MILLI VANILLI - All Or Nothing ( The First Album ) 12" Vinyl LP Album

- The debut album that launched a thousand dance moves... and zero actual vocals.

Front cover of Milli Vanilli's 1988 debut LP All or Nothing. Features Fab Morvan in black with red roses and Rob Pilatus in red. Includes sticker: 'incl. free Superposter'.

Milli Vanilli's debut album, "All Or Nothing (The First Album)", released in 1988, marked their rise in the pop scene. However, the duo faced a massive controversy when it was revealed that they hadn't sung on the album, leading to its inclusion in Q magazine's list of the 50 worst albums ever made. This revelation shed light on issues of authenticity in the music industry, impacting Milli Vanilli's career significantly.

MILLI VANILLI - All Or Nothing ( The First Album ) Essential Information

Album Description:

In the late 1980s, the music industry was ripe for innovation, with emerging technologies and an insatiable appetite for pop music. It was in this context that "All Or Nothing", the debut album by the pop duo Milli Vanilli, burst onto the scene in 1988. However, what initially appeared to be a promising addition to the pop landscape would later unravel into one of the most infamous scandals in music history.

The album, produced by Frank Farian, was heralded as a fresh and exciting contribution to the pop genre. The catchy hooks, infectious beats, and dynamic vocal performances seemed destined for success. With Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus as the charismatic frontmen, Milli Vanilli quickly captured the attention of music enthusiasts worldwide.

Recorded and mixed at Far Studios, the album bore the creative imprint of sound engineers Tobias Freund, Bernd Berwanger, Norbert Janicke, and Jens Seekam. Their meticulous work ensured that the songs on "All Or Nothing" were polished and sonically engaging. The album's production quality played a significant role in its initial positive reception.

Hans Wegner, the mastermind behind the album cover design, created an image that encapsulated the vibrant spirit of the late 1980s. Esser and Strauss, the photographers responsible for the album's visuals, captured the essence of Milli Vanilli's energetic performances. The imagery on the album cover hinted at the duo's promise and potential, which would later be overshadowed by controversy.

The band's lineup consisted of Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus, the vocal talents responsible for bringing the album's songs to life. Their charismatic stage presence and harmonious vocals contributed to the album's appeal. Joining them were musicians Peter Weihe and Jens Gad on guitars, P.G. Wilder, Toby Gads, Pit Loew, and Volker Barbar on keyboards, and Curt Cress on drums. Collectively, they formed a musical ensemble that lent depth and texture to the tracks.

However, the success and acclaim that initially accompanied "All Or Nothing" were short-lived. In a shocking turn of events, it was revealed that Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus had not actually provided the vocals for the album. The duo had lip-synced to pre-recorded tracks sung by other vocalists. This revelation rocked the music industry and shattered the authenticity of Milli Vanilli's image.

The scandal led to a tarnished reputation for Milli Vanilli, resulting in the revocation of their Grammy Award for Best New Artist and a significant decline in their popularity. The incident underscored the importance of authenticity in music and raised questions about the manufactured nature of pop acts.

In retrospect, "All Or Nothing" stands as a cautionary tale about the perils of sacrificing authenticity for the sake of commercial success. While the album's catchy tunes and production value may have initially captivated audiences, its true legacy lies in the controversy it ignited. "All Or Nothing" serves as a reminder that music, at its core, is an art form that should be rooted in genuine expression and creativity.

The Milli Vanilli scandal:

The Milli Vanilli scandal is a notorious chapter in the history of the music industry that exposed the dark underbelly of manufactured pop stardom and highlighted the importance of authenticity in artistry. The scandal revolved around the revelation that the duo Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus, the faces of Milli Vanilli, had not actually sung any of the vocals on their debut album "All Or Nothing" or subsequent releases. The true vocal performances were provided by other uncredited singers.

Rise to Pop Stardom:
Milli Vanilli, formed in Germany in the late 1980s, quickly rose to fame with their catchy dance-pop tunes and charismatic stage presence. Their debut album "All Or Nothing" was released in 1988 and featured hits like "Girl You Know It's True" and "Blame It on the Rain". The album gained significant attention, and the duo's good looks and energetic performances made them media darlings.

