Bryan Ferry: "Let’s Stick Together" Album Release (1976)

Bryan Ferry launched his solo career in September 1973 alongside Roxy Music, using it to explore covers and original material. His solo work often emphasized his crooner persona, blending rock, pop, and standards with a suave, sophisticated edge.

Let’s Stick Together his third solo album, following These Foolish Things (1973) and Another Time, Another Place (1974) was released during a Roxy Music hiatus after their 1975 album Siren, allowing Ferry to focus on solo projects.

Chart Performance: Let’s Stick Together reached #19 on the UK Albums Chart and #160 in the US (Billboard 200). The title track single was a major hit, peaking at #4 in the UK and charting in Australia (#1) and Europe.

Critical Response: Critics praised Ferry’s charisma and the album’s infectious energy, though some noted its reliance on covers and re-recordings rather than new material. The title track’s success solidified Ferry’s solo career, proving he could thrive outside Roxy Music.

Legacy: The album bridged Ferry’s glam roots with the smoother sound he’d explore in later solo work (In Your Mind, 1977; Boys and Girls, 1985). Its eclectic mix influenced the sophisti-pop and new wave scenes, and the title track remains a staple in Ferry’s live sets.

Label: Island Records (ILPS 9367)

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo

Country: UK

Release Date: September 1976

Hybrid Approach: Let’s Stick Together is a unique blend of covers and re-recorded Roxy Music songs. Ferry revisited early Roxy tracks, giving them a smoother, more polished sound, while covering R&B, rock, and pop standards to showcase his interpretive skills.

Purpose: The album served as a bridge between Ferry’s Roxy Music work and his solo identity, capitalizing on his growing reputation as a stylish cover artist while reintroducing Roxy songs to new audiences.

Track Listing

The album’s 11 tracks (UK vinyl release) are split between covers and Roxy re-recordings:

"Let’s Stick Together" (Wilbert Harrison cover, 1962) – 2:59 A lively R&B track, transformed into a punchy, horn-driven hit. It became Ferry’s biggest solo single, reaching #4 in the UK.

“Casanova” (Roxy Music re-recording from Country Life, 1974) – 2:45 A sleeker take on the original’s sardonic tone.

“Sea Breezes” (Roxy Music re-recording from Roxy Music, 1972) – 6:10 A melancholic, atmospheric remake of the debut album’s experimental track.

“Shame, Shame, Shame” (Jimmy Reed cover, 1963) – 3:15 A gritty blues cover with Ferry’s polished spin.

“2HB” (Roxy Music re-recording from Roxy Music, 1972) – 3:50 A tribute to Humphrey Bogart, softened from its avant-garde original.

“The Price of Love” (Everly Brothers cover, 1965) – 3:25 A heartfelt take on the rock classic.

“Chance Meeting” (Roxy Music re-recording from Roxy Music, 1972) – 3:35 A cinematic reworking of the original’s moody narrative.

“It’s Only Love” (The Beatles cover, 1965) – 3:45 A soulful reinterpretation of the Help! track.

“Heart on My Sleeve” (Gallagher & Lyle cover, 1976) – 3:30 A contemporary soft-rock cover, showcasing Ferry’s emotional range.

“Re-Make/Re-Model” (Roxy Music re-recording from Roxy Music, 1972) – 2:40 A streamlined version of Roxy’s debut album opener.

“You Go to My Head” (1938 standard, Coots/Gillespie) – 2:50 A jazzy, romantic closer, highlighting Ferry’s crooner side.

Production and Musicians

Producers:

Bryan Ferry and Chris Thomas, with engineering by Steve Nye and John Punter.

Key Musicians:

Chris Spedding (guitar): Added sharp, versatile riffs.

John Wetton (bass): Provided a solid foundation, fresh from King Crimson.

Paul Thompson (drums): Roxy Music’s drummer, ensuring continuity.

Eddie Jobson (keyboards/violin): Added lush textures, later a Roxy member.

Mel Collins (saxophone): Contributed soulful horn parts.

Backing vocals by The Reading Sisters and others enhanced the album’s rich sound.

Sound:

The album balances raw R&B energy with Ferry’s polished production. The re-recorded Roxy tracks lose some of their original experimental edge but gain accessibility, while the covers showcase Ferry’s ability to reinterpret diverse styles.

Released in 1976, Let’s Stick Together captured Ferry at a crossroads. Roxy Music’s hiatus gave him freedom to experiment, and the album’s retro-modern blend reflected the era’s fascination with nostalgia (evident in glam and punk’s nods to earlier rock). The title track’s danceable groove also resonated with the emerging disco trend.

Broader Solo Career Highlights

These Foolish Things (1973): Ferry’s solo debut, a covers album featuring Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” (referenced in your earlier query) and The Beatles’ “It’s Only Love.” It established his knack for reinterpreting standards.

Another Time, Another Place (1974): Included the hit “The ‘In’ Crowd” and Ferry’s take on “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.”

In Your Mind (1977): His first all-original solo album, showing his songwriting prowess.

The Bride Stripped Bare (1978): A raw, emotional record reflecting his breakup with Jerry Hall.

Boys and Girls (1985): A UK #1 album with hits like “Slave to Love” and “Don’t Stop the Dance.”

Dylanesque (2007): A Dylan covers album, revisiting his folk-rock influences.

Recent Work: Albums like Olympia (2010), Avonmore (2014), and Bitter-Sweet (2018) blend modern production with his classic style. A 2024 box set, Retrospective: Selected Recordings 1973–2023, celebrates his solo legacy.

Legacy and Influence

Impact: Ferry’s fusion of glam, art rock, and pop influenced David Bowie, Duran Duran, The Smiths, and the new romantic movement. His vocal style—smooth yet emotive—set a template for later crooners.

Accolades: He received a CBE in 2011 for services to music and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Roxy Music in 2019.

Cultural Reach: Ferry’s music has been featured in films (The Great Gatsby, Casino Royale) and TV, and his suave image remains iconic.

Let’s Stick Together in Ferry’s Career

The album was a pivotal moment, showcasing Ferry’s ability to reinterpret both his own work and classic songs. Its success, driven by the title track, proved his solo viability during Roxy Music’s break. The vinyl release (ILPS 9367) is a collector’s item, valued for its crisp production and iconic cover art featuring Ferry’s debonair image.Additional NotesMusical Evolution: Let’s Stick Together marked a shift toward accessibility, paving the way for Ferry’s 1980s pop success. The re-recorded Roxy tracks, like “2HB” (referenced in your earlier query), reflect his desire to refine early experiments.

Live Performances: The title track remains a live staple, often performed with Roxy Music and solo sets.

Recent Activity: As of 2025, Ferry continues to tour and release music. His 2024 Retrospective box set includes tracks from Let’s Stick Together, highlighting its enduring appeal.