I'm really struggling to categorize Robert Palmer's "Woke Up Laughing" from his 1980 album "Clues." The rhythm, apparently borrowed from an African mbira style, is central to the song, with a polyrhythmic structure that circles back to the "1" every 12 bars. Instead of getting bogged down in the technicalities of the rhythm, though, it's what gives the song this unique dreamy vibe.
It's like the song drifts in like a dream. It starts off with Palmer riffing lyrics against the rhythm, almost like flashes of inspiration or scattered thoughts gradually forming into coherent lyrics centered around the theme of 'woke up laughing'.
I'm not even sure how to literally analyze the lyrics, but they flow so smoothly and seem to reflect a stream-of-consciousness, like someone relaxing after having a very strong cup of tea. Yet, underneath that laid-back vibe, there's this subtle air of regret and inner conflict that grows more intense as the song progresses.
It's such a dreamlike track, with that same melodic and rhythmic loop that almost hypnotises you, especially with those surreal, laid-back vocal deliveries. Lines like "You make yourself a fortune out in Hong Kong, you sit at home and wonder whether you were wrong" really hit home, adding to that strange, almost drunken, reflective mood.
What's really surprising is how different this is from Palmer's more iconic 80s hits like "Addicted To Love" and "Simply Irresistible." It's like he's delved deep into this eclectic mix of influences here, starting with those African rhythms and a hint of reggae vibes, all anchored by his soulful voice. It creates this inviting, eccentric piece of music that draws you in.
I haven't listened to the rest of "Clues" yet, but after stumbling upon this absolute gem, I'm definitely intrigued. It's great when you discover the musical DNA of an artist like Robert Palmer and this really showcase his artistic range.
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