Vanity’s second solo album, Skin on Skin (SoS), released in 1986 under Motown Records, is a bold departure from her 1984 debut, Wild Animal. While her first record embraced a raw, synth-heavy new wave aesthetic, Skin on Skin showcases a more refined and accessible sound. With tighter production, improved vocal performances, and sophisticated songwriting, this album was aimed at the mainstream Billboard Top 40 audience. It’s a project that reveals Vanity’s growth as an artist and highlights her ability to adapt and experiment with genre fusion, blending blazing dance-floor energy with sultry, funk-laden grooves.
Refined Production and Sound Evolution
Where Wild Animal leaned heavily on experimental synth-pop and new wave elements, Skin on Skin feels more controlled and mature. The production—sharper and more radio-friendly—brings a polished sheen to Vanity’s sound. The album is split between high-energy synth-dance tracks reminiscent of The Pointer Sisters and slower, mid-tempo adult contemporary funk numbers that exude confidence and charisma. Vanity’s vocal performance is notably improved here, delivering her most focused and dynamic work to date. She trades rawness for nuance, showing her ability to adapt to the more structured musical arrangements without losing the playful edge that defined her persona.
Standout Tracks
“Under the Influence”: Undoubtedly the album’s crown jewel, this infectious R&B single became Vanity’s highest-charting solo hit, reaching the Top 10 on the R&B charts. The track’s funky, hypnotic groove, paired with Vanity’s sultry delivery, makes it an enduring highlight of her career.
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“Manhunt”: A quintessential ‘80s dance track with a driving beat and cheeky lyrics. Its vibrant energy captures Vanity’s playful “Sheena of the Jungle” spirit and stands out as one of the album’s most fun moments.
“Animals”: Equal parts hilarious and provocative, this track leans into Vanity’s flirtatious charm, coupling witty lyrics with a layered, funky arrangement.
“Ouch”: With its tough, mid-’80s funk groove, this song is a raunchy standout that mirrors the boldness of her earlier hit, Mechanical Emotion. Its bassline and catchy hook make it irresistible for fans of Vanity’s edgier material.
“In the Jungle”: Continuing the album’s jungle-themed fun, this track offers an adventurous blend of playful vocals and punchy synth-funk production.
Thematic Playfulness
Vanity fully leans into a playful, seductive persona throughout Skin on Skin. Tracks like Manhunt, Animals, and In the Jungle evoke a campy, “horny Sheena of the Jungle” vibe, blending sexual innuendo with an exuberant sense of fun. While not as overtly provocative as her debut, this album finds a balance between sensuality and artistry, delivering moments of both humor and heat.
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The Legacy That Could Have Been
Although Skin on Skin lacks the frenetic energy of Wild Animal, it compensates with its sophisticated arrangements and more commercially viable sound. It’s a must-have for any Vanity fan, offering a snapshot of her at her most polished and musically adventurous. Had Vanity continued refining her Motown-era sound into a third album, she might have cemented herself as a serious contender in the dance/R&B landscape of the late ‘80s. Vanity had the looks, the attitude, and the talent to rival contemporaries like Jody Watley and Samantha Fox.
Vanity as a Triple Threat
Despite critiques of her artistry at the time, Vanity’s legacy shines brighter in hindsight. She wasn’t just a pop provocateur—Denise Katrina Matthews-Smith was a true triple threat. She had an undeniable stage presence, could command a scene on-screen, and delivered compelling vocals that blended sass, charisma, and vulnerability. With Skin on Skin, Vanity distilled her 1980s persona into an album that’s fun, funky, and flirtatious—a perfect encapsulation of her unique place in pop and R&B history.
Final Verdict
Skin on Skin represents Vanity at her best as a recording artist. It’s a playful, danceable, and surprisingly sophisticated album that reflects the height of her artistic potential. While it didn’t make her a chart-topping icon, it remains a testament to her ability to entertain, experiment, and charm listeners.
