Hutchence began work on what would become his posthumous solo album in 1995. Following his death in 1997, Black Grape producer Danny Saber and ex-Gang of Four guitarist Andy Gill completed the album. U2 singer, and Hutchence's friend, Bono recorded lyrics which were added to the track "Slide Away."
Whether his name is enough to sell the posthumous solo debut of former INXS leader Michael Hutchence is a question that should be easy to answer. The magnetism that made him one of the most dynamic singers of the '80s is still evident here, but what's not clear is whether or not there's a hit as charged as, say, INXS' "New Sensation" -- particularly considering Hutchence is an old sensation within the time frame of the album's release date -- at a time when this year's model became this moment's thrill. Nevertheless, there is enough good material here to warrant a listen, perhaps even shed a tear. More than two years after Hutchence hung himself in a sexually fraught suicide comes the debut of one of the most erotic, exciting singers of the '80s. Produced by Gang of Four leader Andy Gill (Hutchence was enthralled by that group's guitar sound), and refined by Black Grape's Danny Saber, this curious, occasionally exciting collection showcases the more vulnerable side of Hutchence, best-known for such defiant, proud rock tunes as "The One Thing," "What You Need," and "New Sensation." Songs such as the soul-tinged "Get on the Inside" and the edgy, hard-rocking "A Straight Line" contrast with the cool, paradoxically self-revealing "All I'm Saying" the oddly metered "Don't Save Me From Myself," and the spectral, beautiful "Strip Away." Such lyrical coexistence suggests Hutchence was far from being a spent force, even as it indicates the kind of demons that had been dogging him. Studded with guest appearances from the likes of Bono (whose vocals dubbed over those of Hutchence "complete" the eerily prescient "Slide Away") and various high-end session people, this autobiographical album resonates beyond its sad, faintly kinky pedigree. Crafted from a collection the artist had been working on since 1995, it's an assured, polished release. Apparently, Hutchence had been working on it even as INXS was crafting their swan song, the underrated (and beautifully titled) 1997 album "Elegantly Wasted". This album was simply dedicated to "Tiger" in reference to Hutchence's daughter, Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily Hutchence.
Track List:
01. "Let Me Show You" - 3:38
02. "Possibilities" - 4:31
03. "Get on the Inside" - 4:48
04. "Fear" - 3:43
05. "All I'm Saying" - 4:05
06. "A Straight Line" - 3:38
07. "Baby It's Alright" - 3:52
08. "Don't Save Me from Myself" - 3:21
09. "She Flirts for England" - 3:12
10. "Flesh and Blood" - 5:03
11. "Put the Pieces Back Together" - 4:38
12. "Breathe" - 3:52
13. "Slide Away" - 4:22
Released: 14 December 1999
Recorded: 1995–1997
Genre: Alternative Rock
Length: 52:43
Label: V2 Records
Produced: Andy Gill, Michael Hutchence, and Danny Saber
Personnel:
Michael Hutchence – vocals, production
Kenny Aronoff – drums
Bono – vocals on "Slide Away"
Harry Borden – photography
Jonathan Cohen – cello
Kevin Cummins – photography
Gail Ann Dorsey – backing vocals
Bernard Fowler – backing vocals
Joanna Gammie – viola
Andy Gill – guitar, keyboards
Denise Johnston – backing vocals
Nick Lane – trombone on "Get on the Inside"
Ged Lynch – drums, percussion
Steve Madaio – trumpet
Monty – drums
Susan McGill – violin
Tony Morse – string arrangement
Tim Palmer – mixing
Guy Pratt – bass guitar
Steven Price – acoustic guitar, string arrangement
Herb Ritts – photography
Danny Saber – bass guitar, guitar
Stevie Salas – guitar
Joe Strummer – vocals
Natalie Thompson – violin
Waddy Wachtel – guitar
Doug Wimbish – bass guitar
David L. Woodruff – horn
John 'X' – backing vocals
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