19...

The Ultimate Old School Jam of the mid-80's came blasting through the boom boxes on just about every street corners, around the world, when Paul Hardcastle's instrumental jazzy sound came breakin' out!!! The track from his album also spawned some of the most creative musical ploys that would later spring into life the "Jazzmasters" series in the smooth jazz genre. Yet, Paul Hardcastle's breakthrough, self-titled release may have been overlooked. And I am about to remind ya'll what you have been missing!

Track Listing:
~ In The Beginning
~ 19
~ King Tut
~ Don't Waste My Time
~ Central Park
~ Just For Money
~ Moonhopper
~ Better
~ Strollin'
~ Rainforest

All music was written, performed & produced by Paul Hardcastle & recorded in London back in 1985. Chrysalis Records LTD.

First, "19". The voice of Clark Peters, in speaking the simplicity of the word "19", was haunting, right along with Janice Hoyte on backing vocals - harmonizing words like "Distruction" & "War". Have any of you seen the original video on MTV back in 1985? The track explored the minds of young military soldiers faced with reality when they were pushed to the fronts of Vietnam War. Although the lyrics can bring a sensitive, emotional feeling to your mindsets, the music created would then take you somewhere else! Rather then sitting down & share the care (And I hope you still do...), the composition was so danceable, that back in the day, breakdancers often would use this sound for an immediate theme. The groove, hypnotic touch Paul left on that cut would later become the focus of his music later! However, "19" was sick! I mean SICK YA'LL!!

"King Tut" spared no one! It took off from "19" & kept you in the flow of Hardcastle's timeless legacy of musical production. This super composed track kept the head bobbin', finger snappin', hip swayin', beats - goin'!! The production prowess in Paul Hardcastle took off!!

An impressive feel for '80's R&B music grabs your attention in "Don't Waste Your Time" featuring Carol Kenyon. Check it when you have some time...

"Central Park" took the same grooveline from "19" & channels through with an ordinary contemporary jazz tune. Again, it lays out exactly what you will come to expect next, whenever you hear another "Jazzmasters" record from your radio dial...This cut was hot too!

"Just For Money" featured the voices of Laurence Olivier, Bob Hoskins, Ed O'Ross, & Alan Talbot as they gave a spoken word...introducing another commentary of sorts. In relation to "19", this track speaks directly from the songtitle, to the heart & soul. Very much self-explanatory. Listen to the statements as it relates to us now, even from 1985!!

"Moonhopper" & "Strollin'" kept the hard beats bangin'...but they couldn't come any closer or better than when you hear "Rainforest"!

"Rainforest" was the supreme JAM!!! Nah Cats......THE JAM!!! The repeat button from the CD player wasn't around when I rotated that vinyl back in 1985!! I had to get off my lazy behind & bring the stylus back to the proper position for replay!!

Thanks Mr. Hardcastle for an ultimate album! If you don't have this within arms reach, please do research & make the purchase. For album enthusiasts - If you still have the original copy, you better hold on to it!!!

Terrill J. Hanna
The Urban Music Scene

The power Of Paul Hardcastle...
We now bring you a stimulating video in "19".