Branigan is the debut studio album by American singer Laura Branigan, released on March 8, 1982, by Atlantic Records. The album's lead single, "All Night with Me", reached number 69 on the US Billboard Hot 100, while the second single, an English version of Italian singer Umberto Tozzi's song "Gloria", was a commercial success, propelling Branigan to international prominence.
The album was certified Gold in both the United States and Canada. Her Eurodisco version of "Gloria" was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female in 1983.
A remastered and expanded edition of the album was released on July 7, 2014, by Gold Legion. Included is the 12-inch mix of "Gloria", extending the song's original length from 4:51 to 5:53 with much of this intro disengaged. Several tracks are hard to find from the album sessions, all but one of which were released as singles or B-sides prior to the release of the final album.
Reception
Billboard praised the album, stating "don't be taken by Branigan's pretty yet dainty image she exudes on the cover art. This lady has a set of chops that she puts to maximum effectiveness on this collection of hot rockers and some mellower fare. Supported by studio hotshots like Steve Lukather, Lee Sklar, Michael Boddicker, Bob Glaub and others, Branigan's voice explodes with a fury, making it clear that she's in the same league as her competition."
AllMusic was more mixed in their review, commenting that "this album, despite being worth checking out simply for Branigan's powerful voice, is middling at best. Though she finds nuances in lyrics and melodies that are not up to her talent, the production often bogs the album down, especially on the ballads."
Track listing
Personnel Credits adapted from the liner notes of Branigan.
Musicians Laura Branigan – vocals Michael Landau – guitar Steve Lukather – guitar Trevor Veitch – guitar Greg Mathieson – keyboards, synthesizer, arrangements Leland Sklar – bass Bob Glaub – bass Carlos Vega – drums Michael Boddicker – synthesizer Jon Joyce – background vocals Joe Chemay – background vocals Jim Haas – background vocals Stephanie Spruill – background vocals Maxine Willard Waters – background vocals Julia Tillman Waters – background vocals Lisa Sarna – background vocals
Technical Jürgen Koppers – recording, mixing John Kovarek – recording Brian Gardner – mastering Jack White – production Greg Mathieson – co-production
Artwork Jim Houghton – photography Bob Defrin – art direction
Charts
Weekly charts + Weekly chart performance for Branigan Chart (1982–1983) Peakposition Australian Albums (Kent Music Report) 50 US Cash Box Top 200 Albums 43
Year-end charts + Year-end chart performance for Branigan Chart (1983) Position US Billboard 200 60
Certifications
Notes
References