About this album

Sound: "A breezy blend of soft rock melodies and witty storytelling that captures the spirit of late '70s pop."

Where they were

By the time 'Partners in Crime' was released in August 1979, Rupert Holmes had already achieved commercial success with his previous album, 'Widescreen'. This record marked a peak in his career, bolstered by the massive hit single 'Escape (The Piña Colada Song)', which helped solidify his reputation as a clever songwriter and engaging performer.

Why it matters

'Partners in Crime' is notable for producing 'Escape (The Piña Colada Song)', a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, which became a cultural phenomenon. The album's catchy tunes and humorous narratives resonated with audiences, making it a defining work of the soft rock genre during that era.

Essential tracks

  • "Escape (The Piña Colada Song)" — This track stands out not only for its infectious melody but also for its clever narrative about love and infidelity, capturing listeners' imaginations.
  • "Partners in Crime" — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of companionship and mischief, showcasing Holmes' signature wit and melodic prowess.
  • "Him" — 'Him' offers a poignant examination of love and jealousy, highlighting Holmes' ability to convey deep emotions through accessible pop music.
  • "Answering Machine" — 'Answering Machine' cleverly uses technology as a narrative device, illustrating Holmes’ knack for modern storytelling within soft rock.

Release Date

August 5, 1979

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

  1. 1 Escape (The Piña Colada Song) 4:38
  2. 2 Partners in Crime 5:12
  3. 3 Nearsighted 2:53
  4. 4 Lunch Hour 4:37
  5. 5 Drop It 4:20
  6. 6 Him 4:15
  7. 7 Answering Machine 3:42
  8. 8 The People That You Never Get to Love 3:48
  9. 9 Get Outta Yourself 4:49
  10. 10 In You I Trust 5:04