Reviews (page 2 of 8)
більше затишний ніж попередній альбом з кінця 70тих («the cars»), який я слухала учора. вчорашній був більш енергійний, а сьогоднішній, тобто ось цей - спокійніший. ...мабуть. здається, 80ті мені все-таки ближчі, затишніші ніж 70ті. я справді обожнюю 80ті. дуже шкода, що я не зростала саме в них. чи хоча б народилася в ті часи... :(
I liked this album. This was the type of the music I was looking for when I joined the 1001 Album generator program: groups I have never heard of, and music that wasn't necessarily popular. The songs were different, but many had a mellow, relaxing sound.
honestly great background music, so good
Det her er så utrolig tidsløst. Wow. Det eneste der afslører at det er fra 80’erne er stemmefilteret
Very very good
Hidden gem
This is what I’m here for. Genuinely some of the most beautiful songwriting I’ve ever heard. I need to listen to everything this band has ever released.
This is the shit to me i love this album i love the 80s why couldnt i be born 30 years earlier
I liked this when it came out, or at least liked the singles I heard from it, as I'm not sure if I ever listened to the whole thing. But I liked it even more now; it's really got some excellent songwriting in it.
Very-very interesting pop-rock album. It is perfect. Very close to masterpiece, but not.
Blueberry pies sounds like a symbol of superficial consolation, when you know you can’t offer the truth, only comforting but empty gestures. In Goodbye Lucille #1, ‘she is a person too’ is simple but powerful—a call back to reality: the other person is not merely an object of our desire, but a real being with her own subjectivity and will.
Very unique sounds
A lot of this album came out of nowhere to impress me. I was not expecting much, so when i got some really great vocals and production, along with deceptively catchy hooks and vibes - it was a good surprise. I think there were times when it dragged on a bit for me, but i still really liked it and will revisit.
That is such a great one. What a wonderful edition to this list. Slik, poppy, sophisticated. I feel the Elvis Costello of it Every time another surprising turn to the harmony and melody. Rithem is COOL. Lovely. Very much an 80's album. In the best way. It's not just a keeper but probably A 5
9/10 Favorites: Appetite When Love Breaks Down
back vocals are amazing. love the groove
Clever songs, but never too knowingly. Prefab Sprout have always navigated the fine line between polished and smart arse when it comes to their craft. Appetite is a statement alone; When Loves Breaks Down is lush. Overall the album does well to capture that transition from early 80's indie pop to the arrival of the CD audience. It has a delicate touch, but still sounds professional.
I have never heard of this band. Two tracks in and I am really really enjoying it. I agree with other reviewers that maybe the list is not really definitive and is based more on white British people's music taste who were born in the late 60's/early 70's. That all being said, this is a great record. Sounds fantastic and very modern still with the current resurgence of 80's sounds and textures in pop music. "Appetite" is really a great track. Slinky and sexy and has a great bassline too. These are great songs. I love Talking Heads, Donny Benet, nightwave, Ghost, Tears for Fears, and this is right in there. This music is at once nostalgic and modernly beautiful. "Hallelujah" is a nice jazzy yacht-rock sort of tune. Wow, this is a great album. "Horsin' Around" is honest, heartbreaking and at the same time so catchy and groovy. The ending especially really conveys the feeling. I really enjoyed this! This is what I hoping for from this list, music I had never come across but fell in love with in a single album.
Day646 - wow what a fantastic album. not a bad song
It's been a while since I was totally blindsided by how good an album was, so this is a nice surprise. 9 great songs, and 2 good ones make this an easy 5 stars. This is probably the first album I've listened to where the backing vocals are the best part of the album. Without Wendy, this is maybe 3 or 4 stars, but she adds great depth to the whole album.
Absolute peach! I’ve been listening to this album regularly since it was released. Great and thought provoking lyrics, great music and beautiful singing. This isn’t even their best album, try Swoon
A all timer for me Track 1-5 is as good a streak as any album. To my ear - interesting that they took modern recording techniques and mixing to folk, country and other traditional instruments and made a wholly unique sound that others occasionally dabbled in but I’ve never heard anyone else ever make their identity. If you only listen to a few tracks, When Loves Breaks Down, Goodbye Lucille #1 (some amazing vocals in this one) and When the Angels are what I’d recommend. I think they were probably influential to a lot of bands people hated like Roxette and Savage Garden so got guilty by association My mum used to play it in the rare times she got control of the (actual) ghetto blaster around Christmas so nostalgia may be doing heavy lifting here.
Wasn't expecting much with this album, but turns out it's holding some damn good 80s pop. Solid 5 Stars.
I’m at a 4.5 that I’ll bump up to a 5. Well, this sort of threw “sophisti-pop” on its head for me with the first track being a sort of R.E.M.-esque country cut about disdain for the mundane, and then it just kept surprising me. I’m starting to find that “sophisti-pop” is maybe just fancy genre talk for “80s singer-songwriters who stuck to pop”, because this is certainly not the same thing as Sade, the Blue Nile, or even Everything Like The Girl. This is really just a pop album with a rock lean to my ears; yes, the lyricism is flowery at times & comprehending them that can elevate a few tracks, but I think they’re equally as straightforward, since a lot of these are just love songs. To my ears, so much of this album is guided by the instrumentals & vocals as a guide to portray the emotion, and it works really effectively; this might be one of the best-produced ‘80s albums I’ve heard so far. Thank you to Thomas Dolby. I hesitate to really label this as “sophisti-pop”, since the same sort of elements are there, but I just think this album shines even on a casual listen. Take a track like “Bonny” for example, where it feels like a ‘90s track more reminiscent of a Matchbox 20 or a Sister Hazel. Even if you don’t catch a lyric, there’s a growl in his voice that kicks the track into gear. That sort of thing applies throughout the album; there’s plenty of new wave ‘80s tropes & production here (especially on the more synth-heavy stuff), but I don’t think this album really strays from the core belief that the music is the most important aspect. Hell, take a listen to “When Love Breaks Down” – when Paddy gets to the chorus & starts to let it out, the track just gives a sort of infectious energy, while still feeling totally instrumentally calm. That’s the energy this album tends to give off – calm on the outside, and just a bit more chaotic & nuanced on the inside. I don’t want to go on another track-by-track breakdown on what each track sort of gives off; I did it for The Blue Nile, but since I think the music speaks for itself more here, it doesn’t feel necessary. I will say though, as far as the 4.5 goes, it’s simply that the last 2 tracks just fell a little short for me after how blissful “Desire As” became. “Desire As” is the only track where I think a full paragraph might be necessary, because it might be my favorite track on the album. For some context, given that most of the tracks here talk about the aftermath of a breakup / affair (“Goodbye Lucille #1” being an inability to move on, “Horsin’ Around” being a reckoning of immaturity & its consequences, and plenty more), I think “Desire As” is the perfect culmination of all of the lessons of those tracks coming to a head. It’s basically just choosing to walk away from a paranoia-driven relationship on one’s own accord, even if happiness existed in spades before any accusations came flying in. Vocally, it’s sort of monotonous (with some good subtle vocal shifts), but I like that approach, as it gives the track a sort of level-headed maturity. Lyrically, there’s some repetition, but I see it as a sort of self-affirmation that he’s made the right choice to walk away. The production work sells the track brilliantly; the instruments build up, from a sax line to added percussion to some swirling string work, and layered backing vocals to bring the track & the album to a sort of climax point. When you have a track that feels like every lesson has been learned, why wouldn’t you end on that, as opposed to a track about angels killing Marvin Gaye because they’re jealous of him? OK, well, that last track is conceptually cool as hell actually (though a little flat in execution), but still – this album should’ve ended on “Desire As”. Regardless, a pair of good tracks that just fall short after a great one is no reason to bump an album down all the way to a 4. This is a good one, and I really found myself entranced by it at points. Consider me sold on Prefab Sprout as a band I need to listen to, consider me a bit annoyed that there’s not any solo albums from Thomas Dolby on the list (seriously, great production work – hopefully he’ll pop up on another album), and consider this album as being a worthy pick on the list to my ears. It’s an easy bump up to a 5.
i'm proper GIDDY about this album and i can't even find the words for how this lights up my heart and soul! but i'll try... firstly, how have i NEVER heard of this band before? it is EVERYTHING 80s music should be but somehow even more, as if a modern-day artist set out to make a nostalgic album that spanned multiple decades and genres. i'm getting wham!/george michael, culture club, tears for fears, the cars, devo, billy joel, david bowie, billy idol, with elements of funk, soul, jazz, 90s, lounge, even twangs of old western/country all at once - it's so effortless but precise with the layers, instruments, harmonies, just incredible! "faron young" is a fun and bouncy opener, nodding equally to cowboy country and billy idol rockabilly pop with a lighthearted delivery but still having substance. "bonny" is a personal favorite, the melodies and harmonies are so eerie and full of yearning, just quintessential 80s. "horsin' around" is fucking incredible, what a genius blend of 80s pop/rock with jazz and the lyrics told a real story - it made me feel like i was hearing this live in a cool jazz lounge. "desire as" is so brooding, the lyric "i've got six things on my mind. you're no longer one of them" is so gut-wrenching in its dismissive simplicity. and that ALBUM COVER!? it goes SO FUCKING HARD!?! actually LIVID that i haven't been listening to this for the last 30+ years - WHAT ELSE IS OUT THERE?! i've been waiting and wondering what my first 5 star review would be because i've been so stingy until now but i couldn't be more thrilled to give it to this masterpiece! and really excited it's something i didn't know before, since that's what this is all about! i would play this album ANY TIME! maybe perfect for an evening spent casually chatting with some close friends and/or loved ones, sipping a really nice cocktail or glass of your favorite spirit in a dark, mellow bar hidden away under a busy city street and maybe it's raining outside. and i'm wearing a broken-in, faded soft leather jacket (or maybe denim). yeah ///post-note/// i wrote my review and rating WITHOUT hearing the acoustic tracks since they were not part of the original recording but are you FUCKING KIDDING ME - SOOOO GOOD! the re-interpretations of the stylings and use of different instruments like the harmonica are incredible. the lyrics and his delivery hit SO HARD on the acoustic tracks! that extended intro to "desire as - acoustic"?! guys i'm in love sorry i'll shut up now
Quite good. I liked this a lot.
