"Sweet Lies" is a song by the English singer Robert Palmer, released in 1988 as a single from the soundtrack of the film of the same name. As well as appearing on the film's soundtrack release, it was also included on Palmer's 1989 compilation album . The song was written by Palmer, Frank Blair and Dony Wynn, and produced by Palmer.
Background
Palmer's first single release since 1986, "Sweet Lies" was released by Island Records from the forthcoming Sweet Lies motion picture soundtrack. The single peaked at No. 94 on the U.S. BillboardHot 100 chart and lasted remained in the Top 100 for two weeks. In the UK, the song fared better, reaching No. 58 and remaining in the charts for three weeks. In Michael Luckman's book Alien Rock: The Rock 'n' Roll Extraterrestrial Connection, Palmer is quoted as having called "Sweet Lies" "a lovely record," and confessed it wrote itself, much like his 1988 hit single "She Makes My Day". He was quoted "It came out of the blue. I was merely channeling it, these chord changes - I have no idea where that came from. I didn't give much thought to it at all. It was like automatic writing. It's nice to be in the right place at the right time, catch it unaware, and then people go, 'What's that?' and I go, 'I dunno, good isn't it?'"
Release
The single was released by Island Records in America, the UK, and Europe, including Germany and Italy, and Japan. All editions of the 7" vinyl release featured the B-side "Want You More" which was taken from Palmer's 1983 album Pride. The 12" vinyl release included an extended remix of "Sweet Lies", created by Freddy Bastone. A limited edition 12" vinyl was also issued in the UK in addition to the standard one. A UK promotional 12" vinyl featured an exclusive "Dub Version" of the track, which was again created and remixed by Bastone. CD editions were released in the UK, America and Japan. In 1989, Palmer's 1978 hit single "Bad Case of Loving You " was re-issued by Island Records in the UK, Australia and New Zealand as a single from Addictions: Volume 1. The single peaked at No. 80 in the UK, with "Sweet Lies" as the B-side.
Promotion
A music video was filmed to promote the single. In a March 1988 issue of the UK music magazineNew Musical Express, a full A4 black and white advert was displayed based on the single. In America, a promotional poster was also issued.
Critical reception
Upon release, Ro Newton of Smash Hits said: ""Sweet Lies" is slightly more laid-back than his previous rumbustious efforts and has really a rather peculiar sound to it. Robert sings along with himself but in a different key just to make life interesting, all accompanied by some lazy trumpet playing." In the Evening Times of December 17, 1988, an article based on the music of 1988 under the headline "Year of the cover-ups" mentioned the song under the 'Rock' section, written by Roddy Thomson, who stated "Robert Palmer with his "Sweet Lies" single nearly made our hit list but this year the King of Smooths title fell rather to one Will Downing who, aside from doing the honours on Wally Jump Juniors "Tighten Up - I Just Can't Stop Dancing", managed to release the best soul record of 1988."
Track listing
;7" Single
"Sweet Lies" - 3:09
"Want You More" - 3:18
;12" Single
"Sweet Lies" - 5:33
"Want You More" - 3:18
"Riptide" - 2:26
;12" Single
"Sweet Lies" - 5:33
"Want You More" - 3:18
"Riptide" - 2:26
"Addicted to Love" - 3:55
;12" Single
"Mentiras Dulces " - 5:33
"Te Quiro Mas " - 3:18
"Rompe-Olas " - 2:26
;12" Single
"Sweet Lies" - 5:33
"Want You More" - 3:18
"Riptide" - 2:26
;12" Single
"Sweet Lies" - 5:33
"Sweet Lies " - 3:00
"Every Kinda People" - 3:19
;CD Single
"Sweet Lies" - 5:33
"Want You More" - 3:18
"Riptide" - 2:26
;CD Single
"Sweet Lies" - 3:07
;CD Single
"Sweet Lies" - 3:09
"Want You More" - 3:18
;CD Single
"Sweet Lies" - 5:33
"Want You More" - 3:18
"Riptide" - 2:26
"Addicted to Love" - 3:55
Chart performance
Personnel
Robert Palmer - lead vocals, guitar, producer, arranger
