Clues

"Clues" is an intriguing album by Robert Palmer, released in 1980, which stands out for its synth-infused sound, showcasing Palmer's pivot from his earlier, more rock-oriented work to a new wave direction that was fresh and innovative for its time. Here are some interesting facts about the album:

1. Collaborative Spirit: One of the most notable features of "Clues" is Robert Palmer's collaboration with other musicians. Gary Numan, a pioneer of electronic music, played a significant role in shaping the album's sound. Numan not only performed on the track "Found You Now," but also co-wrote "I Dream of Wires," which first appeared on his own album, "Telekon."

2. Avant-Garde Video: The music video for "Looking for Clues," the album's popular single, is quite memorable. It features a playful and avant-garde style, with Robert Palmer interacting with oversized objects, which was rather innovative for video storytelling during the early 1980s MTV era.

3. Chart Performance: While "Clues" was not a breakthrough commercial success in the U.S., it performed better in Europe, particularly in the UK and Australia where it managed to garner significant popularity. This helped cement Palmer's international appeal.

4. Unusual Cover Choices: Palmer included a cover of "Johnny and Mary," a track that had become his signature hit by then, to further explore its synth-driven potential. Additionally, the decision to cover The Beatles’ "Not A Second Time" was bold and demonstrated Palmer's eclectic musical taste and willingness to reinterpret classic hits through his unique, contemporary lens.

5. Critical Reception and Influence: Critically, "Clues" was praised for its artistic risk-taking and has been retrospectively appreciated for its contribution to Palmer's legacy. It influenced and anticipated sounds that would become more mainstream in the subsequent years, proving Palmer to be somewhat ahead of his time.

Robert Palmer's willingness to experiment and his fusion of rock elements with emerging new wave and electronic sounds made "Clues" a noteworthy entry in his discography, illustrating his ability to continually evolve and redefine his musical style.