Before becoming a slick, sharp-dressed pop star in the 1980s,
Robert Palmer was a soul singer deeply rooted in R&B and funk. Those influences are on full display on his debut album
Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley. With a backing band including members of
Little Feat and
the Meters, the music has a laid-back groove whether
Palmer's covering New Orleans legend
Allen Toussaint (the title track) or singing originals ("Hey Julia," " Get Outside"). While the music is tight and solid, it is
Robert Palmer's voice that is revelatory -- he sounds supremely confident among these talented musicians, and they seem to feed off his vocal intensity. Fans of
the Meters or people who want to discover the funky side of
Robert Palmer should check this one out. ~ Vik Iyengar