Michael Bolton
Studio album by
Michael Bolton
ReleasedApril 1983
Recorded1982-83
Genre
Length33:19
LabelColumbia
ProducerMichael Bolton, Gerry Block
Michael Bolton chronology
Everyday of My Life
(1976) 		Michael Bolton
(1983) 		Everybody's Crazy
(1985)
Singles from Michael Bolton
  1. "Fool's Game"
    Released: 1983

Michael Bolton is the third studio album by American recording artist Michael Bolton. Released in 1983, it was Bolton's first record to be released on Columbia Records. This was also the first time that Bolton recorded under his stage name as his previous two albums had been released under his given name, Michael Bolotin.

It features then future Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick on lead guitar, rotating with Bolton himself. Future Trans-Siberian Orchestra/Savatage/Megadeth guitarist Al Pitrelli replaced Kulick on the tour supporting the single, "Fool's Game", though the tour was cancelled after four shows.

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[2]
The Rolling Stone Album Guide[3]

The Rolling Stone Album Guide said the album was "better balanced and more pop-savvy [than the rest of Bolton's first four albums], but falters when he attempts an over-burdened rendition of the Supremes' 'Back in My Arms Again'."[3]

AllMusic gave the album a generally negative retrospective review, saying that it was dominated by arena rock cliches, but acknowledged that "Bolton was an undeniably involving singer, and songs like 'Fools Game,' the lead-off track and chart single, were satisfying pop efforts".[2]

Track listing

Side one
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Fool's Game"Michael Bolton, Craig Brooks, Mark Mangold3:56
2."She Did the Same Thing"Bolton3:52
3."Hometown Hero"Bolton, Scott Zito3:41
4."Can't Hold On, Can't Let Go"Bolton3:22
5."Fighting for My Life"Bolton3:28
Side two
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Paradise"Bolton, Zito4:00
2."Back in My Arms Again" (Originally recorded by The Supremes)Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Edward Holland3:14
3."Carrie"Bolton3:51
4."I Almost Believed You"Bolton, Patrick Henderson4:05

Personnel

Musicians

Technical personnel

Cover versions

Charts

Chart performance for Michael Bolton
Chart (1983) Peak
position
US Billboard 200[4] 89

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[5] Gold 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. ^ a b Considine, J.D.; Coleman, Mark; Evans, Paul; McGee, David (1992). "Michael Bolton". In DeCurtis, Anthony; Henke, James; George-Warren, Holly (eds.). Rolling Stone Album Guide. New York: Random House. p. 41.
  2. ^ a b c Michael Bolton at AllMusic
  3. ^ a b Brackett, Nathan; Christian Hoard (2004). The Rolling Stone Album Guide. New York City, New York: Simon and Schuster. p. 90. ISBN 0-7432-0169-8. rolling stone michael bolton album guide.
  4. ^ "Michael Bolton Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  5. ^ "American album certifications – Michael Bolton – Michael Bolton". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
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