Bryan Ferry – Let’s Stick Together (1976)

About the song

“Let’s Stick Together” stands as a pivotal album in Bryan Ferry’s solo career, marking his third solo release following the hiatus of Roxy Music in 1976. Unlike his previous albums, this 1976 offering was not conceived as a cohesive studio project but rather as a collection primarily comprising singles, B-sides, and an EP, showcasing Ferry’s diverse musical influences and reinterpretations of both Roxy Music tracks and cover songs.

The album features three reworked Roxy Music classics: “Casanova,” “2HB,” and “Chance Meeting,” each imbued with a smoother, jazz-inflected vibe compared to their original incarnations. These tracks exemplify Ferry’s penchant for reinvention and his exploration of jazz and R&B elements, distinct from the art rock stylings of Roxy Music.

In addition to the Roxy Music re-recordings, “Let’s Stick Together” includes six covers that highlight Ferry’s eclectic taste and vocal versatility. Notably, the title track, originally written and recorded by Wilbert Harrison, became a standout hit with its saxophone-driven arrangement and infectious rhythm. Other covers such as The Everly Brothers’ “The Price of Love” and Jimmy Reed’s “Shame, Shame, Shame” showcase Ferry’s ability to infuse classic tunes with his own distinctive flair, often incorporating nods to soul and blues influences.

The album’s singles and EP enjoyed significant chart success in the UK, with “Let’s Stick Together” reaching number 4 and the Extended Play EP hitting number 7. These achievements underscored Ferry’s enduring appeal and his ability to resonate with audiences beyond the Roxy Music fanbase.

Throughout the album, Ferry collaborates with various musicians from the Roxy Music ensemble, including Paul Thompson on drums, Eddie Jobson on violin and synthesizer, and Phil Manzanera and John Porter on guitar, ensuring a seamless blend of talent and musical craftsmanship.

“Let’s Stick Together” not only solidified Bryan Ferry’s solo career but also showcased his evolution as a musician and interpreter of diverse musical genres. Its blend of reimagined Roxy Music classics and soulful covers continues to be celebrated for its innovation and influence in the realms of rock, jazz, and R&B, cementing its place as a classic in Ferry’s discography.

Video

Lyrics

And now the marriage vow is very sacred
The man has put us together now
You ought to make it stick together
Come on, come on, let’s stick together
You know we made a vow not to leave one another never

But now you never miss your water till your well runs dry
Come on now baby give our love a try
Let’s stick together
Come on, come on, let’s stick together
You know we made a vow not to leave one another never

Well if you’re stuck for a while consider our child
How can it be happy without its ma and pa
Let’s stick together
Come on, come on, let’s stick together
You know we made a vow not to leave one another never

Well if you’re stuck for a while consider our child
How can it be happy without its ma and pa
Let’s stick together
Come on, come on, let’s stick together
You know we made a vow not to leave one another never