I LOVE Prefab Sprout. Fuck I wish Americans knew about them more, they're close to unknown here unless you're a music nerd of a certain age. Just a masterclass in effortless songwriting. So good.
i really enjoy pop albums, especially vintage pop albums with a BEYOND clean sound and aesthetic. this album is as smoooooth as a fresh slab of butter. this album sounds like a rainy day. echoey instruments, clever sampling (is that a fairlight i hear?) and absolutely GORGEOUS mastering, courtesy of thomas dolby. mostly lovey dovey lyrics and subject material, the good and the bad. it's super relaxing. i could probably play this in a store and all the people inside would get nice and cozy.
Great sound, this album really drew me in. Had to re-listen because I spent my first one clearing out my room and the album helped so much that I was just in the zone and didn't have many musical thoughts left😂 an odd, floaty mix that sounds introspective, welcoming, melancholy and joyful. Really interesting find
This McQueen approves
1985 England. Sophisti-pop, indie pop, jazz pop. !!!!!
Really solid album, musically great and vocals outstanding.
Outstanding album, one of my favourites
Beautiful, kinda nostalgic sophisto pop
phenomenal
Great album title, weird band name. I don't remember hearing them but I think their name had to have held them back. All the songs are solid. I'm glad I heard this today.
This record hit me like a ton of bricks, what a beautiful album. It's my favourite record so far that I've discovered here. Almost the entirety of the album is just pure pop bliss, the songwriting is so beautiful and their singing and lyrics hit just right. I loved the synths and the mixes too, they set the ambience perfectly. Honestly, from "Bonny" to "Desire As" is just an unskippable run of great songs. My 2 absolute favourites were "Bonny" and "When Love Breaks Down". My only criticism is that neither the opener nor the closer are as good as the rest of the album, which takes away from it just a bit. Overall, it's a great album, a criminally underrated pop gem.
Dead good.
Якщо ми говоримо про поп музику, то в минулому вона була зовсім не схожа на сьогоднішню. Зовсім інший підхід до продакшену, різні речі вважаються чіпляючими, та і сам вайб є зовсім інший. І якщо ми говоримо про 80-ті, коли у Британії розвивалась альтернативна музика, та панували жанри jungle pop та sophisti pop. Тобто люди прагнули "розумної" та цікавої музики, і Prefab Sprout були одними із першопрохідців, що прагнули задовільнити цей попит, а їх другий альбом Steve McQueen - став їх магнум опусом. Це дуже приємна, в якійсь мірі, екзотична музика, що змішує в собі "лампове", джанглове гітарне звучання та обрамляє його складними джазовими гармоніями, що беруть свій початок із соулу та джазу. Альбом неймовірно цікаво слухати, складається враження, що який би раз він не грав за ці два дні, я ніколи не зможу осягнути його повноцінно - кожен раз він чимось та дивує. Причому, якщо особливо не вслуховуватись, то це все ще дуже чіпляюча та бадьора музика. Тому не важливо, досвідчений ви слухач, чи "казуальний" - в цьому альбомі кожен знайде щось для себе. Зараз про Prefab Sprout згадують дуже не часто, і дарма, адже вони якщо і не найкращий поп гурт свого часу, то точно найбагатогранніший та найцікавіший.
I've heard of Prefab Sprout before, but I don't think I've ever heard any of their songs before. It honestly surprises me that I've never heard any of their music before, because I love eighties music. Granted, I'm betting this didn't get a lot of radio play where I live, and my parents didn't listen to Prefab Sprout, so that's probably how I've managed to dodge this. I'm excited to listen to this since it's turning 40 years old this year, just like I did a couple of weeks ago. Let's have a midlife crisis, Steve McQueen! I didn't fall in love with this album, but it's definitely going to be one of the best four star albums I've ever listened to. The earlier part of the album was chock-full of beautiful pop music, that oftentimes bordered on dream pop. I loved the atmosphere that the band created on this album; even though it's a bright and sunny day here, this album created a sense of a chilly and foggy day that I absolutely loved. The guitar playing was really unique, and the keyboards gave this album a sound that I really loved. I thought the vocals were really great too, and the backing vocals were sprinkled in at the perfect moments. I'm pretty sure that I've actually heard "When Love Breaks Down" before; I think it might be on a sophisti-pop playlist that a friend of mine made for me. Either way, it's a great song, and I love its unusual structure. "Bonny" was fantastic too. The vocals were great, and the arrangements were beautiful and perfectly layered. "Appetite" had my favorite backing vocals on the album. I loved that how they matched the pitch of the keyboard riff. This album did lose me a bit during the last few tracks, but it didn't affect how much I enjoyed this album. And I as typed out that sentence, I realized that this is a five star album for me. It may not be perfect, but man, I really enjoyed listening to it. Steve McQueen is a really unique pop album, and I think I'm going to try to find a vinyl copy of it this weekend.
Elska þessa plötu.
the most immaculately 80s pop album ever
One of the greatest albums ever!
this bangs so hard, so much versatility and truly good songs
Good album
What an absolute treat.
This feels ahead of its time - a lot of the songs could easily be Arctic Monkeys and you wouldn't know. Really enjoyed it.
Prefab Sprout's Steve McQueen stands as a testament to remarkable production quality, even when considering the era of its release in 1985. The album showcases a meticulously crafted sound that highlights the band's sophistication and creativity, exemplifying why the 1980s is often regarded as a golden age for the music industry. With lush arrangements and thoughtful songwriting, Steve McQueen not only captures the essence of its time but also continues to resonate with listeners today, cementing its status as a timeless classic.
Interesting. I’ve known this album for 40 years. I’ve always considered it a pleasant fraud. The songs are beautifully produced and played but are not real songs. It’s as if they were made by AI. However it’s still a very enjoyable listen, so I give it a 5… oh and also for the cover and the great album ‘s name, almost as good as George Best.
Absolutely brilliant. Musically sound, good production and original sound.
