.