Secrets on Parade

Background

Christensen went through a difficult time in 1998–99, dealing with the break-ups with Dizzy Mizz Lizzy and with singer Pernille Rosendahl, with whom he had been in a relationship since 1995. He used songwriting as a form of therapy to overcome this, putting his feelings and thoughts to words as one normally would do in a diary, but instead of lying hidden in a drawer somewhere, his secrets are literally on display. Since his songwriting was derived from these personal experiences, the lyrics are rather direct. Christensen says, "I simply think it was written in a simple and straightforward way, almost bordering to banal."

The songs are rather ambiguous as to whether they refer to Dizzy Mizz Lizzy or Pernille Rosendahl. However, the song "King's Garden", after a literal translation of Kongens Have, is known to refer to both as coincidentally both break-ups happened there and he admits to avoid going near the place. "Secrets on Parade", "Prime Time" and "Caterpillar" had already been written for a third album by Dizzy Mizz Lizzy, and are not related to these troubles.

The album was "decidedly a solo record" but the process was also markedly different, explained by Christensen as follows: "This was the first time I was without sparring partners, and I would definitely have bounced some things off of them. At the same time, I went into the studio without completed arrangements, unlike with Dizzy Mizz Lizzy where everything was pre-arranged and there was simply not a single strophe that we did not know of how they should be played." This also meant more time was spent in the studio, in total nearly four months.

Reception

The album was successful in Denmark, selling nearly 60,000 copies and securing a solo career for Christensen. Allegedly, Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark is among the fans.

The singles "Get the Fuck Out of My Mind" and "Love Is a Matter of...." became hits. The latter would be covered by Will Young on for Friday's Child (2003) as "Love Is a Matter of Distance", and this version has appeared on several karaoke albums. The song "21st Century High" appeared on the soundtrack of the 2000 Danish movie Flickering Lights.

Aside from Christensen himself finding solace in his music, the album has had a profound effect on others dealing with grief as well. Christensen says, "There are really many who have responded to Secrets On Parade that it was almost therapeutic for them." He thinks this is because the lyrics cover the topics so explicitly: "When someone finds himself in a depressed state, I think that very direct words penetrate through much easier. One needs something that reaches out. It simply makes it easier to console oneself with."

Track listing

All lyrics by Tim Christensen and Marcus Winther-John, except where noted. All tracks written by Tim Christensen.

Personnel