## In-Depth Review of *Steve McQueen* by Prefab Sprout Prefab Sprout's *Steve McQueen*, released in 1985, is often hailed as a seminal work in the realm of sophisticated pop music. With its intricate lyrics, lush musical arrangements, and innovative production, the album stands out as a remarkable achievement in the band's discography. This review will delve into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence while also highlighting its pros and cons. ****Lyrics**** The lyrical content of *Steve McQueen* is one of its most compelling aspects. Paddy McAloon, the band's frontman and primary songwriter, crafts narratives that blend personal introspection with broader cultural references. The lyrics often reflect themes of love, longing, and existential contemplation. - **"When Love Breaks Down"** serves as a poignant exploration of heartbreak and emotional vulnerability. The line "Hunger stays 'til it's fed" encapsulates the insatiable nature of desire and loss. - **"Faron Young,"** the album's opening track, juxtaposes upbeat melodies with lyrics that hint at deeper emotional struggles. The song's rockabilly influence is matched by McAloon's clever wordplay. - **"Desire As"** presents a more somber reflection on post-breakup feelings, showcasing McAloon's ability to convey complex emotions with simplicity. Overall, McAloon's lyrical style combines wit with melancholy, creating a rich tapestry that invites listeners to engage both intellectually and emotionally. ****Music**** Musically, *Steve McQueen* is characterized by its lush arrangements and sophisticated pop sensibilities. The collaboration with producer Thomas Dolby was instrumental in shaping the album's sound. Dolby's use of synthesizers and electronic elements complements the organic instrumentation provided by the band. - The album features a blend of jangly guitars, legato bass lines, and intricate percussion that create an atmospheric soundscape. Tracks like **"Hallelujah"** showcase a breezy soul influence, while others like **"Horsin' Around"** introduce playful elements reminiscent of 1960s pop. - The production quality is exceptional; Dolby's approach results in a polished yet warm sound that enhances the emotional weight of the songs. The interplay between acoustic and electronic elements creates a unique auditory experience that was ahead of its time. The overall musicality of *Steve McQueen* allows it to transcend typical pop conventions, marking it as a standout work in the genre. ****Production**** The production of *Steve McQueen* is a key factor in its enduring appeal. Thomas Dolby's involvement brought a fresh perspective to Prefab Sprout's sound. His expertise in synthesizer programming and arrangement contributed to the album's distinctive character. - The recording process took place at Marcus Studios in London, where Dolby utilized innovative techniques to capture the band's live energy while adding layers of synth textures. This resulted in an open and natural sound that feels both intimate and expansive. - The meticulous attention to detail in mixing and arrangement is evident throughout the album. Each track feels thoughtfully crafted, with every instrument occupying its own space within the mix. The production not only enhances individual tracks but also creates a cohesive listening experience that invites repeated plays. ****Themes**** Thematically, *Steve McQueen* explores various aspects of human experience—particularly love and its complexities. The album navigates through joy, sorrow, nostalgia, and existential reflection. - **Love and Relationships:** Many tracks delve into romantic relationships' highs and lows. The dichotomy between desire and fulfillment is a recurring motif that resonates deeply with listeners. - **Cultural References:** McAloon’s lyrics often include nods to popular culture and historical figures, adding layers of meaning to his songwriting. This intertextuality enriches the listening experience by inviting listeners to engage with the lyrics on multiple levels. - **Existential Reflection:** Songs like **"Desire As"** reflect on personal identity and emotional states post-breakup, prompting listeners to consider their own experiences in relation to the themes presented. These themes contribute to the album's depth and ensure its relevance across generations. ****Influence**** Upon its release, *Steve McQueen* garnered critical acclaim and has since influenced numerous artists across various genres. Its blend of sophisticated pop songwriting with innovative production techniques paved the way for future acts looking to combine intellect with accessibility. - The album has been cited as an influence by artists such as Coldplay and Elbow, who admire its emotional depth and melodic craftsmanship. - Its status as a cult classic has led to numerous reissues and remastered editions over the years, keeping its legacy alive for new audiences. Prefab Sprout’s ability to merge artful songwriting with catchy melodies has established *Steve McQueen* as a benchmark for aspiring musicians seeking to create meaningful pop music. ****Pros and Cons**** As with any artistic work, *Steve McQueen* has its strengths and weaknesses: **Pros:** - **Lyrical Depth:** The album features intelligent lyrics that explore complex emotions with nuance. - **Musical Innovation:** A unique blend of acoustic instruments and synthesizers creates an engaging soundscape. - **Production Quality:** Thomas Dolby’s production elevates the overall listening experience through meticulous attention to detail. - **Cohesion:** The album flows seamlessly from one track to another, creating a unified artistic statement. **Cons:** - **Pacing Issues:** Some tracks may feel slower or less engaging compared to others, potentially disrupting listener momentum. - **Niche Appeal:** While critically acclaimed, its sophisticated style may not resonate with all mainstream audiences. - **Limited Commercial Success:** Despite achieving cult status, it did not achieve massive commercial success upon release compared to contemporaries in pop music. In conclusion, *Steve McQueen* by Prefab Sprout remains a timeless classic that showcases exceptional songwriting, innovative production, and profound thematic exploration. Its blend of emotional resonance and musical sophistication continues to captivate audiences decades after its release. While it may have some pacing issues or niche appeal, these do not detract significantly from its overall impact as one of the defining albums of its era.
solid 80s but not super 80s
Brilliant!
Actually super awesome! Listened to the 2007 remaster and didn't really care for much of the accoustic 2nd disk, but the first half is really stellar. Lyrical ambition is always great to see, and some of the guitar playing in particular is really groovy. Loved it, interested to see their other stuff. BONNY BONNY BONNY
It has a kind of 70s sound that I feel was lost in the following decade amidst so many synthesizers and metallic instruments. I'm not saying the 80s sound is bad, just different. But there are some cases where an artist manages to bring back some 1970s aspect to the contemporary sound in an excellent mix. Good examples of this are the albums that Fleetwood Mac released in the 80s: Mirage (1982) and Tango in The Night (1987). And today I just discovered another excellent example. And once again I ask myself: where was I all this time that I never heard of these guys? Prefab Sprout managed to bring to Steve McQueen the musical essence from two different decades, without hiding the fact that it was released in 1985, all bathed in a top quality pop sound. Besides, it's been a while since I've heard of an album with a name as badass as that, seriously, even I wanted to be called Steve McQueen! That's it: I loved it!
Sophisti pop genius.
There are so many cool impressive little things going on in this album. Unfortunately it didn't grab me. But I'll admit, I was continually impressed while waiting and waiting to make my own great escape. I'll probably listen again and end up liking it more. There are individual moments I really like, especially on the track Faron Young. I felt like I was being led into one musical trope, buy they would weave it beautifully into another, and yet another, over and over. Pretty cool. Lots of what seemed like unexpected and complex chord progressions too. I love it when music gives me hints to go listen to other music. Be it the lyrics, liner notes, a sample, a riff, whatever. I like the invitation to explore something I didn't know about. I did not know of Faron Young and will certainly be checking out the song "It's Four in the Morning". I gave it another spin and I definitely enjoyed it more the second time around. What a great sounding record. I'd love to listen to the non-remastered version sometime. I usually don't like remastered copies. Also, the deluxe version or whatever it's called on goes straight into disc two on streaming services. That's not the end of the word, but the album ending on the fade out of "When The Angels" is a nice place to end it. That Faron Young song was pretty good too.
From every note to every emote this is one of the greatest albums ever created. The lyrical dexterity, the songs built on melody and complex chord structure and Thomas Dolby's peak as a producer. Paddy McAloon is one of the greatest songwriters these isles have produced. This is one of the great albums of all time. I got to it by chance - I won a competition for 4 tickets to the gig in Stoke that evening. Me and my mate went. I still have the other two tickets. Wendy was ill. It didn't matter, I was introduced to some sort of genius.
Fantastically produced and a delight to listen to. Side 1 is banger after banger!
That was delightful and being added to the permanent collection
Excellent
I really enjoyed this album. Like soft indie or something like that.
An album that is hard to pin down, both on the outside and the inside, is a tricky thing to pull off well, as a poor mix of styles can cause an album to feel distracted, while the vague image presented on the cover can lead the listener to think of many genres before something like sophisti-pop comes to mind. So, with that initial run down, you may expect just another longue-y new wave run with perhaps some rock roots due to its leather clad, motorbike riding cast of characters. What you get, however, is far more fascinating, with those jazz infused keyboards and sleek guitar riffs being assuredly sophisticated, but that Thomas Dolby production leads the record to be far more in depth, with great, moving musical passages, more change-ups in some tracks than some twenty minute prog masterpieces, and just a consistency between each track that can always make you dance and sway with the best of them, and sure those Dire, Dire Docks-ass sound font may be cheesy, but do you really care when you're being carried into 80s pop bliss in a way every other album from the era can only dream of achieving. It narrowly avoids cheesy and is instead incredibly endearing, and Paddy McAloon's vocals benefit it even more so. It's more lush, more passionate, and more thoughtful than its contemporaries, and with the very underrated Horsin' Around being like the perfect bittersweet odyssey to really carry the B-side to the finish line after an amazing A-side and let the listener ride the last three tracks off the highs it produced makes it easily one of my favorite songs from the era. It may feel like bona fide 80s gleam, but for one of the few times in musical history, that is certainly not a bad thing.
I’m a poptimist and a hopeless romantic. I like what I like, even if it’s a little awkward and silly, and this is definitely awkward and silly both lyrically and musically. It’s not flawless, and works better as individual songs on a playlist than an album proper, but it’s so fun and so right for my tastes that it earns a personal 4.5 stars. Great find for lovers of kitschy ‘80s pop.
Two Wheels Good here in the colonies. Loved it from first listen, when it was new, and it’s just as good now.
Incredible album. Definitely one of my biggest inspirations musically. Fave song is Appetite.
DOPE AF. Makes me nostalgic for an era I never lived in. 11/10
Mullets. Synth-Pop. Margaret Thatcher. New wave. Power suits with shoulder pads.
Immer wieder geile 80s Vibes
- Honestly this had great vibes - Can feel the emotion in the lyrics and singing - Sounds like it would be a soundtrack to a great movie - Horsin Around and Bonny were my favorites
I was immediately impressed by the catchy country-tinged post-punk opener (especially that distorted instrumented ending), but then it took a completely different turn from there into sophi-pop, and I love it all. This is peak 80s, jazzy, smooth, with beautiful lush synths while retaining minimalist punk beats. Gives off Steely Dan vibes in the vocals and how fast the melody twists and turns. It's consistent too, with tracks following patterns from one to the next, like the bossa nova percussion between "Horsin Around" and Desire As." The first side is perfect, the second side a bit weaker, but it's all good. Everything stands out and has their gorgeous moments to appreciate. Only two tracks I didn't like were "Blueberry Pies" and "When the Angels" but I don't mind stopping at "Desire As" anyway.
