Marianne Faithful
Broken English
Marianne Faithfull's album "Broken English", her seventh studio release, was put out on 2 November 1979 by Island Records. It is considered a defining moment in her career, as it marked a major resurgence after years of drug addiction, homelessness, and anorexia. Marianne Faithfull herself described it as her "masterpiece."
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Marianne Faithfull's album "Broken English", her seventh studio release, was put out on 2 November 1979 by Island Records. It is considered a defining moment in her career, as it marked a major resurgence after years of drug addiction, homelessness, and anorexia. Marianne Faithfull herself described it as her "masterpiece".
Before "Broken English", Marianne Faithfull's career had suffered due to her heroin addiction and living on the streets of London. Her voice had been permanently altered by drug abuse and laryngitis, making a comeback difficult. However, after working with musician Barry Reynolds, Marianne Faithfull caught the attention of Chris Blackwell, who signed her to Island Records. The album was recorded at Matrix Studios in London, with producer Mark Miller Mundy and keyboardist Steve Winwood.
"Broken English" is a new wave rock album that incorporates elements of punk, blues, and reggae. It received critical acclaim and peaked at number 82 on the Billboard 200, her first album to chart in the US since 1965. It reached number 57 in the UK and the top five in Germany, France, and New Zealand. The album was certified platinum in Germany and France and sold over one million copies worldwide. Two singles were released, including "The Ballad of Lucy Jordan" which reached number 48 on the UK Singles Chart. "Broken English" has been recognized by NME magazine and the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.