4 Mike + The Mechanics Gems Featuring the Stellar Lead Vocals of Paul Carrack
Mike Rutherford formed Mike + The Mechanics to keep occupied between Genesis albums, choosing multiple lead singers so he would not have to front the band himself. Paul Carrack’s distinctive voice features on many of the group’s best-known songs, and four tracks show the range of his contributions as a singer and songwriter.
Carrack sang the debut single, “Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)”, and gave a striking performance on “The Living Years”, which reached No. 1 and won Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Later examples include “Everybody Gets A Second Chance”, released from the 1991 album *Word of Mouth*, and the less widely known “My Crime of Passion”, which Carrack co-wrote with Rutherford and Adrian Lee and sings with harmonies from Paul Young.
- Carrack’s vocals helped define Mike + The Mechanics’ best-known songs.
- “The Living Years” topped the charts and won two Grammy Awards.
- “My Crime of Passion” highlights Carrack’s songwriting and harmonies with Paul Young.
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Mike Rutherford, best known as a member of Genesis, started Mike + The Mechanics in the 1980s as a separate project between Genesis albums. He wanted the group to have several lead singers, rather than taking the role himself. Paul Carrack became one of its most recognisable voices.
Carrack sang on songs including “Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)” and “The Living Years”, a major hit that won two Grammy Awards. He also contributed as a songwriter, working with Rutherford and Adrian Lee on “My Crime of Passion”. These tracks show how the band drew on different singers and songwriters across its career.