Personal favourite album!
I am mesmerized by the quality here. The best sounds out of the 80's ever, harmonies, melodies, chords, guitar and keyboard sounds. I am in love
WOW! What a pleasant surprise. Totally new to me. Smooth jazzy pop with constant charming production surprises ‘round every corner. Obviously a lot of heart and skill was poured into this album. Still sounds insanely crisp and modern despite the eighties-tinged synths. This is what modern producers try to emulate. Reminds me of one of my favourite albums: Kaputt by Destroyer.
Það sem ég er búin að bíða eftir þessari plötu á listanum! Albesta gáfumannapopp sem gefið hefur verið út. Algjör demantur.
Classic then classic now
Fantastic songwriting from the very beginning. First 5 songs is the best ever pressed on a Side A. Second half is watering down this godly juice but cannot drag the level lower than giving this whole masterpiece a 4.5
Eighties pop with sophisticated melodies and chord progressions. I thought I preferred the debut Swoon, but now I'm not so sure anymore. Loved it.
Not typically my thing, but this album blew me away. Amazing songs and all the best parts of 80s production without the cheese.
Rating: 9/10 Best songs: Faron young, Bonny, Appetite, When love breaks down, Goodbye Lucille, Hallelujah, Moving the river, Horsin’ around
very cool
Sassy and clever lyrics. Some interesting sounds. A fun album of its time
Had five 2 star albums in a row so I really needed this. lovely.
Many of the albums I end up giving five stars find the perfect balance between two contrary drivers in the artist. And so it is here: the pop rush and classic songwriting chops on one side, the witty wordplay, clever time signatures and chords on the other. Side one is one of the strongest side ones of any album in the eighties and it's a crime that When Loves Breaks Down wasn't number one: the record company clearly thought so too as they kept re-releasing it every ten minutes with another free single. No 25 with a bullet and since covered by the Zombies, Snow Patrol and Lisa Stansfield who clearly all know a classic when they hear it. they'd get the big hits on the next album, slightly too much pop rush and not enough of the grit in the oyster.
This is so so good! BONNY DON'T LIVE AT HOME
A great find. Every song enjoyable 80 British pop that I actually enjoyed.
kinda forgot how much I LOVED this album
Fantastic
Love this album. Only low point for me is the opener 'Faron Young'! I guess it's more in that Smiths 80s rockabilly style and the structure and lyrics are pretty straightforward so that's why they made it a single.
A wise man once told me to eat all my sprouts or my dick would rot off. I didn't believe him. By age 14 all I had left was a rusty, festering wound where my dong should have been. My predicament forced me to construct a new cock out of an old dildo and newspaper. It was a disaster.
I LOVED this
Afar góð plata. Svona á 80s að vera.
This was beautiful. I loved how sweet it sounded.
Loved it
This could have been recorded by The 1975. Sounds great, really catchy end to end.
8/26 Damn good pop. Standout Tracks: Faron Young, Appetite, Hallelujah, Horsin' Around, Blueberry Pies, When the Angels
Totally surprised by this album!
Engineered by the great Thomas Dolby, the sound quality of this album is superb. This is an album of perfection that never tires or grows old. Why can’t all albums be this way?
An immaculately produced jazz-pop record... Technically every song is a winner. Every song invokes a mood, and that’s a mood I want to be in all the time. STANDOUTS: -Faron Young -Bonny -Appetite -When Love Breaks Down -Goodbye Lucille #1 -Moving the River -Horsin’ Around -When the Angels
i already knew this album but i love it, always worth a listen
RATING: 8/10 HIGHLIGHT: Bonny LOWLIGHT: Blueberry Pies
smoothy goody
Great album
Loved it
Hadn't heard of this band, but 80s pop is totally my jam.
This was pretty enjoyable and found myself liking a lot of this… better than the Smiths. Likes: Bonny; Appetite; When Love Breaks Down; Hallelujah; Moving the River; When the Angels
The first song stood out until “Desire As,” but the second listen proved the others in their varied, playful way are worthwhile, too. Maybe a 3.5; definitely rounding up.
The first couple of songs were very good, but as it went on I lost interest and the songs just became okay. Still a good album overall. Low 4.
A great example of an act that come on in 'leaps and bounds' from their first album 'Swoon'. This record is seen as their definitive classic album and I can see why it's been put on the list as no one was writing such literate baroque pop music like Paddy McAloon. Along with brother Martin, Wendy Smith and drummer Neil Conti they were critics' darlings for over a decade. The first side of the album is top notch and worthy of 5 stars, whereas the second side, with stuff like 'Horsin' around' and the last track doesn't quite maintain momentum as later work does in my view. However, 'When love breaks down' is a marvellous piece of work.
JOHNNY JOHNNY OOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH!!
Great sounding album, great songs. Super 80s alternative guitar pop.
Some great tunes
beeeeeem menos pior do que eu achei que seria. jangle pop com ênfase no POP, bem bacana. eh genérico, mas ao mesmo tempo eh bem variadinho. eh gostosim demais, pô. achei bão!!
probably the most perfect side in history
It's not bad at all, I like how lively the melodies are
Nice
It was really good the first four songs were fire but then it kinda fell off.
nice 80's music. maybe. little biased lol but really liked it
Really interesting musically. The melodic phrases, melodies and chord progression in their songs are intriguing, it doesn't go where you'd think it would go. Love the 80s synths and the whole atmos around it. An intelligent band worthy of the "sophisti-pop" label. 4/5
Nice, laid back new wave.
Hadn’t heard of this before! Liked it more than expected! Faron Young was a cool opener!
Makes you feel like that scene in Pulp Fiction when Vincent is driving around on heroin
tapped into this last year thanks to brennan and it's been a new favorite of mine ever since. first five songs are absolutely perfect; unfortunately, the second side doesn't quite match it for me, with the exception of 'Desire As.' goddamn can these guys write a chorus. 4.5
fucking. sure. whatever. theyfab clout more like it. that's a lie. i don't think (to do reductive dichotomous pre birth "GEndEr sOcIAlIzatiOn") i've met a single AFAB rocking with sophisti-pop. apart from me and your mom stepping out. we make a happy loving couple. can't believe she's really going out with him. i am having sex with your mother to joe jackson. non-motherfucker. anyways they're cool. i'm always gonna die for albums that tangentially involve (noted dork) thomas dolby. and he produced this! it's all in the ear candy sweeps and synthy flourishes. music that makes you rethink what's possible with technical melody/texture. and the lyrics (always the lyrics). no one (sade is there but she throws Mean curveballs) writes songs like the aforementioned. maybe sting but. i don't wanna think about sting; let alone the big racist M. that said: paddy has a way with the gab. every song has (at least) one line that sticks for cleverness, emotional impact, or just cause it's funny. that's Talent baby. quick shout-out to band 6MOY wendy smith. killer keys and background vocals. 3.8-4.7. seems about right. unfortunately gonna talk about "moving the river" with my own personal (HIPAA bound professional) jesus. "desire as" is an all timer. "blueberry pie" is proto-The Ooz. and i like ferrari. big fan of yt music recommending japan after. when are we getting depeche mode?
Pree good
Sweet! This album. I've been awaiting it for some time now. Like most music fans, I'm sheepish when broaching the subject of what my favourite album is, though a strong contender has always been "I Trawl the Megahertz" by Paddy McAloon, who is the founder and only current member of Prefab Sprout. It isn't the best, nor the most revolutionary or ambitious album that I've listened to, but it's the closest a piece of music has ever come to being a work of art in my eyes. The modern classical stylings are both highly visceral and highly interpretive, which is commendable when considering how the album is a mostly-instrumental affair. I Trawl the Megahertz also has a great backstory, being a testament to the healing quality that music can have for both those who create and consume it. For those reasons, I've always had somewhat of a respect for this band by proxy. Anyways, time for the album of the hour. I've, shamefully, never listened to a lick of Prefab Sprout's music, though I'm aware that this is the band's most acclaimed release. I think I can safely guess that it's going to be an 80s rock album, albeit with smart, avant-garde pop songwriting a la XTC. Here's hoping I'm correct. Sophisti-pop. Indie pop. I'd say I was more or less on the money with my prediction. It's fortuitous that I've been handed another sophisti-pop album. I was recommended "A Walk Across the Rooftops" by The Blue Nile a couple of albums back, which is a band I've been listening to quite a bit of lately. The "sophisti-pop" title is certainly opulent, but I also think it's well-earned. There's a stark beauty to the good moments of this album. The music is sleek and glossy without ever sounding run down or over-produced. The songwriting is fun and playful, but also quite clever with how many good vocal melodies they cram into the runtime. The album bounces between many different instruments and a few disparate styles, but still manages to create a satisfying whole. There's a lot to like about this album, but it isn't all there for me. When compared to something like A Walk Across the Rooftops or Hats by the aforementioned Blue Nile, this music feels less evocative and fleshed out. While the songwriting itself is commendable, I wasn't moved by the actual vocal delivery of this album. The runtime is also a little too long for my liking - I'd already gotten my fill of this music by the time the last one or two tracks rolled around. Fortunately, these are all just niggling gripes, again owed to how high The Blue Nile have set the bar for sophisti-pop. I liked this album, which is owed to both the music itself and the megahertz-trawling bias that is firmly rooted in my DNA. A 4/5 is much too pre-emptive by my normal standards, but I do want to like this album and I intend to sink some time into getting to know it better over the next couple of weeks. Here's hoping my gambit pays off. Book time. "For a short while in the mid-1980s, school was cool [...] But the hippest name for wordsmithery was a Newcastle quartet whose run of albums meant that nobody argued when Paddy McAloon claimed he was the finest songwriter of his generation." Prefab Sprout had failed to make a splash with their debut album and early singles, but made a success of themselves with this album through sheer perseverance. America wasn't as receptive to this album as the UK and its release in the country was delayed due to legal action from the estate of Steve McQueen. Wikipedia says this album was a slam dunk with the critics and has been met with enduring acclaim in the years since release. The commercial success of this album was only modest, however. Yeah, this album seems like a solid pick to me. Prefab Sprout could probably do with another list album, assuming Paddy McAloon truly is the finest songwriter of his generation. I've, predictably, already submitted I Trawl the Megahertz as a replacement album for this list, though I think we could do with an album from when the band were all together as well. Guess I'll need to figure that out when the time comes. For the time being, however, I cosign this cosign this inclusion.
