True Spirit Explained

True Spirit
Type:	Album
Artist:	Carleen Anderson
Cover:	Carleen_Anderson_True_Spirit_album_cover.jpg
Released:	^[1]
Next Title:	Blessed Burden
Next Year:	1998

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).^[2]

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."^[3]

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

Charts and certifications

Certifications

External links

• True Spirit at Discogs

Notes and References

1. Album Releases. Music Week. 20. June 4, 1994.
2. Web site: Carleen Anderson Full Official Chart History. Official Charts. December 4, 2017.
3. News: Sullivan . Caroline . Pop/rock . The Guardian . June 3, 1994 . Features.