The Unraveling of the Scandal:
The first signs of trouble emerged during a live performance on 21 July 1989, at a promotional event in Bristol, Connecticut. While performing their song "Girl You Know It's True", the recording of the track began skipping, revealing that the vocals being sung were not in sync with the lyrics. This embarrassing incident raised suspicions and led to questions about the authenticity of Milli Vanilli's vocals.

Rumors began to circulate, and the media started investigating the vocal performances on Milli Vanilli's records. In December 1989, during a concert in front of a live audience in Connecticut, the recorded backing track malfunctioned once again, exposing the fact that Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus were not singing live. The duo attempted to cover up the mishap, but the damage had been done.

The Confession and Fallout:
Facing mounting pressure and public scrutiny, Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus were eventually forced to admit the truth behind their lip-syncing. In November 1990, during a live MTV performance in the United States, the duo's manager, Frank Farian, revealed that Fab and Rob had not sung on their records. This admission led to a massive backlash from fans, the media, and the music industry.

As a result of the scandal, Milli Vanilli's Grammy Award for Best New Artist was revoked, further tarnishing their reputation. The duo's popularity plummeted, and they became the target of ridicule and criticism. Their music was pulled from radio stations, and they were dropped by their record label, Arista Records.

Legal Battles and Tragedy:
In the aftermath of the scandal, several class-action lawsuits were filed against the record label and management, alleging consumer fraud. The lawsuits claimed that consumers had been deceived into buying albums based on false pretenses. These legal battles resulted in settlements and compensation for some fans who had purchased Milli Vanilli's albums.

Tragically, Rob Pilatus struggled with substance abuse and depression in the years following the scandal. In 1998, at the age of 32, he was found dead from an accidental drug overdose in a hotel room in Germany. His death marked a sad and unfortunate end to a tumultuous journey.

Legacy and Lessons Learned:
The Milli Vanilli scandal had a profound impact on the music industry, shining a spotlight on the manufactured nature of some pop acts and prompting discussions about the importance of authenticity and artistic integrity. The incident also led to changes in how artists were promoted and marketed, with a renewed emphasis on genuine talent and vocal ability.

"All Or Nothing", the album that initially propelled Milli Vanilli to fame, remains a symbol of the complex interplay between artistry, commercialism, and public perception. While the scandal itself was a dark chapter in music history, it serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder of the enduring value of genuine artistic expression.

Music Genre:

Euro Pop

Label & Catalognr:

Hansa – 209 458

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

1988 Europe

MILLI VANILLI - All Or Nothing ( The First Album ) Production & Recording Information

Producers:

Frank Farian - Producer

Frank Farian was a German music producer who revolutionized pop and disco. Best known for creating Boney M., he also produced hits for Milli Vanilli, No Mercy, and Eruption. His career blended innovation with controversy, shaping global music trends. FarianÕs legacy endures through his iconic productions. Explore his musical journey.

 

Sound & Recording Engineers:

Tobias Freund - Sound Engineer

Bernd Berwanger - Sound Engineer

Norbert Janicke - Sound Engineer

Jens Seekam - Sound Engineer

Recording Location:

Recorded and Mixed At Far Studios

Album Cover Design & Artwork:

Hans Wegner - Album Cover Design

Photography:

Esser and Strauss - Photography

Musicians on: MILLI VANILLI - All Or Nothing ( The First Album )

Band-members, Musicians:

Fab Morvan - Vocals

Fabrice ÒFabÓ Morvan (b. 1966) is a French singer, dancer, and model best known as one half of Milli Vanilli. After the infamous lip-syncing scandal, he reinvented himself as a solo artist and motivational speaker. Unlike his late partner, Fab stayed in the public eye, focusing on music, art, and speaking about redemption.

Rob Pilatus - Vocals

Rob Pilatus (1965-1998) was a German model, dancer, and singer, famously part of Milli Vanilli. Born in Munich to a mixed-race background, he struggled with identity and fame. After the groupÕs fall from grace due to lip-syncing, Rob faced addiction and legal issues. Tragically, he died in 1998 of a drug overdose just before a comeback attempt.

