Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent d'Arby is a strong debut by this young singer, who wrote virtually every note, played a multitude of instruments, and claimed that this was the most important album since the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper. Hits included "If You Let Me Stay," "Dance Little Sister," "Sign Your Name," and the number one "Wishing Well." His first album is a curious mixture of old and new styles. Although the production is quite modern, d'Arby shows his roots in the work of older artists, borrowing a page or two from Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, while James Brown appears to have had the strongest influence on d'Arby's stage presence. ~ Rob Bowman, All Music Guide
Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D'Arby was Terence Trent D'Arby's debut album. It was released in July 1987 on Columbia Records, and became an instant number-one smash in the UK, selling a million copies within the first three days of going on sale.[1] The album was a slow-building success in the U.S. upon its release there in October, eventually peaking at number four on May 7, 1988 [2] in the same week that the single "Wishing Well" hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Other singles from the album included "If You Let Me Stay", which was a top ten hit in the UK, and "Sign Your Name", which reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Known for controversial statements, D'Arby declared the album superior to The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The ploy worked, and Introducing the Hardline soared to the top of the UK charts.[3]
