"Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D'Arby" marked the dazzling debut of Terence Trent D'Arby, released on July 13, 1987, by Columbia Records in the UK. The album quickly ascended to number one on the UK Albums Chart, where it spent a total of nine weeks, eventually achieving 5× Platinum certification for sales of 1.5 million copies. It also topped the charts in Switzerland and reached number two in New Zealand and The Netherlands.
In the United States, where it was released in October 1987, the album enjoyed slower but steady success, peaking at number four on the Billboard 200 chart on May 7, 1988. The single "Wishing Well" from the album reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 during the same week. On the Billboard R&B Albums chart, the album also claimed the top spot.
Several other singles from the album contributed to its success, including "If You Let Me Stay," a UK top-ten hit, and "Sign Your Name," which peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two in the UK. "Dance Little Sister," another single, also reached the UK top 20. D'Arby's singles were released in multiple formats, including various limited editions with additional studio and live tracks, a common practice for successful artists during that era.
The album's blend of soul, rock, and pop, coupled with D'Arby's charismatic vocals and songwriting prowess, cemented his status as a formidable new talent in the music industry, earning critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide.
