| Track | Album |
|---|---|
| Wherever I Lay My Hat … | No Parlez |
| Every Time You Go Away | The Secret Of Association |
| Come Back And Stay | No Parlez |
| Love Of The Common People | No Parlez |
| I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down | The Secret Of Association |
| Don’t Dream It’s Over | From Time To Time … |
| Senza Una Donna … | From Time To Time … |
| Oh Girl | Other Voices |
| Everything Must Change | The Secret Of Association |
| What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted | The Essential Paul Young |
Paul Young, born on January 17, 1956, in Luton, England, is a singer whose smooth, soulful voice defined the blue-eyed soul genre of the 1980s. Rising from working-class roots and factory floors, he began his musical journey in local bands like Kat Kool & the Kool Kats and Streetband, where he first tasted chart success with the novelty hit Toast. However, it was with the soul-infused Q-Tips that he truly found his groove, building a loyal following by 1981. His solo career took off in 1983 with the release of No Parlez, a UK number-one album that blended soul covers with pop sensibilities, earning him a Brit Award for Best British Male in 1985. Hits like Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home) and Love Of The Common People showcased his ability to reinterpret classics with a modern edge.
His follow-up album, The Secret Of Association (1985), solidified his global appeal with tracks like Every Time You Go Away which topped the Billboard Hot 100. Young’s career has been marked by versatility, from soulful ballads to upbeat pop, and his collaborations with artists like Zucchero and Paul Carrack further highlighted his range. Even in 2025, he remains active, touring with acts like Rick Springfield, proving his enduring appeal.
One of Young’s most iconic songs is Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home) from his debut album No Parlez. This cover of Marvin Gaye’s 1962 B-side became his first UK number-one single, holding the top spot for three weeks. The No Parlez version strips the original’s Motown sheen and infuses it with a moody, soulful pop edge, perfectly showcasing Young’s ability to take a classic and make it his own. The fretless bass, which Palladino famously ad-libbed, became a hallmark of the era, inspiring countless bassists to ditch their frets. It’s a song of restless romance, delivered with a sincerity that cuts through the synthetic sheen of the 80s production. A global hit, it set the stage for Young’s career and remains his calling card.
Another standout is Every Time You Go Away from The Secret Of Association. Originally by Hall & Oates, Young’s version soared to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing his place in the Second British Invasion. His emotive delivery and the song’s emotional depth made it a timeless ballad, further highlighted by his powerful performance at Live Aid in 1985. It also won Best British Video at the 1986 Brit Awards, underscoring its cultural impact.
From No Parlez, Come Back And Stay is another gem, a cover of Jack Lee’s 1981 song that became Young’s first major US hit, peaking at number 22. Its driving beat and pleading vocals capture the urgency of love on the brink, blending pop hooks with soulful depth. The song’s success in Europe underscored Young’s knack for balancing raw emotion with chart-ready polish.
Also from No Parlez, Love Of The Common People initially flopped in 1982 but was re-released in 1983 and climbed to number two in the UK. Its reggae-infused rhythm, punctuated by the Fabulous Wealthy Tarts’ exuberant backing vocals (so cold! ah ah ee ah) gave it a unique flavour in Young’s catalog. The song’s message of resilience in tough times resonated with audiences, showcasing his ability to breathe new life into covers.
I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down from The Secret Of Association is a funky cover of Ann Peebles’ 1972 soul classic. It became a top-ten hit in the UK in 1984. The track’s tight rhythm section and commanding vocals make it a standout, blending soul’s past with 80s pop’s present.
In 1991, Young released Don’t Dream It’s Over, a duet with Paul Carrack, which reached number 20 in the UK. This cover of Crowded House’s melancholic classic is a masterclass in restraint, with Young and Carrack’s voices adding warmth to the song’s emotional core. It’s a quieter moment in his discography but a reminder of his versatility.
Senza Una Donna (Without A Woman), a 1991 duet with Italian singer Zucchero, became Young’s final UK top-ten hit, peaking at number four. Its bilingual charm and heartfelt delivery made it a massive hit across Europe, particularly in Norway and Sweden, where it topped at number one. The song’s success highlighted Young’s ability to cross cultural boundaries and deliver universally resonant performances.
Oh Girl from Other Voices (1990) is a cover of the Chi-Lites’ 1972 soul standard. It reached the top ten in the US, showcasing Young’s respect for soul’s roots. His smooth delivery adds a modern gloss, making it a quieter but elegant addition to his catalog.
An original track from The Secret Of Association, Everything Must Change hit number seven in the UK and number nine in the US. Its introspective lyrics and lush production capture Young’s ability to craft soulful pop with emotional depth. It’s a reminder that he wasn’t just a cover artist but a capable songwriter. The backing vocals, this time by George Chandler, Jimmy Chambers and Tony Jackson, are beyond perfection.
Finally, What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted is Young’s take on Jimmy Ruffin’s 1966 Motown classic and was featured in the soundtrack of the 1991 film Fried Green Tomatoes. It showcases his reverence for soul’s golden era, with his voice conveying the ache of lost love. It’s a fitting conclusion to this selection, tying together his love for soul and his ability to connect with listeners on a deeply human level.
These ten songs not only represent Paul Young’s chart-topping hits but also reveal his range as an artist. From the fretless bass groove of Wherever I Lay My Hat to the bilingual charm of Senza Una Donna, they capture the essence of a voice that bridged soul’s past with 80s pop’s future. Young’s music is a snapshot of an era, but his emotive delivery keeps it timeless. As he told The Big Takeover in 2025, he’s always pushed boundaries, refusing to stay static. That restlessness, paired with his soulful heart, makes this selection a fitting tribute to a blue-eyed soul legend.
David Lewis is Australia’s best jazz mandolinist, unless you can name someone else: then he’s Australia’s second-best. In any case, he’s almost certainly top 100. He is a regular contributor to Toppermost, and also plays guitar, banjo and bass professionally. David is also the co-host of the New Politics Australia podcast, with Eddy Jokovich, and they have produced half a dozen books on Australian Politics based on the podcast.
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Freddy Cannon
David, thanks for this excellent piece on a very underrated singer. Remember reading somewhere that in Marvin Gaye’s version ‘Wherever I Lay my Hat’ is a boast while in Paul’s it is a lament. Thanks again.
I love that interpretation of the difference between Paul and Marvin’s versions. That Paul can hold his own against Marvin probably says all you need to say about his voice. Thanks Andrew.