1 - Faron Young (country blues romping opens this album immediately. The spacy distant voice offers a sharp contrast, and the oblique lyrics really add to the mismatched perfect match vibe of this rather unique opener. The buzzing noise that comes in during the instrumental just scratches a certain itch for me; a really big fan of this song) 4.5/5 2 - Bonny (a simple beat and jangly guitar keep this one light and airy. The verses are actual pop perfection; a shame this is such an overlooked record. Not too much else to say except the synths and piano they add only elevate this song even further) 4.5/5 3 - Appetite (this one is more plain than the other but not at all less effective. There's a crazed saxophone type sound in the background playing weird arpeggios all over the very 80s chorus, which is a very nice detail for astute listeners. The slightest of steps down from the previous tracks but this album is off to a very strong start) 4/5 4 - When Love Breaks Down (more of those classic dated 80s synths. This song is like 2 steps removed from Blue Nile or someone like that. This is the safest pop song on the album and - for good reason - it's one of the more recognizable pieces from this band. It stands out among the thousands of other similar synth heavy songs common to this era by its conviction) 4/5 5 - Goodbye Lucille #1 (more forlorn and subdued than the bright and extroverted 4 predecessors. This one is a moody, reflective piece that does well to slow the album down a bit. It's a little long getting to the epic guitar solo at the end but it's worth it) 4/5 6 - Hallelujah (a swooning performance from the singer on this one; it differs from the more overt, impassioned performances of the earlier songs. This one is nice and smooth and instills this dreamy night time mood; this song is perfect to play on a well-lit walk down a night time city street) 4/5 7 - Moving the River (some more sardonic lyrics for the return to a more vibrant sound. It's still a little more restrained than the first half though. The horns and chorus vocal makes this into a city pop track. It stands out as one of the more memorable tracks from this half for that reason. A welcome later addition to this album) 4.5/5 8 - Horsin' Around (minimal drumming and brief staccato interjections from the keys lend a bossa nova quality to this track (another bit of evidence for the sheer eclectic beauty of this album.) We're immediately thrown off 2 minutes in when the jazz horns come in, with essentially no prior warning. This one is paced perfectly and is almost good enough to measure up to the best songs on this album) 4/5 9 - Desire As (downright smooth jazz instrumentation with some more forlorn vocal performances; another almost-Blue Nile track on this album. This one sounds like a lot of the later Steely Dan releases and is as immaculately produced as they are. Everything is given room to breathe, both on this individual song and on the album as a whole; it doesn't at all feel mid-80s save for the dated synths) 4/5 10 - Blueberry Pies (the shortest track on this album but it still finds a way to build tension despite an instrumental that stays virtually unchanged. This is a fine interlude-style song that offers some breathing room, though the number of smooth songs on this half makes me think it could have benefited from a little more spacing) 3.5/5 11 - When the Angels (this song certainly doesn't betray its title, what with the pipe organ intro and feathery light vocal performance. Sounds like an XTC song from the same era. It moves into a more mid-tempo groove in the middle section. It's an excellent closer that ends the album on an uplifting and relieving note; exactly what ambitious, thought-out pop like this is capable of doing) 4/5 OVERALL - 8.2/10 OVERALL - 7.7/10
Awful name. Decent album.
It sounded like driving to a campground with my dad. Made me want to call him.
This is really close to a 4. 3.5 because a few clunkers.
Enjoyed it more than I thought I would, especially the acoustic versions
I previously only knew this band by the silly name but this was some quality pop music. It faltered a bit towards the back half but really strong stuff here.
Not bad, better than expected.
The vocals and the grooves are very enjoyable!
Thought this was a great 80s album. I thought the vibe of the album was going to be a lot different based on the first track, but it’s got some catchy songs. Rating: 7/10 Favorite Song: Horsin’ Around
Siistejä ja monipuolisia kappaleita, ottanut paljon vaikutteita monista eri genreistä. Tykkäsin muutenkin kappaleista. Parhaat: Bonny, Appetite, Desire As
O início é melhor que o final, mas ainda sim é um bom album
Se o the smiths n quizesse se matar, seria isso aqui. A parte ruim é que eu gosto da tristeza
Really liked this, like a proto-1975
I enjoyed this. Fun and interesting Synth pop.
Didn’t know this album but it’s very well crafted.
This one surprised me!! Id like to return to listen to this again. It's got all the ingredients of 80s music that I like, so I think there's some stuff that will grow on me. 8/10
Arranca muy bien, me gustaron muchas canciones de la primera parte del álbum. Pero llegando para el final ya comienza a decaer, digamos que le cuesta mantener tu atención como oyente. De todas formas lo disfruté bastante y lo volvería a escuchar.
Welcome back to the 80’s. I forgot all about this band. Thanks for the flashback
Nice listen.
I'd say this is a fun and charming record, albeit a little dated. Good hooks, pleasing vocals, emotional heartfelt lyrics even if a little corny at times. Definitely saved this one to my library. Fav tracks: Bonny, When Love Breaks Down
Kul att det dök upp här. Har velat lyssna på den här plattan sen jag hörde Bonny första gången för ett tag sen. Enkelt sagt är väl Steve McQueen riktigt bra sophistipop förutom när det inte är det (typ under Faron Young och Desire As).
I always liked Prefab Sprout as a kid, "The King of Rock 'N' Roll" and "Cars and Girls" were the best and the album "From Langley Park To Memphis" is my preferred. This one I don't know so well, there are some top tracks here, but it doesn't have the same enjoyment for me. Still good though.
love the softness of this album. bonny is such a autumn coded song. appetite has some amazing vocal production work. when love breaks down has some good synth work blended well with the guitar and piano. really loved these tracks. 8/10 this was a great album. only a few skips but overall a banger. really enjoyed this!
Very catchy and very enjoyable throughout. Bit of a surprise, this one.
First time I remember listening to Prefab Sprout, despite hearing the name a lot in the 80s. I really liked this album. I also don't understand why it's on this list. They have a nice clean soft rock sound, with a lot touches from 80s synths that don't overwhelm the acoustic foundations -- nice. The lyrics aren't run-of-the-mill, so there's lots to catch your ear. That said, this isn't a distinctive album. I could write the same description about other Scottish / North English bands of the time, like Deacon Blue or Aztec Camera. Maybe this one came a couple of years earlier, but was it really breaking new ground?
Something very familiar here with kinda Ben folds and Elvis Costello combo? Fun, snappy but easy listening vibe, hmmm I kinda liked it. Lil cheesy at times but kinda fits the vibe
Didn't love love this but certainly appreciated the craft
It’s good. Loved the album cover. Lead vocals are good too. A very diverse album too. It’s got a good foundation but it also stops at having a good foundation. It needs at least one big hit to make it a strong 4 or 5. When love breaks down has the potential. Not the catchiest melody despite an amazing arrangement.
i really enjoyed this. jazz-pop combo genre, thats right up my alley generally. i found myself grooving to this, it was perfect for working to. it flowed so well together, and i really just found myself digging it.
I like this! Had a good time listening to this. Stand-outs - Faron Young - Bonny - When Love Breaks Down
that was awesome. cool basslines and funny additions everywhere
Good, I can see why at the time it would have been a classic, cult or otherwise. Like other Prefab Sprout I've listened to I found I liked it but didn't need to repeat.
I’m pretty sure I’ve been recommended this album before on streaming. I might’ve listened to one song and then moved on. But I’m glad I got it on this list because it is really good once you give it the time. It’s a softer 80s new wave sound and a nice little night time listen
Gut hörbarer 80er Pop. Angenehme Melodien, schön arrangiert. Gute Stimmen. 3-4/5
Absolutely loved the production and sound of this one, really excited to listen more times because I'm sure I'll only grow to like it even more
Faron Young Bonny Appetite When Love Breaks Down Goodbye Lucille #1
80’s Alternative Pop ⭐️Appetite
caught me by surprise
Wow what a surprise! Had never heard of Prefab Sprout before listening to this, but man have I been missing out. What a fantastic album!
