Secret Secrets

The producer for Secret Secrets was Mike Howlett, who had previous success producing for bands such as OMD, China Crisis and Berlin. Alex Sadkin, who had produced three albums with Grace Jones, was approached but he was not available at the time. Secret Secrets was the last album for which Armatrading worked with a producer as she has produced all subsequent albums herself. At the time of this album's release, Armatrading was having her own studio built in the grounds of her home, and she eventually named it Bumpkin Studio. Armatrading arranged all the songs on this album herself, since during this time she was increasingly taking control of most aspects of her music. Howlett felt that Armatrading did not in fact really need a producer, except in the area of recording vocals, as this was "always a difficult process to do oneself". Originally, Howlett had wanted Armatrading "to head much more back towards Joan Armatrading – her third studio album and a much more blues and folk influenced one, The album's photography was done by "celebrated New York photographer" Robert Mapplethorpe and shows Armatrading wearing a dress for the first time. Allmusic's Dave Connolly notes that using Mapplethorpe for the cover photograph "took some guts on Armatrading's part". == The songs ==

According to Armatrading's unofficial biographer Sean Mayes, "Persona Grata" is reminiscent of "some of the rock epics of the Seventies" – a big, melodic and fully orchestrated song, showcasing Armatrading's vocals. "Temptation" (released in February 1985) and "Thinking Man" (released in May 1985) came out as singles but did not reach the Top 40, though in the opinion of Allmusic's Dave Connolly they are "as catchy as "Drop the Pilot" The title song "Secret Secrets" has influences of punk and Armatrading admitted to her biographer Sean Mayes that the song was about her. == Reception ==

The album was a commercial success for Armatrading – making it to number 14 in the UK album chart and number 73 in the US, though it produced no hit singles. Some critics praised many of the songs featured on the album but were of the opinion that the album as a whole marked a slight downturn from Armatrading's previous work, citing "over-production" as one of the reasons. Hugh Fielder, in a 1985 review for Sounds, referred to the album as " a consummate, sensitive offering" and noted that there were "moments when the piercing shafts of lyrical insight make you shiver with discomfort". He singled out the "mature anguish" of the ballads "One Night" and "Love By You" for particular mention, noting that Armatrading's lyrics "still burn". == Tour ==

While making the album, Armatrading and Howlett auditioned musicians for the tour. The eventual line-up was Steve Greetham (bass), Les Davison (guitar), Alex White (keyboards), Jim Ross (saxophone, guitar and vocals), Ted Emmett (trumpet) and Marc Parnell (drums). Armatrading and her band appeared on Into the Music on both BBC2 and Radio 1 on 4 April 1985, performing songs from the album. Armatrading and her band toured for three weeks in the UK, beginning on 10 February 1985 and appearing at Hammersmith Odeon from 1 to 6 March. The European tour began on 9 March and lasted a month. The US tour began on 1 May and included two sold-out nights at Radio City Music Hall and concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the Ritz. The band then toured Australia for three weeks, commencing 7 June, and ended in Sydney, Australia, where Armatrading performed for six nights at the Sydney Entertainment Centre and was given the key to the city. One of the shows was filmed and televised on BBC TV on 3 August 1985. In 1990 Australia was described as "Joan's favourite country, and one where she is adored". citing the concerts at Red Rocks and Tel Aviv as "really memorable". == Track listing ==

All songs written and arranged by Joan Armatrading. Side 1 • "Persona Grata" – 4:44 • "Temptation" – 4:03 • "Moves" – 4:12 • "Talking to the Wall" – 4:31 • "Love by You" – 3:13 Side 2 • "Thinking Man" – 4:05 • "Friends Not Lovers" – 4:00 • "One Night" – 4:59 • "Secret Secrets" – 3:28 • "Strange" – 3:52 ==Personnel==

Musicians • Joan Armatrading – vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica • David Rhodes – acoustic and electric guitar • Alan Murphy – rhythm guitar • Pino Palladino – bass guitar • Joe Jackson – piano • Nick Plytas – keyboards, synthesizers • Adrian Lee – synthesizers • David Bitelli – saxophone • Wesley Magoogan – saxophone • Steve Sidwell – trumpet, flugelhorn • Paul Spong – trumpet • Rick Taylor – trombone • Raul D'Oliveira – flugelhorn lead • Mel Gaynor – drums & timpani Production Team • Producer: Mike Howlett • Engineer: Bryan "Chuck" New • Assistant Engineers: Jon Hallett & Stephen McLaughlin • Strings and horns arranged by Joan Armatrading • Strings orchestrated by Fiachra Trench • Horns scored by Dave Bitelli • Art Direction: Michael Ross • Design: Moira Bogue • Photography: Robert Mapplethorpe • Co-ordination & assistance: Tessa Pacey • Sales Representative: Mike Noble • Food: Rebecca • Management: Running Dog Management Ltd == Notes ==