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The Camera Never Lies is a jazz vocal album by Michael Franks, released in 1987 by Warner Bros. Records.

Reception

The AllMusic review by Stephen J. Matteo gave the album 3 stars and stated:”After the disappointing Skin Dive, this album signaled a move back, at least partially, to the winning Franks formula. The title cut, “Island Life,” and “Doctor Sax,” although all occasionally missing the mark, reflected a strong recommitment to the kind of songs that Franks was capable of writing. With Rob Mounsey producing, which gave the album the right balance of a modern sound with no gimmicks, and players like Mark Egan, Dave Weckl, and Richard Tee adding some much-needed jazz muscle, Franks was making exciting music again. Additionally, Earl Klugh was the perfect guitar foil for Franks’ music. Lani Groves and Art Garfunkel also fit just right, demonstrating that the right vocalists on a Franks album enhance the possibilities for genre crossover.”

Track listing
All tracks are written by Michael Franks except where noted.

Side one
1. “Face to Face” 4:26
2. “I Surrender” 4:01
3. “The Camera Never Lies” 3:37
4. “Lip Service” 4:13
5. “When I Think of Us” 4:18
Side two
1. “Island Life” Franks, Rob Mounsey 4:17
2. “Now You’re in My Dreams” Franks, Clifford Carter 4:11
3. “Doctor Sax” 5:48
4. “Innuendo” 5:55

Personnel
Michael Franks – vocals
Rob Mounsey – keyboards (1–6, 8, 9), programming (1–6, 8, 9), MIDI piano (1), organ (2), keyboard bass (2), backing vocals (2), flute solo (6), synthesizers (7), bass vocals (8)
Richard Tee – acoustic piano (4)
Clifford Carter – MIDI piano (7), synthesizers (7)
Steve Khan – guitars (1, 7), guitar solo (3)
Hiram Bullock – guitar solo (2)
Jeff Mironov – rhythm guitar (2), guitars (4), acoustic guitar (6), electric guitar (6)
Cornell Dupree – guitars (4)
Georg Wadenius – guitars (8)
Earl Klugh – acoustic guitar (9)
Neil Jason – bass (1)
Marcus Miller – bass (3)
Mark Egan – 8-string fretless bass (5)
Dave Weckl – drums (1)
Chris Parker – cymbals (3, 7, 9), hi-hat (3), drums (7)
Robin Gould – drums (4)
Steve Jordan – drums (8)
Roger Squitero – caxixi (5), shekere (5)
Ralph MacDonald – congas (6), percussion (6)
Lawrence Feldman – alto saxophone (1, 2)
Bill Evans – tenor saxophone (1, 2)
Michael Brecker – EWI (7), tenor saxophone (8)
Randy Brecker – trumpet (1, 2)
Lew Soloff – trumpet (1, 2)
Michal Urbaniak – MIDI violin (5)
Kacey Cisyk – backing vocals (1, 4, 5, 8)
Will Lee – backing vocals (2), bass (4)
Art Garfunkel – backing vocals (3)
Patti Austin – backing vocals (4, 8), vocals (7)
Lani Groves – backing vocals (4, 8)

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Released: July 7, 1987
Studios:
Flying Monkey Studios, Giant Sound Studios, RPM Studios, Automated Sound Studios and Clinton Recording Studios (New York City, New York)
Length: 40:46
Label: Warner Bros.
Producer: Rob Mounsey