Somebody Up There Likes Me - solo album/tour (1986 - 1987)

"Everything I've done in the past has been pure contrivance, not that I don't think they were fine and cool. But on my new album, it's the first time I mean everything I sing. The album is about relationships and making them work with my friends, my wife, everyone." - MDB, 1986

Michael's second solo album, released in 1986, featured contributions from Steve Jones (Sex Pistols, Chequered Past), Andy Taylor (Duran Duran, Power Station) and Dave Stewart (Eurythmics).

An excerpt from allmusic.com's review:

"The man seemed keenly aware that this was the moment, turning in a strong mix of rockers and ballads. The elements were in place for a hit. "Money Don't Come Easy," "Somebody Up There Likes Me," and "Thinking With Your Body" all blend soul with hard rock to good effect, and Des Barres really lets loose on the bouncy Wilson Pickett tribute, "Locked in the Cage of Love." The moody "Too Good to be Bad" is a standout ballad. "Money Don't Come Easy," his cover of "I Can See Clearly Now," and the cheeky title track, all address his newfound fame, independence, and optimism."

Album

1. Money Don't Come Easy
    (Des Barres/P. Robinson) (4:06)
2. Do You Belong (Des Barres/B. Rose) (4:27)
3. Is There Someone Else? (Des Barres) (4:31)
4. Everything Reminds Me Of You
    (Des Barres/S. Diamond) (3:54)
5. I Can See Clearly Now (J. Nash) (3:52)
6. Somebody Up There Likes Me
    (Des Barres/S. Jones) (4:44)
7. Too Good To Be Bad
    (L. Juber/K. Savigar/Des Barres) (5:10)
8. Locked In The Cage Of Love (D. Stewart) (3:31)
9. Camera Eyes (Des Barres) (5:09)
10. Thinking With Your Body
    (Des Barres/S. Diamond) (4:01)

Lead vocals: Michael Des Barres.
Guitars: Steve Jones, Andy Taylor, Lawrence Juber.
Drums: Jim Keltner.
Percussion: Bill Summers.
Bass: Philip Chen, Kenny Lewis (track 10 only).
Keyboards: Kevin Savigar.
Horns: Tower of Power (Greg Adams, Emilio Castillo, Richard Elliott, Steve "Doc" Kupka, Lee Thornberg).
Backup vocals: Mary Harris, Wendy Leigh Mackinzie, Debby Holland.
Additional vocals on "Money Don't Come Easy": Andy Taylor.
Produced and arranged by Bob Rose.

12" singles

Money Don't Come Easy 1986 Promo MCA (L33-17153) Side 1: Money Don't Come Easy Side 2: Money Don't Come Easy

Money Don't Come Easy (Extended Remix) 1986 Promo MCA (L33-17155) Side 1: Money Don't Come Easy ($$$$ Mix) Side 2: Money Don't Come Easy ($$$$ Mix)

Too Good To Be Bad 1986 Promo MCA (MCA 6107) Side 1: Too Good To Be Bad (5:10) Side 2: Too Good To Be Bad (5:10)

7" singles

Money Don't Come Easy 1986 Promo MCA (MCA-52870) Side A: Money Don't Come Easy Side B: Money Don't Come Easy

Too Good To Be Bad 1986 Promo MCA (MCA-52938) Side A: Too Good To Be Bad Side B: Is There Someone Else?