King – Bitter Sweet (1985) Vinyl LP Record
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King – Bitter Sweet
Released in 1985 on CBS Records, Bitter Sweet is the second and final studio album from King — the Coventry-based pop-funk outfit fronted by the flamboyant Paul King. Following the commercial success of their debut Steps in Time, which spawned the UK Top 10 hits "Love & Pride" and "Won't You Hold My Hand Now", this follow-up takes a more ambitious, sophisticated direction. The funk grooves are deeper, the production more layered, and Paul King's vocal performances more assured. A cult favourite among collectors of mid-'80s British pop and a record that rewards repeated listening on vinyl.
Stand-Out Tracks
- "The Taste of Your Tears" – The album's lead single and its most immediate track, a polished, emotionally resonant pop-funk gem that reached the UK Top 20 and remains the band's best-known song from this period.
- "These Things" – A lush, atmospheric opener to Side B with a sophisticated chord structure that showcases the band's musical ambition beyond their pop-chart roots.
- "Alone Without You" – The album's opening track and a strong statement of intent, a driving, hook-laden pop-funk cut that sets the tone perfectly.
- "Torture" – A darker, more intense mid-tempo track that highlights the album's emotional depth and Paul King's expressive vocal range.
- "I Cringed, I Died, I Felt Hot" – The album's most adventurous track at nearly five minutes, blending funk, new wave, and art-pop influences in a way that feels genuinely ahead of its time.
Record Details
- Artist: King
- Title: Bitter Sweet
- Format: LP (12")
- Year: 1985
- Label: CBS Records
- Barcode: 5052795094585
- Genre: Pop-Funk / Soul / New Wave / Sophisti-Pop
- Decade: 1980s
- Notable: Second and final album from King — follow-up to the gold-selling debut Steps in Time
Condition
Record: VG
Sleeve: VG
All records are graded using the Goldmine standard. See our full Condition Grading Guide for details.
Browse our full 1980s Vinyl Collection. You might also enjoy our 1990s Vinyl or explore our range of Compact Discs.
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