Lionel Richie Louder Than Words

After the greatest-hits collection Back to Front disappeared without a trace in 1992, Lionel Richie spent four years making Louder Than Words, his first album for Mercury Records. Although there are some slight attempts to incorporate new jack and hip-hop influences into Richie's sound, Louder Than Words relies on his trademark balladeering, which remains his forte. All of the weak moments on Louder Than Words are ill-advised forays into rap to put it bluntly, he can rap about as well as Snoop Dogg can sing. Although the ballads aren't as strong as his late-'70s and early-'80s standards, they are nevertheless pleasant, which makes the record a worthwhile purchase for fans.

Released in 1996, "Louder Than Words" was Lionel Richie's first album of new material in 10 years. Fans welcomed Richie back with enthusiasm; the album peaked at number 28 and sold over half-a-million copies in the US.

Sprung by his artistic songwriting and dynamic performing style, pop-soul legend Lionel Richie has created a legacy reaching new standards in his craft and in the industry. His musical career begun by accident on his grandmother’s piano, instilling him with the basic foundation of music. When he began college, he and five other classmates formed The Mystics, better known as The Commodores. In 1982, Richie embarked on his own solo career with his single, “Truly,” which was a number one hit for many weeks. His landmark recording, Can’t Slow Down, sold over 15 million copies worldwide, and spawned five chart-topping singles, and became the best selling album in Motown history… This Hi-Res collection includes 4 studio & 1 compilation album.