Dice wikipedia que el género de este disco es sophisti-pop. La palabra que estuve buscando desde ayer. Describe muy bien a la música de Prefab Sprout. Rock y baladas alegres, pegajosas, pero con algo en lo profundo que se siente no tan feliz. Buen álbum.
Underrated.
Most of my liking of this album is mostly from the tone, and the fantastic album cover. The tone has a nice breeze to it. The songs at most are fine, nothing too special. The album cover gives such a great vibe. If this didn't have a nice tone this would've been an easy 3 but because it DOES have a nice tone, it's a 4. Highlight Song/s: "Bonny"
Ny favorit! Upplyftande, får energi.
Steve McQueen was a very interesting album. It has a very nice sound, the occasional airy synths and choruses that would show up here and there really stood out to me. After wearing out New Wave music a few years ago, I've been pretty unreceptive to it since, but lately I think I might be opening back up to it again. Especially with this one being more pop-leaning and not nearly as dreary and depressing as some other albums, I found it very enjoyable. "Bonny" was my favorite song, it was really great, along with "When Love Breaks Down". I think this album might've single-handedly rekindled my interest in new wave music. Favorite Song: "Bonny"
Perfectly cromulent 80s pop. Very pleasant to listen to, though nothing really jumps out to me as overly memorable. "Horsin' Around" is a step down for me, it irks me a little for some reason.
8/10 – Very Good
Great album, I have nothing bad to say about it, everything was peak
Very few people realise that Prefab Sprout and Houmous & Chutney were the best of friends until that fateful night. 3.8 2/11 Bonny
Favorite Track: Appetite
I’ve always liked Steve McQueen, and a proper listen just confirms why. It’s an immaculate record, there isn’t a weak track anywhere. Every song feels distinct, yet it all hangs together beautifully. The songwriting is the real star: sharp, thoughtful lyrics that tell proper stories, wrapped in sophisticated 80s synth-pop that constantly shifts and evolves. It’s polished without being bland, clever without being smug, and endlessly replayable. Favourite track: Faron Young a gorgeous song. Least favourite track: None. Every song earns its place. Album artwork: Cool, understated, and a perfect fit for the music.
Cool
Of its time - classic 80s, but a bit more to it than the naff pop of the era
This was WAY ahead of its time.
Towards the end of the first song I felt the vibe of a Smiths song and I see that sentiment is connected through a lot of these reviews. I will admit I almost immediately placed it in a box after that and thought "This will be good but it won't quite be The Smiths" and then it took a real surprise turn with "Bonny" and I reopened my mind up a little. I will say, this album is very 80s. I am aware a number of people have already said this and the opinion of those who have are very split. The sound is admittedly very dated in some points, bits are better and bits are worse in that regard but I would never say "this is TOO 80s". Then again I like Icehouse. Anywho, I think this album is ultimately a fun listen but might be another one of those you needed to be there for as retrospectively the reviews of the time saying this was "the finest album of the year" seem... ambitious? While I appreciate the fact it's an album that discusses love in a number of facets, in strokes of sorrow and disappointment even, that isn't anything new either. If you love this album I can absolutely get that and I think if I heard this when I was younger and had a more nostalgia feel of younger yearning days I could connect more. Definitely not the best album of 1985 though... I mean Hounds of Love came out that year. Best songs: Bonny, When Love Breaks Down Worst Songs: N/A Rank compared to everything else so far: 51/64 (above Coat of Many Colors, below Back to Mystery City)
I actually quite like this album. It was a discovery for me. Although I do think it's a bit unnecessarily long. Otherwise, it's a good full album listen if you take out the repetitive part. All songs are pretty good
I vaguely heard this band’s name but couldn’t place it anywhere. Listening to this album it’s oh so cool. This is all of the great stuff in eighties indie rock and sophistipop rolled into one, it’s like the smiths but the vocalist isn’t as annoying as Morrissey, it’s Cocteau Twins with legible songs, it’s more compact tears for fears. Great stuff. Four stars I think. These guys love reverb.
So great. One of my all time favorite bands!
Het meandert hier en daar een beetje, maar er staan goede nummers op dit album. Doet mij een beetje denken aan congratulations van MGMT maar dan minder psychedelisch en meer jaren 80 weerkanaal. Ga hier zeker nog eens naar luisteren. Bonny was mijn favoriete nummer 7/10
Really cool, chill vibes and gets funky sometimes
190626 10:55 4
Coś czuję, że większości się ta płyt anie spodoba, ale ja nie jestem aż tak wybredna. Lubię lata 80, te bity, perkusję i radość. Taki przyjemny pop do potańczenia/potupania nóżką pod stołem.
oh OH vibing with this heavily! love how 80s it just is. a child of its time. bop after bop! as it is the first half of the tracks is way stronger
BritPop! I was so excited for what sounded like Arctic Monkeys in the first song, but I got more U2 by the second. By the third song I realized they were a nice blend of a lot of bands I heard come after them. I really liked Horsin' Around!
3.5
When Love Breaks Down
This one is completely new to me. These guys never broke in the US at all, but it's a shame. Imagine if the Gershwins were transported to mid 80s England, given a studio and a handful of current pop records and told to make their own. A lot of very good catchy pop songs, pretty strong lyrically, and a real feeling of being both of its time and completely out of time. This is the kind of album that keep me slogging through this project. Recommended if you are a fan of 1980s (or 1920s!) pop music
This is good, “From Langley Park to Memphis” is great 😀
4/5. I think this album has been graded harshly. I really enjoyed the beginning tracks but it did fell off by the second half, otherwise I would have given it a 5. Appetite was my favorite track.
Not my tjing
3.5
The kind of deep cut album I live for. very 80's but a little quirky kind of jangly pop but a little more experimental and not really hokey.
track 1. (Faron Young) 6.3 track 2. (Bonny) wow this song is so catchy, very 80s. love 9/10 track 3. (Appetite) very 80s with the synth. 8.4/10 track 4. (When love breaks down) 8.5/10 track 5. (Goodbye Lucille #1) 7.2/10 track 6. (Hallelujah) 8/10 track 7. (Moving the river) 9.3/10 track 8. (Horsin' around) vibey 7/10 track 9. (Desire as) fuck this is good and interesting 9.8/10 track 10. (Blueberry pies) 8.5/10 track 11. (When the angels) 8.4/10 overall : 8.2/10
This is really interesting music! Complex chord progressions, unique lyric structuring, but all with a listener friendly pop sound. It's easy to see why this band didn't really get over in the US, but I really enjoyed this album.
I believe "Steve McQueen" is the best '80s new-wavish record. It seemed I was close to losing faith in '80s music. The first track was lacklustre compared to the other ones. "Steve McQueen" only got better towards the end. Thank you, Prehab Sprout, for subverting my expectations. 4 stars for "Steve McQueen".
Overall Rating: 7/10 Favorite Song: Blueberry Pies
Det va veldig omtrent akkurat sånn æ kanskje hadde tenkt at det kom til å høres ut om æ noensinne skulle prøve å tenke på kordan Prefab Sprout høres ut. Helt ok, ikke så interessant.
Their best
I am surprised at how much I enjoyed this. I was anticipating another throwaway mid-80s pop-shlock album, but this is lovingly produced and the songwriting is solid. I particularly appreciated how the female backing vocals sounded. Catchy melodies and interesting changes in direction throughout. Subtly soulful. I didn’t know it was possible for sophistipop to be this enjoyable. I’ll revisit.
Really liked this one!
fuckin awesome
Man I really enjoyed this more than I thought I would. English 80's pop but so good! Clear guitar and percussion, fun synth usage but not overbearing, pretty good songwriting. This is what 80's pop should be. Its bright and sad at the same time. I feel like I should be wearing a leather jacket, driving a convertible, flying down a beachside highway at sunset in Miami trying to figure out my life. Damn this was good.
Despite this album being on here because it was the album the author lost his virginity to… it was actually pretty enjoyable. Reminded me of Haircut 100 in that I’d never heard of it before and it was enjoyable British 80s pop music. I guess I’m just a sucker for that era. They did it best
Jordan the comeback is a favourite of mine so I was really looking forward to this album. All well crafted songs and good but not great. When love breaks down is a beautiful song though. The rest don’t quite live up to that.
Ya deben ser abuelos, normalillos
The album i was recommended before this, was "The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady". To go from that, to a full on Jazz pop (??) was definitely a trip. Cant say i have ever been introduced or gone out of my way to listen to "sophisti-pop" but here we are. It almost feels like a love-letter to new wave and Jazz-infused pop, and truthfully, i appreciate it for what it is.
3.5 stars. Enjoyable alt pop album with a lush sound and strengthened by the female backing vocals. Doesn't try to do too much but has a really pleasant sound throughout.
