True Spirit is the debut solo album by American singer and musician Carleen Anderson, released in 1994. The album includes four UK Top 40 singles: "Nervous Breakdown" (No. 27), "Mama Said" (No. 26), "True Spirit" (No. 24) and "Let It Last" (No. 16).
Contents
Critical reception
The Guardian noted that "big ballads like 'Only One for Me' and 'Secrets', all strings and heavy breathing, are so pompous that even this fine singer can only coast along."
In a retrospective review for AllMusic, Tom Demalon describes Anderson's voice as "warm" and "soulful" and that the album "succeeds in drawing on older R&B vibes and making them sound fresh." He went on to say that the lyrics are "literate and sophisticated", adding that "True Spirit is a gorgeous album that constantly draws in the listener, both musically and spiritually."
Track listing
All tracks written by Carleen Anderson, except where noted.
Personnel
Carleen Anderson – arranger, primary artist, vocals
Amanda Drummond – strings
Ian Green – arranger, instrumentation, mixing, producer
Martin "Max" Heyes – mixing
Nigel Hitchcock – alto and tenor sax
Stephen Hussey – strings
Norman Jay – handclapping
Brendan Lynch – glockenspiel, handclapping, producer, synthesizer
Marco Nelson – bass
Mark E. Nevin – arranger, guitar, handclapping, mellotron
Jake Rea – strings
Timothy Russell – engineer
Steve Sidwell – trumpet
Michael Talbot – keyboards
Crispin Taylor – drums