The Secret of Association

The Secret of Association is the title of the second studio album by British solo recording artist Paul Young, released in March 1985. The album was a success in the UK, Europe and in the US, consolidating Young's success established with his debut album No Parlez (1983). The album was produced by Laurie Latham.

The release of the album was preceded by the singles I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down (N09, October 1984) and Everything Must Change (N09, December 1984) followed by Everytime You Go Away (N04 March 1985) and Tomb of Memories (N16, July 1985).

As with the debut album, The Secret of Association was a mix of original compositions and cover versions, all recorded blending Young's 'soul' voice with modern sounds using electronic instruments, synthesizers, electronic drums and percussion as well as electric guitars, brass instruments and the trademark fretless bass guitar played by Pino Palladino.

Cover versions include the aforementioned I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down, Everytime You Go Away (Hall & Oates), Soldier's Things (Tom Waits) and Man in the Iron Mask (Billy Bragg).

The album went straight into the UK album charts at no.1 on its release, staying at the top for just one week, outsold at first by the Hits 2 compilation album.