Son of Albert is the only studio album by the English musician Andrew Ridgeley, previously one half of the musical duo Wham! Originally released in May 1990, Ridgeley's effort was a sharp turn away from his former pop image with Wham! years earlier, focusing more on guitars and drums. The critical reaction to the album was mixed, and sales were disappointing. As a result, Ridgeley gradually quit playing music professionally.
Two singles from the album, "Red Dress" and "Shake", were released in 1990 with little success (with the exception of a top 20 hit in Australia for the latter). Another song, "Mexico", was scheduled to be released as the album's third single but was dropped."Mexico" Song Information
The album title is a reference to Ridgeley's father, Albert.AndrewRidgeley.com (UK)
In January 2018, a remastered and expanded edition was released by Cherry Red Records.
Reception
Entertainment Weekly praised the instrumental "verve" of the songs, but criticized them for lacking conviction: "Ridgeley seems to have redefined himself as a kick-in-the-pants rock & roller, but his songs still come out sounding like manufactured pop."
Track listing All songs are arranged and produced by Andrew Ridgeley and Gary Bromham, except where noted.
Personnel Musicians Andrew Ridgeley – lead vocals, additional vocals, Spanish vocals on "Mexico", voice box Mary Cassidy, Lauren Fownes, Brie Howard, Miss Johnny, George Michael (on "Red Dress"), Tessa Niles – additional vocals Gary Bromham, Dan McCafferty, Mark "Bobby" Robinson – Spanish vocals on "Mexico" Robert Ahwai, Gary Bromham, Phil Palmer – guitars Tony Barnard, Michael Cozzi – acoustic and electric guitars Hugh Burns – Spanish guitar on "Mexico", acoustic and electric guitars Gary Masters – keyboards Mark Feltham – harmonica Graham Edwards, Deon Estus, Davey Faragher, Jerry Ferguson, Paul Gray – bass Danny Thompson – Spanish vocals on "Mexico", electric bass, double bass Gary Bromham, Pat Torpey, Paul Ridgeley – drums Laurence Cottell, Dave O'Higgins, Paul Spong – horns Danny Cummings – percussion Richard Gibbs – voice box
Production Engineered by Harvey Birrell, Jacques Erhardt, Gordon Fordyce, Paul Gomersall, Martyn "Max" Heyes, Russell Leahy, Gary Wilkinson, and Perry Cleveland-Peck Mixed at Amazon Studios, Liverpool; Comforts Place, Lingfield; Mayfair Studios, London, and Olympic Studios, London Mixed by Paul Gomersall, Martyn "Max" Heyes, and Tim Weidener Photography by Julian Broad Album design by Andrew Ridgeley and Simon Halfon Management: Lippman Kahane Entertainment Recorded at Comforts Place, Lingfield; Compass Point, Nassau; Eden Studios, London, England; EMI/Pathé Studios, Paris, France; Galaxy Sound Studio, Los Angeles; Ground Control, Los Angeles; Great Linford Studios, Great Linford; Maison Rouge, London; Mayfair Studios, London; Olympic Studios, London; Terminal 24, London, and Skylight Studios, London
Chart performance Album + Chart performance for Son of Albert Chart (1990) PeakpositionAustralian Albums (ARIA)63Dutch Albums (MegaCharts)66US Billboard 200130
"Shake" single + Chart performance for "Shake"Chart (1990)PeakpositionAustralia (ARIA)16Netherlands (Single Top 100)48UK Singles Chart58US Billboard Hot 10077
References