"Give Me an Inch" is a song by

English English usually refers to: * English language * English people English may also refer to: Peoples, culture, and language * ''English'', an adjective for something of, from, or related to England ** English national ide ...

vocalist Robert Palmer, which was released in 1976 as the lead single from his second studio album '' Pressure Drop'' (1975). The song was written by Palmer and produced by Steve Smith. "Give Me an Inch" reached No. 6 on the US ''Billboard'' Bubbling Under the Hot 100 chart and No. 88 on the ''

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'' Top 100 Singles chart.Billboard magazine - Bubbling Under the Hot 100 - 17 January 1976 - page 23Cash Box magazine - Cash Box Top 100 Singles - 13 March 1976 - page 4

Critical reception

Upon release, ''

'' commented: "Fine, fine lyrics and a boiling production full of soaring strings, steady drums and sultry bass, flutes in the background. Palmer's voice personifies the storyline which intimates that he's ready for the love that's finally crossed his path." In a review of ''Pressure Drop'', ''

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'' listed the song as one of the album's "best cuts". In a retrospective review of the album, David Jeffries of

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commented: "...the soft songs are well written and convincing, especially the opening "Give Me an Inch"."

Track listing

;7" single #"Give Me An Inch" - 3:17 #"Pressure Drop" - 5:28

Charts

Ian Matthews version

In 1978, British singer-songwriter Iain Matthews recorded "Give Me an Inch" for his ninth studio album '' Stealin' Home''. Matthews told ''

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'' in 2014, "I was a peripheral Robert almerfan. I knew him when I lived in England and had followed his musical development. I heard the song and wanted to interpret it." Reviewing ''Stealin' Home'' for ''

Rolling Stone ''Rolling Stone'' is an American monthly magazine that focuses on music, politics, and popular culture. It was founded in San Francisco, San Francisco, California, in 1967 by Jann Wenner, and the music critic Ralph J. Gleason. It was first kno ...

s syndicated record review column,

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assessed Matthews' version as "more compelling" than the original preferring "Matthews' rock treatment

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eschewing fthe pretentious string arrangements that mar much of Palmer's music." Released as the followup single to the Top 20 hit " Shake It", "Give Me an Inch" afforded Matthews a final ''Billboard'' Hot 100 entry, peaking at No. 67 in April 1979.

References

{{authority control 1975 songs 1976 singles 1979 singles Island Records singles Iain Matthews songs Robert Palmer (singer) songs Songs written by Robert Palmer (singer)