Lionel Richie - Can't Slow Down
I’ve been comparing my original pressing with the new Analogue Productions One Step AAA release. Before listening, I level-matched both copies; the original is cut slightly quieter. I listened at an average of 74 dB, with peaks around 82 dB.
As good as the original is, it comes across as somewhat veiled and a bit harsher on the ears compared to the One Step. It also has more noticeable sibilance. For example, near the beginning of All Night Long, there’s an instrument that produces a cracking-type sound on the One Step, this comes through much sharper and cleaner.
Towards the end of the track, when the female vocals repeat “All Night,” there’s also a subtle male vocal underneath. On the original, that male voice is almost lost blurred into the mix and lacking definition. On the One Step, however, those deeper male vocals are clearly audible and much better separated.
Overall, this is an excellent mastering of the album. If you’re a fan of Lionel Richie, I’d strongly recommend picking this up before it sells out. It’s limited to 3,000 copies I managed to get number 751. At $100, it’s not cheap, but in my opinion, it’s absolutely worth it.
Honestly, I can’t see myself going back to the original pressing after hearing this.
My only minor gripe with both versions is that Lionel Richie’s vocal sits slightly right of centre I do wish it had been placed dead centre in the mix.
