How to Compose Popular Songs That Will Sell is the fifth solo studio album from Irish singer, Bob Geldof. It was released on 12 October 2010.[1] How to Compose Popular Songs That Will Sell is Geldof's first album since 2001's Sex, Age & Death, and marks his return to the Mercury Records label. The album reached no. 89 on the UK Albums Chart in its week of entry on 13 February 2011.

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Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[1]

Track listing

All songs written by Bob Geldof, except as noted.

1. "How I Roll" (Geldof, Pete Briquette, Eliza Gilkyson) – 3:03
2. "Blowfish" (Geldof, Briquette) – 4:07
3. "She's a Lover" – 4:30
4. "To Live in Love" – 4:05
5. "Silly Pretty Thing" – 4:02
6. "Systematic 6-Pack" – 3:31
7. "Dazzled by You" – 2:41
8. "Mary Says" (Geldof, Briquette) – 4:52
9. "Blow" – 4:55
10. "Here's to You" – 7:59[1]

Singles

• "Silly Pretty Thing" (January 2011)
• "Here's To You" (April 2011)

Personnel

The Band:

• Bob Geldof - lead vocals, backing vocals, electric & acoustic guitar, ukulele, harmonica, Jews harp
• Pete Briquette - bass, keyboards, electric guitar, programming, percussion
• Alan Dunn - piano, keyboards, accordion, backing vocals
• John Turnbull - electric & acoustic guitar, ukulele, backing vocals
• Vince Lovepump - violin, mandolin, Portuguese guitar, backing vocals
• Jim Russell - drums, percussion, backing vocals
• Niall Power - drums, percussion, backing vocals

Guest Musicians:

• Roger Taylor - backing vocals, percussion (on "Here's To You")
• Henry Dagg - musical saw
• Gary Roberts - electric guitar
• Tash Roper - clarinet, backing vocals
• Joshua J. Macrae - percussion
• Darrell Willis - hand claps, verbals

Production Credits:

• Pete Briquette - producer
• Joshua J. Macrae - engineer
• James Clarke - engineer (Faversham)

Recorded at The Priory Studios, Surrey; Briquette Studios, Acton, and Bob's house.

References