Hard Machine is the second studio album by American singer Stacey Q, released in February 1988 by Atlantic Records. After the international success of her song "Two of Hearts" and debut album Better Than Heaven (1986), Swain began working on her sophomore record. She again collaborated with her bandmates from SSQ. Produced by Jon St. James, Hard Machine is a dance-pop album, which is influenced by new wave, contemporary R&B and rock music.
Upon its release, Hard Machine received generally positive reviews from music critics and noted a small commercial success, peaking at number 115 on the Billboard 200.
Three singles were released from the album. The lead single, "Don't Make a Fool of Yourself" (Shep Pettibone Remix), released on March 25, 1988, peaked at number 19 on the Hot Crossover 30, Number 4 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs, Number 1 on the Top 12 inch Singles Sales chart, and also peaking at number 66 on the Billboard Hot 100. The second single "I Love You" peaked at Number 49 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs. "Favorite Things" was released as a promotional single.
Track listing
"Good Girl" (K. Fisher, M. Stein) (4:02) "Favorite Things" (J. St. James, S. Swain) (4:10) "Kiss It All Goodbye" (J. St. James, S. Swain) (3:47) "Don't Make A Fool Of Yourself" (S. Hahn, J, St. James, S. Swain) (4:08) "The River" (J. St. James, S. Swain) (5:06) "I Love You" (J. St. James, S. Swain) (4:35) "Temptation" (K. Fisher, M. Stein) (3:51) "Hard Machine" (J. St. James, S. Swain) (3:16) "After Hours" (J. St. James, S. Swain) (3:26) "Another Chance" (S. Hahn, S. Swain) (4:05)
Credits and personnel
SSQ
Stacey Q. - lead vocals, backing vocals
Skip Hahn - keyboards, guitar, backing vocals
Karl Moet - drums, sampling, percussion
Rich West - keyboards, arrangement on track 10
Jon St. James - keyboards, drums, percussion
Additional Musicians
Scott Bowers - guitar (tracks 1, 7) Eddie Reddick - vocals (tracks 1, 7) Rusty Anderson - guitar (track 8) Joe Cristina - Formula 1 horns John Deemer - Formula 1 horns Victor Cajiao - Formula 1 horns Michael Stein - additional keyboards Kirk Fisher - additional keyboards