Armatrading began work on the album in November 1985, following the release of her previous studio album
Secret Secrets in February of that year. She had planned for some time to produce her own albums and had gradually assumed control of many aspects of recording and production. However, when approaching the project of producing her very first album, she was nervous about the possibility of her record label, A&M, refusing to release the album (A&M had initially refused to release her eighth studio album
The Key (1983) on the grounds that it was not commercial enough, and had asked Armatrading to write some additional, more commercial material). To deal with this possibility, Armatrading decided to have a dry run, and record and produce samples that would eventually become
Sleight of Hand. To do this, she asked bass guitarist Steve Greetham and keyboardist Alex White, who toured with her following the release of
Secret Secrets, to come to her studio and record songs for her new album. This was unusual for Armatrading as she normally kept her studio and touring bands separate, using different musicians – on this occasion she wanted musicians around her that she knew and felt comfortable with, and who would be supportive during her first attempt at production. They drafted in drummer Geoff Dugmore with the plan that the three musicians, plus Armatrading playing all guitars, would record some songs – with Armatrading also producing, to see how it went. Steve Greetham noted at the time that it was "very unusual" for Armatrading to ask members of her touring band to record with her, but said he and Alex White "were very pleased to be able to do it". ==Songs==