True Spirit is the debut solo album by American singer and musician Carleen Anderson, released in 1994. The album includes four UK Top 40 singles: "Nervous Breakdown" (No. 27), "Mama Said" (No. 26), "True Spirit" (No. 24) and "Let It Last" (No. 16).
Critical reception
The Guardian noted that "big ballads like 'Only One for Me' and 'Secrets', all strings and heavy breathing, are so pompous that even this fine singer can only coast along."
In a retrospective review for AllMusic, Tom Demalon describes Anderson's voice as "warm" and "soulful" and that the album "succeeds in drawing on older R&B vibes and making them sound fresh." He went on to say that the lyrics are "literate and sophisticated", adding that "True Spirit is a gorgeous album that constantly draws in the listener, both musically and spiritually."
Track listing All tracks written by Carleen Anderson, except where noted.
Personnel Carleen Anderson – arranger, primary artist, vocals Amanda Drummond – strings Ian Green – arranger, instrumentation, mixing, producer Martin "Max" Heyes – mixing Nigel Hitchcock – alto and tenor sax Stephen Hussey – strings Norman Jay – handclapping Brendan Lynch – glockenspiel, handclapping, producer, synthesizer Marco Nelson – bass Mark E. Nevin – arranger, guitar, handclapping, mellotron Jake Rea – strings Timothy Russell – engineer Steve Sidwell – trumpet Michael Talbot – keyboards Crispin Taylor – drums
Charts Chart (1994)Peakposition UK Albums Chart12
Certifications
References
External links True Spirit at Discogs