5 Facts About Richard Marx’s Self-Written Debut Album

Richard Marx wrote nearly every song on his debut album himself. Only two tracks were co-written: “Lonely Heart” and “Remember Manhattan.”

Both co-written songs were collaborations with Fee Waybill. Waybill is best known as the lead singer of the band The Tubes.

The remaining eight tracks on the album are credited solely to Marx. This was unusual for a debut pop-rock album in the mid-1980s.

Marx’s decision to write alone gave the album a consistent, personal sound. It helped establish his reputation as a serious songwriter, not just a performer.

The album’s self-written nature likely contributed to its commercial success. It produced four Top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100.