Naked (2023 Reissue)

With the 1988 album Naked, Talking Heads sought to combine the complex rhythmic layering style of an earlier album like Remain in Light with the ironic upbeat accessibility of their more recent commercial work such as Little Creatures. The result is an intriguing hybrid, with a spark all its own. Some heads fans may prefer the harder edge of their earlier years, but one should not dismiss Naked's polished maturity so quickly. The album bubbles and swirls with diverse and rich rhythms, a variety of instruments (such as french piano, brass, and oboe), and wonderful inter weavings of twangy guitar sounds.

The album's songs were formed from improvisational jam sessions recorded in Paris, which featured the participation of numerous guest musicians such as former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr and singer Kirsty MacColl. Lyrics and vocals were then added in New York City following the Paris recordings.