Peter Weihe - Guitars

Jens Gad - Guitars

P.G. Wilder - Keyboards

Toby Gad - Keyboards

Pit Loew - Keyboards

Volker Barbar - Keyboards

Curt Cress - Drums

Curt Cress (b. 1952) is a prolific German drummer and producer whoÕs played on over 12,000 recordings. HeÕs worked with artists like Falco, Tina Turner, Scorpions, and yesÑMilli Vanilli. Known for his versatility and precision, Cress also composes for film and TV, and teaches music at the university level. HeÕs a cornerstone of German pop/rock production. Checkout his album Avanti

Track-listing of: MILLI VANILLI - All Or Nothing ( The First Album )

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Can't You Feel My Love
  2. Boy In The Tree
  3. Money
  4. Dance With A Devil
  5. I'm Gonna Miss You
  6. All Or Nothing
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Baby Don't Forget My Number
  2. Dreams To Remember
  3. Is It Love
  4. Ma Baker
  5. Girl You Know It's True
  6. Hush

Photo Of The Back Cover MILLI VANILLI - All Or Nothing ( The First Album )

Back cover of Milli Vanilli's All or Nothing LP showing Rob Pilatus and Fab Morvan shirtless in a soft-focus style, with full tracklisting and barcode in top right.

Back cover of Milli Vanilli's 1988 LP All or Nothing (The First Album), designed with a dreamy, soft-focus photographic effect.

The two members of the group, Rob Pilatus (left) and Fab Morvan (right), are featured shirtless, with their long braided hair falling over bare shoulders. Rob faces forward, gazing into the camera with slightly parted lips and a silver peace symbol necklace around his neck. Fab looks downward with a solemn expression, his face partially shadowed. The overall visual tone is warm, with a sepia glow and softly blurred edges, creating an ethereal and sensual atmosphere.

In the upper left, the tracklisting is printed in black uppercase letters, split into Side 1 and Side 2. Tracks include ÒCanÕt You Feel My Love,Ó ÒGirl You Know ItÕs True,Ó and ÒBaby DonÕt Forget My Number.Ó The barcode appears in the top right corner along with catalog details: Hansa 209 458.

In the bottom left, the Hansa logo is visible. At bottom center are credits for cover design (H. Wegner), photography (Esser & Strauss), and styling (Magic Design). Bottom right includes additional manufacturing and licensing notes, and a stylized round logo mark.

Notably, the handwritten name ÒBrigitteÓ is faintly visible in blue pen on Fab MorvanÕs shoulder area, likely added by a previous owner.

First Photo Of Custom Inner Sleeve MILLI VANILLI - All Or Nothing ( The First Album )

Inner sleeve of Milli Vanilli's All or Nothing LP features monochrome portrait of Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus against black background with album title and logo.

Custom inner sleeve of Milli VanilliÕs All or Nothing (The First Album), featuring a high-contrast black and white portrait of the duo framed against a deep black matte background.

The photo centers Fab Morvan on the left, gazing off-camera with a contemplative expression. His long dreadlocks cascade over his leather jacket collar. On the right, Rob Pilatus turns his head slightly toward Fab, his braided hair and serious gaze sharply lit from the left, casting a shadow on the right side of his face. Both figures appear introspective and intensely styled in line with late 1980s fashion aesthetics.

Set against an all-black backdrop, the rectangular portrait is bordered by a fine white line. The iconic Milli Vanilli logo, featuring a stylized falling figure above the duoÕs name in minimalist font, appears in the top left. The album title All or Nothing is printed diagonally in white cursive in the lower right corner, adding a dynamic visual element that contrasts the stillness of the portrait.

Second Photo Of Custom Inner Sleeve MILLI VANILLI - All Or Nothing ( The First Album )

Back side of the inner sleeve for Milli Vanilli's All or Nothing album, featuring full tracklisting, songwriting credits, musician roles, and production notes centered on a black background.

Reverse side of the custom inner sleeve from Milli VanilliÕs All or Nothing (The First Album), showcasing complete album credits in a stark, monochrome design.

The layout is centered on a flat black background, with all text printed in crisp white for maximum contrast. The upper half features the tracklist, split into two sides and numbered accordingly. Song titles include ÒCanÕt You Feel My Love,Ó ÒDance With a Devil,Ó and ÒGirl You Know ItÕs True.Ó Beneath each title are songwriting credits, with frequent appearances by Frank Farian, Brad Howell, and other collaborators.