Really fantastic new discovery, I’m glad I found them through this list. Love the jazz pop mixture, surprised I haven’t heard them before. They’re almost a 5, there’s a few ok tracks that don’t completely hold up for me, but they’re great.
stylistically not something I would typically listen to. However, the songwriting, production and performance is extremely good. Even though this is not a style I would typically seek out the music is enjoyable and not something I would turn off.
I genuinely enjoyed this record. Mid 80’s rock is my shit really so I’m biased but this was definitely a good one. This is raw genuine emotion baby, if you’ve never felt anything then you won’t get it!
One of the most underrated albums of all time. Maybe underrated is wrong but certainly it isn't appreciated by as big of an audience as it deserves. "Bonny" has an S-tier chorus.
A very pleasant surprise. Had no idea what to expect going into this album, and was immediately met with a strong run of excellent tunes. Even the songs I liked the least were fairly decent.
Interesting!
Good album. Hadn’t heard of the band before but really enjoyed the album. 80’s alt pop/new wave styles. Good straight thru listen. Favorite tracks include Faron Young, Bonny, Appetite, When Love Breaks Down, Hallelujah, Horsin Around, Desire As.
Lots of 80s sounds on this one, like emptying a toy box. But unlike some albums it kinda works on here. Borderline 3/4 I’ll probably need to revisit
Initial review: First listen, won’t be the last.
I wasn't expecting this. The album is really good and I really like the lyricism on this one. However, the album does feel a little bit too much 80's But thay was a good discovery, might listen to more of this band 3.5 But I will round it to 4
Скромное очарование 80-х - прозрачный звук, мягкий поп-рок, но интересный.
Had never heard of the band or the album, but I'm a fast fan. Great songwriting, catchy but keeps you interested. Vocals kinda remind me Glen Tillbrook from Squeeze. Excited to dive into the rest of their albums.
The best and worst of the 80s in one album. Really liked Appetite. Some of the back half dragged on
3.5/5
Never heard of this group or any of the music, not bad, and I'll check out more of their stuff
I was looking forward to this having been fed a steady diet of Prefab Sprout by Radcliffe and Maconie on 6Music for a decade. A whole album was really enjoyable, i managed to find a space to appreciate the fun of the lyrics and the pop hooks. I was always of the opinion that the 80's sucked but this proves it wrong
Great album. Saw them touring this at the Warehouse in Leeds in 1986. Memorable. All the great songs are on side 1 and then it gradually fades out by the end of side 2.
This album was lots of fun. No huge standout songs, just enjoyable all the way through.
Selectively catching up in a few albums after some time. Strong smiths vibe, which was a good thing. Nice discovery for me.
great really enjoyed
It’s like like value brand depche mode meets wham
OK, which Wikipedia editor listed this as sophisti-pop? 'Coz lemme be the first one to tell 'em, this ain't sophisti-pop. At least not enough that it'd be the first-listed genre! Like, come on; don't scare me like that! I mean, it's altogether a good thing this isn't more sophisti-pop. To make a long story short, it's not a genre I've had a good relationship with, exactly. I don't have active disdain for it like I do post-punk, but I've had to tone down my commentary on it because the people in my group who **do** like it were catching strays, and that's not something I wanna be doing. Like, I'unno, that one Everything But The Girl album, Sade... None of it's worked for me. It's too smooth and "smart"; it just slides right off me and I'm boooored. Meanwhile, you have **this** album. It starts with a dang country jam! Like, woah, woah! What's goin' on here? **This** is how it's starting? Maybe it won't be so bad after all! And while it actually didn't stay that way, I gotta admit, it's not bad at all. Naturally I wanna give most of the credit to producer Thomas Dolby, me being such a fan of "She Blinded Me With Science" and "Hyperactive!", I guess I should split it with the guy who wrote all the songs, Paddy McAloon. As is typical for me I ended up not really paying attention to the lyrics, but just going off of how it sounded sonically... Damn, yeah, it's real good. It's 80's as hell, and while for some people that kind of over-production would be a turn off, for me it's right up my alley. This kind of "thing you picture in my head" sound just really does it for me sometimes — and this is dang well one of 'em. I think if I have any major nitpicks, it's that I hafta agree with a group member that it **probably** should have ended on "Desire As". The following two tracks aren't, but they kind of give the impression like I accidentally queued bonus tracks from a later reissue, y'know? Like it used to stop **here**... But now there's a something extra and we're gonna keep going, I guess. And I think that's about the size of it when it comes to me and this album. I'unno, my feelings just aren't very complicated: I really enjoy the sound of it... And, yeah! I had a good time with it, and that's the bare minimum I could ask for from any album. I guess I might just be glad it didn't turn out like when I watched my first Steve McQueen movie: pretty boring except for a car chase. I gotta give you props, Prefab Sprout. Just can't give you being sophisti-pop. Like, seriously, Wikipedia editor...
I remembered the band name, but none of the songs. I expected to hate it, but it's actually pretty good. Favorite song: horsin' around
Steve McQueen!
When I first listened to the album I just wasn’t interested. Soooo glad I gave it another chance. Sorry Prefab Sprout, it was definitely me, not you! What a joy to listen to. Loved all the different instrumentals. The use of the classic 80s synth was just enough without going overboard. The shift in Horsin’ Around made me think it could have been written for a musical. Very talented group!
Okkkkk now this is what I’m taukin about, I loved this! There were so many different styles at play throughout this album - loved the almost Wild West vibe in the first song. This album was easy listening soft rock vibe and exactly what I had been wanting to hear with older albums from the 70s/80s. My personal favorite song on the album was Bonny - lead vocals on point, reverberated background singers awesome, and chill ass backtrack. The acoustic part of the album also 1000/10, extremely well done👏🏼👏🏼
I enjoyed this album. Lots of atmospheric guitar and synth with the bass and drums really locking in the song. Special shout-out to the drummer who subtly built and relieved tension in the song in what I thought was a clever way. I liked it. But I'll be honest with you reader, often when I listen to atmospheric rock all I want to listen to is U2s Joshua tree. So I put that on several times while listening to the album over the weekend. Streaming income considered, I probably singlehandedly earned U2 $3 of Spotify's money because of this album. But really I promise I enjoyed the album. I just started a cycle where it would give me the itch for some With Or Without You, which I would have to sing in my car at full volume, giving the performance of a lifetime to the street around me, before I would return to this album again. Really truly, I liked this album, but it would see the stone set in my eyes, see the thorn twist in my side, but it waited for me. Sleight of hand and twist of fate, on a bed of nails i make it wait. But it waits without me. With or without me.
Upbeat and cool, I’d listen again
Had never heard of Prefab Sprout before but it's a good album, very nice
Kind of endearing, sounds like the 80s. Relaxing listen. Low 4.
Very 80s but it actually works quite well for this album. The vibe kinda reminds me of the replacements but a bit blander
A banger throughout!
This was a pretty good find. Another great 80s Art Pop and New Wave album that I hadn’t checked out before. It has a wonderful nostalgic and reflective quality, paired with smooth and polished lush production. An added bonus is that it was produced by Thomas Dolby.
I liked this a lot. Heard of em but never heard em, and was happily surprised.
Great easy-listening jazzy sophisto-pop. Sounds like a mix between Al Stewart, Burt Bacharach, and a little Steely Dan. The recordings have a warm haze to it, and a lot of cool instrumental parts and choices - I think I'll come back to this one once in a while.
Good sounding album. Saved to library
4 star
3.5. Цікавий поп-альбом, який непогано балансує між доступністю та витонченістю. Задає приємний настрій. Були в окремих піснях прикольні нетривіальні рішення, які розбавляли трохи фонове відчуття від окремих пісень. Під настрій можна переслухати
Цікавий альбом, залишив собі у бібліотеці. Така приємна поп-музика 80х з нетривіальним аранжуванням і мелодіями.
Prefab Sprout . . . Who knew? The prospect of discovering albums like this is what got me excited about doing this project. I had some ambivalence about it on first listen, but I've come to learn that that's often the sign of a very good album. This is solid songwriting with a unique voice. The '80s production sheen is there, but it's not overbearing. (The production sounds remarkably modern, actually.) I was initially thinking three stars, but I enjoyed it so much more on my second listen, I think it's gotta be four.
Fun lyrics. Enjoyed it more than I would age anticipated
1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die: 25/1001 I find the indie-pop sound with minor jazz undertones to be an extremely interesting blend that is broadly appealing to me. The songs on this album are full of life, with unique sounds and enchanting backing vocals that creates a full listen. It's so smooth and rhythmic in a really delicate way. I've listened numerous times, and with each one the songs become more full and meaningful. The first half of this album is an ideal opening for me. There are stylistic differences, such as the singing of the word 'appetite' on Appetite, but each song was unique and colorful. The second half is more mellow and relaxed, balanced by a weirdness that is mesmerizing and thoughtful. I don't like it as much, but songs like a Desire As build in such a beautiful way it's impossible not to like them. 1. When Love Breaks Down 2. Bonny 3. Goodbye Lucille #1 Honorable mention: Horsin' Around only because it made me think about Bojack Horseman. Overall, I found this album to be full of subtle characteristics that all compound to make a uniquely beautiful sound in an enduring way. Its enchanting nature provides a captivating and diverse listen. I give Steve McQueen by Prefab Sprout 4/5 stars.
dreamy 80s, yeeees
Connaissais pas pentoute, la pochette m'a inquiété, mais c'est vraiment le fun, smooth et plein de bon stock! Il y a du new wave sure, mais ça me semble être précurseur d'un courant indie beaucoup plus tard avec War on Drugs, The National, et Bon Iver. L'utilisation des pads sur certaines tounes comme Desire As c'est du génie. Les passes plus r&b + jazz sur blueberry pies, ça me parle. When the Angels, c'est plus cu-cul 80 ça aurait pu sortir de Prince ou Springsteen ça me parle moins.
