Solo in Soho


Solo in Soho is the debut solo album by Irish rock singer/songwriter Philip Lynott, released on 18 April 1980 while he was still a member of Thin Lizzy. Current and former Lizzy members guested on the album, including Scott Gorham, Brian Downey, Snowy White, and Gary Moore. Brian Robertson also contributed to the writing of one of the tracks, "Girls".

Guest musicians

frontman Mark Knopfler plays on the single "King's Call", a lament to Elvis Presley. Huey Lewis plays harmonica on "Tattoo " and "Ode to a Black Man". The latter track is devoted to Iconic African, or African diaspora freedom fighters of the 20th century, including Malcolm X, Rastafari, Haile Selassie, Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix and other socially aware or politically conscious blues/R&B artists from history, such as Robert Johnson and Motown singer Stevie Wonder. Lewis later covered "Tattoo" on the 1982 Huey Lewis and the News album Picture This, titled "Giving It All Up for Love".

Yellow Pearl

"Yellow Pearl" was released as a single in two remixed versions; the first of these was used from 1981 until 1986 as the theme tune for the popular BBC TV music programme Top of the Pops. This version was later included on Lynott's second solo album, The [Philip Lynott Album].

Critical reception

Billboard gave the album a positive review, saying that Lynott's "lyrics have special appeal" and adding: "There is nothing here even vaguely similar to the dramatic rock energy of "The Boys Are Back in Town" yet this is a bold and interesting batch of tunes aided by uncluttered arrangements and sound playing".

Track listing

All songs by Philip Lynott, except where noted.
;Side one
  1. "Dear Miss Lonely Hearts" – 4:11
  2. "King's Call" – 3:40
  3. "A Child's Lullaby" – 2:43
  4. "Tattoo " – 3:21
  5. "Solo in Soho" – 4:15
;Side two
  2. "Girls" – 4:00
  3. "Yellow Pearl" – 4:06
  4. "Ode to a Black Man" – 4:06
  5. "Jamaican Rum" – 2:43
  6. "Talk in 79" – 3:00

    Singles