The Corporate World Explained

The Corporate World
Type:	studio
Artist:	Gail Ann Dorsey
Cover:	Gail Ann Dorsey - The Corporate World.jpg
Released:	1988
Studio:	Smokehouse Studios, London E1; Angel Studios, Islington; Roundhouse Studios, Camden; Crescent Studios, Bath; Ocean Way Recording, Hollywood; The Hit Factory, New York City
Genre:	Pop rock R&B
Length:	53:04
Label:	Sire Reprise Warner Bros.
Producer:	Nathan East
Next Title:	Rude Blue
Next Year:	1992

The Corporate World is the debut studio album by the American musician and singer-songwriter Gail Ann Dorsey. It was released in 1988 by WEA (and released in 1989 by Sire Records in the United States). Produced by bass guitarist Nathan East, the album features guest appearances from singer-songwriter and guitarist Eric Clapton and Gang of Four member Andy Gill.^[1] ^[2] The album's style has been described as "an unorthodox and individualistic blend of rock, pop and R&B."

The single "Wasted Country" peaked at number 76 in the UK in September 1988, though the album itself did not chart there. The album reached the top ten on the Dutch Album Chart.^[3] The album was dedicated to Dorsey's "mother, and to all my nieces and nephews - may you find the beauty of life within yourselves...then share it..." She also acknowledged Joni Mitchell, Woody Allen, Heart, Lindsay Wagner, Jimi Hendrix, Mingus, Chaka Khan, Sigourney Weaver, Stevie Wonder, Richard Bach and Beethoven for "creative brilliance and a lifetime of inspiration". "S.W.4" is the postcode for Clapham North where Dorsey purchased a flat with her advance from Warner Bros.^[4]

Critical reception

AllMusic critic Alex Henderson described the album as "an artistic triumph, but a commercial bomb," noting that "had it been released after alternative rock really exploded in 1992, it might have enjoyed the type of success it deserved." On the album, music critic Robert Christgau wrote: "Pet Shop Boys, this is how it sounds with soul." Christgau also stated that the side one features "conventional exercises," while "from the literal title tune to the Beethoven-drenched romantic climax, side two is the yuppie blues."

Track listing

All songs written and composed by Gail Ann Dorsey; except where indicated

"Wasted Country" – 5:02
"Where Is Your Love?" – 4:08
"If Only You" – 4:23
"Just Another Dream" (Dorsey, Nathan East) – 4:36
"So Hard to Let You Go" – 4:17
"The Corporate World" – 6:24
"No Time" – 4:34
"S.W.4." – 1:09
"Wishing I Was Someone Else" – 2:04
"Carry Me Off to Heaven" – 7:32

Personnel

Gail Ann Dorsey – vocals (1, 2, 4–11); backing vocals (4, 5, 7, 11); bass (7, 8, 11); acoustic guitar (4, 7–9), cover concept
Nathan East – bass (1–2, 5–6, 9–10); keyboards (1, 7–8, 10); production (1–2, 5–11)
Bub Roberts – guitar (2, 5–11)
Eric Clapton – guitar
Andy Gill – guitar (1)
Steve Ferrone – drums (1, 2, 5, 8, 10)
Gavin Harrison – drums (6, 9)
Marcel East – keyboards (2, 5–7, 9–10)
Mick Gallagher – keyboards (1, 8)
Jerry Hey – trumpet, horn arrangements
Gary Grant – trumpet
Bill Reichenbach Jr. – trombone
Kim Hutchcroft – tenor and baritone saxophone
Carol Kenyon – backing vocals (2, 9, 10)
Katie Kissoon – backing vocals (1, 8)
Tessa Niles – backing vocals (1, 2, 8–10)
David Clarke – backing vocals
Anne Dudley – piano, synthesizer, string arrangement
Ted Hayton – drum programming, recording; mixing (1, 3, 4, 6, 8–11)

Technical

Tom Lord-Alge – mixing (2, 5, 7)
Allen Sides – recording (horns)
Tom Leader – recording (strings)
Clif Norrell – engineering
Helen Blackhouse – art direction
Kevin Davies – cover photography

Notes and References

Web site: Sound & Vision #4: Gail Ann Dorsey . The Rumpus . July 11, 2014 . April 5, 2015 . McCabe, Allyson.
Book: Gang of Four: Damaged Gods . Omnibus Press . Lester, Paul . 2009 . 978-0857120205.
Book: David Bowie - The Man Who Changed the World . New Generation Publishing . Hendrikse, Wim . 2013 . 978-0755250530.
Web site: Bowie's resident bassist Gail Ann Dorsey reveals stories about the icon.