The lower portion provides detailed musician credits: keyboards by P.G. Wilder, Toby Gad, Pit Loew, and Volker Barber; guitars by Peter Weihe and Jens Gad; drums by Curt Cress. Horns were played by the S.A.M. (Studio Art Masters) collective. A full chorus of backing vocalists is also listed, including Linda Rocco and Charles Shaw, the latter eventually revealed as one of the actual vocalists behind Milli VanilliÕs recordings.

Additional engineering and production notes follow, with recordings credited to Far Studios and production by Frank Farian for Far Music Production. The sleeve closes with a ©1988 Hansa imprint. The overall presentation is minimal, focusing purely on factual data in a clean, formal layoutÑcontrasting sharply with the duoÕs visual-heavy front cover.

Photo Side One Vinyl LP MILLI VANILLI - All Or Nothing ( The First Album )

Side 1 label of Milli Vanilli's All or Nothing LP, released by Hansa with catalog number 209 458. Shows track list, credits, and hi-fi stereo mark. Black with white and red print.

Side One vinyl label of Milli VanilliÕs All or Nothing (The First Album), pressed in 1988 by Hansa Records under catalog number 209 458.

The label features a bold, black background with white text and red accents. The upper portion displays the classic Hansa logoÑa white silhouetted rooster on a black background, partially overlaid by the bold, red uppercase word ÒHANSA.Ó Surrounding the perimeter of the label is a fine-print legal disclaimer in German, which prohibits unauthorized reproduction or distribution.

To the left of center, the familiar ST 33 stereo mark and catalog number are clearly printed. Just below, the text reads ÒMilli Vanilli – All Or Nothing – (The First Album),Ó followed by the Side 1 tracklist: ÒCanÕt You Feel My Love,Ó ÒBoy in the Tree,Ó ÒMoney,Ó ÒDance With a Devil,Ó ÒIÕm Gonna Miss You,Ó and ÒAll or Nothing.Ó Each song is credited to a combination of songwriters including T. Gad, J. Gad, F. Farian, P. G. Wilder, J. Collins, and others.

The GEMA STEMRA BIEM box appears on the right-hand side, indicating rights management, while a hi-fi and LC 0835 mark provide audio fidelity and label codes. Below the tracklist, the label states: ÒProduced by Frank Farian for FAR MUSIC PRODUCTIONÓ and carries the © 1988 Hansa credit.

The center spindle hole is visible in the middle, framed by concentric pressing marks, typical of vinyl manufacturing. The overall layout is clean, functional, and true to late-'80s European label aesthetics.

Photo Side Two Vinyl LP MILLI VANILLI - All Or Nothing ( The First Album )

Side 2 vinyl label of Milli Vanilli's All or Nothing album on Hansa Records, listing six tracks including Girl You Know It's True and Hush, with catalog number 209 458.

Side Two vinyl label of Milli VanilliÕs All or Nothing (The First Album), released by Hansa in 1988, catalog number 209 458.

The label is identical in layout and design to Side One, featuring a black background, bold red ÒHANSAÓ logo, and white typesetting. Positioned at the top center is the stylized Hansa rooster emblem, with a horizontal white band running below it that contains the stereo designation (ST 33), hi-fi mark, and rights management boxes including GEMA STEMRA BIEM. The side identifier ÒSeite 2Ó is printed on the right next to the matrix number ÒS 209 458 B.Ó

Six tracks are listed in all caps under the album title: ÒBaby DonÕt Forget My Number,Ó ÒDreams to Remember,Ó ÒIs It Love,Ó ÒMa Baker,Ó ÒGirl You Know ItÕs True,Ó and ÒHush.Ó The songwriters are credited beneath each title, including F. Farian, B. Nail, D. Kawohl, M. Applegate, and others. Notably, ÒMa BakerÓ is a cover of the Boney M. hit, originally produced by Farian, and ÒGirl You Know ItÕs TrueÓ became the duoÕs breakout single.

The label notes production by Frank Farian for FAR MUSIC PRODUCTION and copyright © 1988 Hansa. The outer rim includes legal disclaimers and manufacturing information in German. The spindle hole at center is flanked by subtle groove etchings and matrix identifiers, consistent with vinyl pressings of the period.