It might have been the first album which saw Hall step forward from a group identity, but Home was Terry Hall's ninth in various guises since the emergence of The Specials' self-titled LP in 1979.
★ Ad’s Celebrity Wildcard: Richard Herring ★
5.8
Terry Hall
Home
Artist Origin: 🇬🇧
Release Date: 12 September 1994
Label: Anxious Records
Genres: Alternative Rock
Adam
The first song Forever J seemingly kicks in with the intro from cutting crews ‘I just died in your arms tonight’? This song is probably the strongest on the album for me. The rest of the album is fine. But just like hooch, Edwina Currie and Noel’s House Party, probably best left in the 90s. Soft pop indie in the lightning seeds vein (with the broudie link up clear to see!) but without having listened to it in my youth it doesn’t hold me in same way that some of their songs can. I wouldn’t go out of my way to listen to it again. 5.0
Rich
With Ian Broudie on production duties and cameos from the likes of Damon Albarn and Andy Partridge of XTC, Hall: Home features more Britpop luminaries than a 90s night at the Good Mixer. Consequently, the record feels very familiar - like a product of collaboration set in a very specific time and place, rather than a solo record to define Tezza as an artist. Judging from his previous output, Home seems to represent a definite shift in direction - one that’s far less political, far less spiky - as reflected by the move to a more conventional sound. Yet, while there’s nothing particularly distinct about this record, there’s not much to dislike about it either. Sense is a great pop song by anyone’s reckoning, Chasing a Rainbow is the Bluriest of Blur tracks - and thoroughly enjoyable - whereas You is quite possibly the best Suede song I never did hear. Far from the most inspiring Criminal Record, but far from the worst too. 6.9
Mike
Vanilla, Ben Shepherd, Rylan, The colour Beige, This Terry Hall record. What do they have in common you ask? They are all fine! They serve a purpose. Do I need anymore of them? Not sure. This record is Lightning seeds lite. And as a man who appreciates Brodie and the Seeds this record is full on Sunday morning trip to the supermarket. There are a few nice tracks in here but I could leave it. Such a step back from Hall's other stuff with The Specials and Fun Boy Three. 6.1
Phil
A bit of a time warp this one, an easy listening cookie cutter early 90’s sound that plods along quite nicely. Nothin Offensive, Nothin Blue. Obvious lightening seeds comparisons to be made. A CR palate cleanser - bring on the next round. Big up Ads keepin the celeb guest spot train rollin. 5.0
Dan
Wogan! Venables! Chocolate Orange! I’ve always had a penchant for Terry’s! So I was keen to broaden my El Tel based repertoire. Hall is certainly a Terry I admire as a seminal figure in British music, so I unlocked the front door of Terry’s Home and headed on in with wide-eyed optimism. Home is certainly a departure from the Specials brilliant brand of pointed post punk ska, opting to tread in more shimmering 80s new wavy pop waters. It’s an interesting move, and on the surface Home is a record that has a lot to offer, with rich melodies and catchy hooks. However, Terry’s first foray as a solo artist, ultimately feels a little unconvincing and fails to lands any meaningful blows. Opener the Morrissey esque Forever J, is one of the stronger tracks, channeling the usual relationship toils, its energetic, accessible and undeniably catchy. However, from here, things tail off, without any discernable big hooks or choruses. Ian Brodie’s unmistakeable seed is scattered throughout this record and clearly visible on track Sense - but I’ve always felt his brand of soft-rocking indie had its time and place, with tracks such as First Attack of Love, & What’s Wrong with Me, feeling lacklustre and dated. Every Terry is allowed to misfire. 6.0
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The first song Forever J seemingly kicks in with the intro from cutting crews ‘I just died in your arms tonight’? This song is probably the strongest on the album for me. The rest of the album is fine. But just like hooch, Edwina Currie and Noel’s House Party, probably best left in the 90s. Soft pop indie in the lightning seeds vein (with the broudie link up clear to see!) but without having listened to it in my youth it doesn’t hold me in same way that some of their songs can. I wouldn’t go out of my way to listen to it again. 5.0
Rich
With Ian Broudie on production duties and cameos from the likes of Damon Albarn and Andy Partridge of XTC, Hall: Home features more Britpop luminaries than a 90s night at the Good Mixer. Consequently, the record feels very familiar - like a product of collaboration set in a very specific time and place, rather than a solo record to define Tezza as an artist. Judging from his previous output, Home seems to represent a definite shift in direction - one that’s far less political, far less spiky - as reflected by the move to a more conventional sound. Yet, while there’s nothing particularly distinct about this record, there’s not much to dislike about it either. Sense is a great pop song by anyone’s reckoning, Chasing a Rainbow is the Bluriest of Blur tracks - and thoroughly enjoyable - whereas You is quite possibly the best Suede song I never did hear. Far from the most inspiring Criminal Record, but far from the worst too. 6.9
Mike
Vanilla, Ben Shepherd, Rylan, The colour Beige, This Terry Hall record. What do they have in common you ask? They are all fine! They serve a purpose. Do I need anymore of them? Not sure. This record is Lightning seeds lite. And as a man who appreciates Brodie and the Seeds this record is full on Sunday morning trip to the supermarket. There are a few nice tracks in here but I could leave it. Such a step back from Hall's other stuff with The Specials and Fun Boy Three. 6.1
Phil
A bit of a time warp this one, an easy listening cookie cutter early 90’s sound that plods along quite nicely. Nothin Offensive, Nothin Blue. Obvious lightening seeds comparisons to be made. A CR palate cleanser - bring on the next round. Big up Ads keepin the celeb guest spot train rollin. 5.0
Dan
Wogan! Venables! Chocolate Orange! I’ve always had a penchant for Terry’s! So I was keen to broaden my El Tel based repertoire. Hall is certainly a Terry I admire as a seminal figure in British music, so I unlocked the front door of Terry’s Home and headed on in with wide-eyed optimism. Home is certainly a departure from the Specials brilliant brand of pointed post punk ska, opting to tread in more shimmering 80s new wavy pop waters. It’s an interesting move, and on the surface Home is a record that has a lot to offer, with rich melodies and catchy hooks. However, Terry’s first foray as a solo artist, ultimately feels a little unconvincing and fails to lands any meaningful blows. Opener the Morrissey esque Forever J, is one of the stronger tracks, channeling the usual relationship toils, its energetic, accessible and undeniably catchy. However, from here, things tail off, without any discernable big hooks or choruses. Ian Brodie’s unmistakeable seed is scattered throughout this record and clearly visible on track Sense - but I’ve always felt his brand of soft-rocking indie had its time and place, with tracks such as First Attack of Love, & What’s Wrong with Me, feeling lacklustre and dated. Every Terry is allowed to misfire. 6.0
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