Robert Palmer’s Musical Journey: From Early Regrets to “Some People Can Do What They Like”
Success doesn’t always guarantee satisfaction, a sentiment that legendary musician Robert Palmer knew well. Despite the critical and commercial acclaim of his first two solo albums, Pressure Drop and Sneakin’ Sally Through The Alley, Palmer struggled to view these records as authentic representations of his artistry. It wasn’t until his third album, Some People Can Do What They Like, that Palmer created a piece of music he was genuinely proud to call his own.
Early Albums: Pressure Drop and Sneakin’ Sally Through The Alley
For many musicians, albums serve as snapshots of specific moments in their lives—moments they may not always cherish in hindsight. Robert Palmer’s first two records reflected this dynamic. While he didn’t necessarily regret making them, Palmer felt they didn’t fully capture his creative vision.
This struggle is common among artists. Unlike fleeting personal mistakes, a musician’s work exists as a permanent testament to their creative choices. In Palmer’s case, those early albums didn’t align with the sound and style he truly wanted to pursue.
Finding His Sound with “Some People Can Do What They Like”
Released in 1976, Palmer’s third album, Some People Can Do What They Like, marked a turning point. Featuring the hit single “Man Smart, Woman Smarter”, which peaked at #46 on the Billboard chart, the album’s success wasn’t just about commercial performance—it was about creative fulfillment.
“It took two weeks to record, 12 hours a day,” Palmer shared, reflecting on the production process. “No strings, no horns, part of the band that I used on my last tour here, half of Little Feat, and various assorted drummers and percussionists. Lots of voices, mostly mine. And a lot of Little Feat doing kind of chant things.”
The Role of Little Feat in Palmer’s Transformation
Palmer’s collaboration with members of Little Feat proved instrumental in shaping the album’s sound and spirit. For Palmer, this partnership went beyond a typical professional relationship. He admired Little Feat’s talent and felt they were an underrated group deserving of more recognition.
“They’re wonderful fellas,” Palmer said. “It’s got to the point where my relationship with them isn’t like someone that just works on a record. I like to advertise them because I think they’re getting short-changed. They’re still only popular within the industry…”
Why “Some People Can Do What They Like” Stood Out
More than just a collection of songs, Some People Can Do What They Like was a labor of love for Palmer. Its stripped-down approach and collaborative atmosphere allowed him to craft an album that felt authentic and deeply personal.
“This new album is a killer,” Palmer asserted. “It’s nice because I don’t need to feel awkward when people come up to me and say they really like my stuff. I can say, thank you very much, that’s what I do and I do it to the best of my ability. I like it too.”
Legacy of “Some People Can Do What They Like”
Robert Palmer’s Some People Can Do What They Like remains a significant chapter in his musical journey. By stepping into a sound and process that truly resonated with him, Palmer created an album that not only defined his career but also set a new standard for his artistry.
