A Walk Across The Rooftops

The wikipedia article lists this album genre as "sophisti-pop" which gives you a good idea of what you're getting into. This is some of the most pretentious 80s crap ever. The lyrics are incoherent, the instrumentation is a disconnected mess, and the song structure is completely nonexistent. I almost gave this a star because the singer has a pretty good voice. But, no. It's not enough to save the album. It's like some some guys in a highschool drama club got really into Bowie and decided to give it a try "but, you know, let's make it ours, right? Let's get experimental." Luckily, the whole album is only 38 minutes long. Because it's utter trash.

More pretentious, early 80s new wave rubbish. I’ll give it an extra star for being listenable.

Goddamn this is a smooth album, especially Heatwave. Very short. First album/artist so far I know nothing about, and glad I’ve now heard it.

When the bass line plays on A Walk Across The Rooftops, I feel like David Lynch is saying hello from the set of Twin Peaks. There is no melody to this song, just seemingly disparate musical parts. The parts are clearly synced together, but there’s no constant beat. Strangely I like this about the song. There are several other parts of the album that feel similar, like everyone is playing the same song, but they all started at different times. It’s really difficult to pin down a description. There is order to it, not randomness. It just feels like the music is constantly throwing me off. Again, I somewhat like this aspect of the album because I’ve never quite heard anything like it. Another thing I like is the lead singer’s voice. When he says “heatwaaave” in Heatwave, I think it could be the music dictionary’s definition the quintessential 1980s pop sound. I don’t know, I instantly recognize the decade by this one word. Easter Parade is sleep inducing, not in a good way while the bass driven groove on Stay is quite enjoyable. I’ve written quite a bit of positive things about this album, but I didn’t download it. Much like the album itself, my thoughts above are disjointed from my overall feeling about it. In the end I don’t really like the album as much as this review might indicate, but I do appreciate its strange uniqueness.

This album is everything that's wrong with the music of the first half of the 80s. tuneless, wordy nonsense.

It is impossible to overstate my love for this album. Tinseltown in the rain is the absolute stand out but the whole album is drenched in big synthy strings that sound fantastic when off set by that 80’s bass sound and Paul Buchanan’s soulful vocals. There’s so much going on in the mix that even now, after knowing and loving it for 20 years, I still discover new things on each listen

The Blue Nile's debut album has a rather fascinating genesis. Scotland's Linn Electronics wanted a demo track to demonstrate the fidelity and versatility of their new recording console and tapped a struggling local trio, the Blue Nile, to provide it. Their effort was a deliberately disjunctive song called "A Walk Across the Rooftops." To demonstrate the recording equipment's dynamic range and clarity, the song was arranged most peculiarly, with vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, and full string and horn sections all appearing, but never at the same time. Linn liked the song so much that they formed a record label and bankrolled the recording of this full album. The seven lengthy tracks on A Walk Across the Rooftops all follow the model of the opener, with Paul Buchanan's rich voice at the center of near-symphonic arrangements that manage to sound lush and incredibly austere at the same time. The tempos are deadly slow, with the most upbeat track, "Tinseltown in the Rain," barely rising above a graceful saunter, and the inventive arrangements make extensive use of empty space. This was a popular album for demonstrating the lack of hiss and background noise in the then-new compact disc medium, but A Walk Across the Rooftops works even better as a piece of music than as a stereo demonstration record.

This was a really cool album. Reminiscent of the albums we've heard from Prefab Sprout and Simple Minds, so it comes as no surprise to see this also labeled "sophisti-pop." I really dug the structure, seven pretty long songs that you can sink your teeth into is always nice. Some very interesting instrumental choices, too. Quite a few tracks on here I'll return to. Favorite tracks: From Rags to Riches, Stay, Tinseltown in the Rain, Heatwave. Album art: Not bad for a band photo, the framing and multicolored text is pretty nice. But nothing special. 4/5

I feel like taking part in this project has changed my Spotify recommendations algorithm to the point where it's started pumping out tracks from albums on the list. Case in point: "Heatwave" by The Blue Nile, which I've definitely heard before, very recently. The album is good though, its percussive soundscape still sounds great and ensures it hasn't dated as badly as music by The Blue Nile's peers. I also assumed they were from downtown New York, not the highlands of Scotland.

