His debut solo single, "Iron Out the Rough Spots," was released in late 1982, and was followed in 1983 by a cover of Nicky Thomas' reggae-pop hit "Love of the Common People." Neither single did particularly well on the charts, but his version of the lesser-known Marvin Gaye number "Wherever I Lay My Hat (That's My Home)" was a roaring success, topping the UK charts and pushing his debut album, No Parlez, to the same position later that year. “Love Of The Common People” was re-released and became a Christmas top 5 hit in the UK. No Parlez also gave Young his first Top 40 hit in the U.S. with the Jack Lee-penned "Come Back and Stay" (a UK Top Ten). Young mounted an international tour in support of the album, which sold several million copies worldwide.