These off beat, weird albums are why I like this list. This is a cool album that you think sounds like lots of other things but can't say what. There's a lot going on here. This is music for adults.
4/5\pretty good for old music
Great album!
With an album/artist name combo like Steve McQueen by Prefab Sprout, I wasn't expecting anything outstanding from this album. I went into this thinking I'd get a somewhat forgettable 3/5 that I would just move on from after my next album. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how good this album is. I really like this! As dumb as their name is, I think Prefab Sprout actually have something pretty good going on here! It's not the greatest thing ever, but there's a lot to enjoy with this album. The writing is pretty good. It's got some depth and uniquely inspired origins for the songs. Nothing stuck out to me as being cheesy, which is surprising given the fact that this is 80s pop we're talking about. Speaking of 80s pop, the sound of this album is definitely that of an 80s pop album, but like, a pretty good 80s pop album... cause that's what this is. It's got synths and stuff, but they're used well in combination with a solid drum groove and even some nice guitar work. I like the singing. It sounds good and has some cool moments. I've seen some people say that the album's a bit top-heavy. While I agree that the album's best songs are earlier in the album, with "Bonny" and "When Love Breaks Down" being highlights for me, my enjoyment of the album didn't dwindle with each passing minute. It kept me engaged, which is always a good thing. This album's nice. Good job, Prefab Sprout. You've impressed me more than I expected. Light 4/5.
Liked this quite a lot, far more than I expected from a 80's pop record. There were some killer tracks on here, and only a couple of missers. The good way overshines the bad.
Very vibey, loved it.
great vibes
I liked it. Perfect for driving around Budapest while listening to it!
i actually enjoyed this a bit more than i expected to?? for some reason it reminded me of when i was a teenager and i briefly worked in a spa where my job was to clean and make coffee and refill all the pots of nail polish, and they often played a lot of Magic FM and this kind of music would play a lot. idk, i don't really know anything about Prefab Sprout but i feel like their songs would fit well on Magic FM's playlist circa 2004. anyway this was nice and nostalgic and i'm feeling generous so i will give it a 4.
A very nice drink of cold, fresh water. The lyrics are very sensitive with the gentle voice of Paddy McAloon to match. It is very sappy in a way that seems to have only been achievable in the 80s. Some songs are much stronger than others but there is a little glimmer of gold in all of them. I am very surprised that I've never even heard of Prefab Sprout before!
Nice surprise!
Another album I actually own. Problem with having your music collection on a server is that it is just too easy to play single tracks (for this album mostly Appetite) and you hardly ever listen to the whole album anymore. This prompted me to do just that after a long time and it something I really must do more.
Wonderful Poppy summerbreeze - in a way . I love this one so much. If the 80ies in my part of the world would have presented this and much more of it in its time instead of the ever repeating Madonna, PSB, A-Ha, Duran Durans etc. I would not have dismissed the decade then only to discover it decades later. My personal highlight though is the beautiful 60iesTriumph Trophy TR6C on the cover, iykwim ...
What a great (and unfairly forgotten) record, urbane and understated, tender and intelligent. R&B for '80s kids who never knew learned to dance or were comfortable dancing. Still sounds good – very good, in fact – today.
I enjoyed this way back machine to the mid 80's
At first this didn't resonate with me at all, but the extended version followed the original album with acoustic versions, which broke the ice. You need to be in a mood for a mid-80's softer and somewhat symphonic approach to things, but I'm now a fan.
I didn't thing much of this album when I first heard it, but oh how a grower it is. Very stylish and slick sophisti-pop that utilizes that ultra commercial mid-80's sound to great effect. It elicits a sense of nostalgia in me, even if I wasn't alive for the 80's. I don't know how big these guys were in their day, as I never hear about them outside of music nerd circles, where Paddy McAloon is a sort of an unsung icon. I should probably explore more of their work. Key tracks: Faron Young Appetite When Love Breaks Down
If they'd just removed a few of these god awful B-sides, this could have been a perfect album. But with what we already have, it's already pretty good. It should be universally agreed that the A-side run of the album is sheer quality. The songs just get better. I've heard this album before, but enjoyed it much more today. Highlights for me are Bonny and Hallelujah. Where the latter is particularly underrated. A solid, popyy, dreamy album. It has wisps of Aztec Camera about it as well, with less post punk and more pop. A gem of the 80s, one could argue.
Interesting listen, overall enjoyed it. It benefits from starting off with “Faron Young”, which is a weird but charming mix of styles. Will revisit.
What a great surprise this album was. I’ve never heard of prefab sprout before. There are some great tracks on it and really only one or two that I wasn’t 100% on. Sonically it sounds fantastic. I looked it up and found out that Thomas Dolby produced it, which made a lot of sense. Great lyrics -loved it.
81/100. A sweet and charming record. Despite its slow pace, the album carries a rich and compelling energy throughout. The production is top-tier, giving the songs a polished yet emotional feel. It's a strong, understated listen.
It's a good album that sometimes sound way too 80s and on others you couldn't tell when it was made - in a positive sense. I do also like the acoustic versions (for example of 'Desire As'). This is something I will listen to again!
Much better than I was expecting. Has that boring vibe but in a good way. When Love Breaks Down and Hallelujah are great.
Very nice. Enjoy the instruments and the voice
Having no previous experience or knowledge of Prefab Sprout, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Pretty cool album cover, expected something rockier. They have some jangle rock sounds but lean to the pop genre. First track, Faron Young ended up being my favourite. Sounded almost like Mick Jagger and MGMT making a song, really enjoyed it. Bonny was also excellent, just a really nice breezey song so much so, they even had the faint sound of breeze hiding within the soft vocals and sharp chords in the first bit of the track. Not sure they ever reached the same level of the first two tracks but those first two were so strong. The remaining had some I didn’t care for, primarily Horsin’ Around but overall a really good jangle pop record. Rounding up from 3.5 to 4 stars
One of the greatest discoveries of my life. Everything is very sophisticated for a simple pop band. Everything is very well positioned in each arrangement. Great lyrics. The kind of band that comes up with a great work to mark the history of music.
This album was a delightful surprise. The production value and sound hit a real sweet spot that reminded me of Crowded House, albeit a little less pop oriented. Though the album doesn't end as strongly as it begins, it maintains the overall vibe and interest. I wish I had discovered this back in the day.
British Steely Dan on the cusp of the crushing wave of Brit pop. I was REALLY digging this from the get go, but it does lose a bit of the momentum and magic towards the end.
Steven McQueen opens with a promise to be one of the greatest 80’s albums of all time. It doesn’t quite keep that promise as we approach the end, but it’s a great album nonetheless.
Maybe I was just in a wistful mood but this got me feeling some kinda way
I thought this was pretty good. There's a lot of modern indie in this mixed with some tasteful pop sensibilites. It's a nostalgic and romantic album that uses its moments well. I was pleasently suprised. Strong 4
I dig it. I can picture the remixes.
what a nice find!! the first half of this album is maybe a 5 but the second half falls off a little bit so i’ll stick with a 4. little bit crowded house-y
Really nice 80s rock!
A nostalgic one this. Reminds me of the 6th Form common room, shy me, and a girl who was a fan of these and The Smiths - but was too nice to talk to! What a fool I was! Apt really, because it's a romantic album. I bought it on vinyl and played side A loads but side B rarely. Listening now I feel just the same; Side A is full of finely crafted and beautiful pop songs. Side B slows down and gets too clever for itself, and even annoying at times. 5 🌟 for side A, 3 🌟 for side B.
hér heyri ég skútu-áhrif. mjög fágað og vel spilað popp. held ég vilji meira. virðist vinna á.
4/5 not too deeply 80s. Good.
Much more interesting and appealing that I thought it would be.
I really enjoyed this album. Bonny rocks
I like this more than I expected!
80-tal är inte så illa. Fina låtar, fin sång, inte så spännande. Fyra.
80s melancholic vibe. I found out about this group and album when I felt pretty miserable after a heartbreak 💔 It really touched me and now I enjoy listening to it. Especially the sequence of songs from Bonny to Goodbye Lucille
At first I thought that it's just some 80's pop or something but the longer album goes the more interesting it becomes
Cool vibe. Listened through a couple times. Standouts for me: Bonny, Appetite, When Love Breaks Down.