Incredibly well paced and measured; an excellent demonstration of restraint in pop music that is seldom seen. Rad.

There's something about this album that makes me think of one of the best, if not THE best 80's movie, Brazil. s. I imagine that this must be one of those albums that was right for it's time, but out of place in any other. Released in 1984, Communism was on high, the Berlin wall was still a thing, Gordon Gekko / Michael Milken was selling junk bonds on Wall Street and we were in the middle of the Reagan years. Perhaps it's the Reagan connection, but the word 'bureaucracy' is a good descriptor word for A Walk Across the Rooftops. There's a lot of busy work here, but you never get anywhere with this album. It's like you keep jumping through hoops because you're programed to think 'if I just listen a little more I'm sure I'll find something interesting.' This album I'm sure was considered intellectual and avant garde when it was released. It's just oozing with the 'you're not smart enough to understand this music' vibe, but I don't think there's much here to consider. The underlying music is incredibly repetitive, I found myself wondering if maybe some of this was repurposed for use in Roblox games, and the singing doesn't contribute much. Sometimes his voice sounds like he's either yawning while singing or taking their last breath before dying and neither are dramatic. I haven't seen Brazil in probably 30+ years, but I suddenly want to rewatch in hopes that it hasn't aged as much as this album.

I found this album to be an unexpected delight. Languid, sparse, and with unconventional structures and arrangements. All these songs feel tinged with sadness or melancholy in a way that cultivates a very distinct mood. 3.5/5 Favourite track: "Easter Parade"

Another band I never heard of!. Wikipedia says these guys are art pop or synth pop, and that feels pretty accurate. I wasn’t a big fan of the singer’s voice, but as always that is just a taste thing. The first track, which was also the title track, really drew me in. It had a very minimal feel, with the different instruments coming in one at a time. I wonder if this is where Spoon got the idea from. I loved both the tone of the bass, and the bass lines themselves, especially in the songs that were more musically spare where it could shine. The way the bass line hit in the title track reminded me a little bit of the way it comes in in Beck’s Soldier Jane, satisfyingly filling a rift in the song that you didn’t even know was there. Of the seven songs on this album, only 2-3 were in that sparse groovy style, with the others feeling too slow for my taste, or too much like other 80’s synth music. I would recommend listening to that title track, but not much else. As for belonging on this list, well, they don’t seem to be very well known, or very influential, or very consistent, to my ear. I think the list could have done without it. My personal enjoyment: 2/5 Did it belong on this list: 2/5

Kinda sounds like David Byrne if you ordered David Byrne off Temu

The Blue Who? I was dreading another very dated 80s album filled with synth. Turned out it was worse than that. "A Walk Across the Rooftops" did provide some brief glimpses of hope, with the incorporation of real piano and real strings, along with a funky baseline. But then came "Tinseltown in the Rain," which might be my least favorite song of this experiment so far. After tight 2 minute songs from Loretta Lynn the other day, the 5-6 minute songs here were agonizingly long. It's possible have good longer songs, that are dynamic and shift and change throughout. That's not what this was. They just droned on. And on.

Magnificent, stunning, the definition of a hidden gem. I had not heard of The Blue Nile before going through the book and they have since become a favorite of mine, too bad their output is so scant at only 4 albums. This one and their follow-up Hats (1989) are their best, with their city night atmosphere, impeccably written songs, and Paul Buchanan's tremendous vocals. There aren't many singers capable of tugging on my heartstrings quite like Buchanan does, and it's always a joy to hear him whenever he pops up on other artists projects, be them with Peter Gabriel, Craig Armstrong, or Jessie Ware. Key tracks: A Walk Across the Rooftops Tinseltown in the Rain Stay Heatwave Automobile Noise

An interesting album. Instrumentals were surreal and abstract at times, and decent otherwise. The vocals were distant, but emotional at times. I enjoyed listening to this one. 'From Rags to Riches' wins my fave for being so weird.

Walking Across the Rooftops Didn’t quite know what to expect, one of those bands that you hear about, and sound a bit boring when you are in your 20s, but are actually very good, and maybe can only be appreciated when you are older. Love the big bass coming out of nowhere on A Walk Across the Rooftops, with the pizzicato strings. Very nice. Tinseltown in the Rain - big Bowie vibes, but almost latter day Bowie, I can really imagine this on The Next Day. Feels like it might burst into Running up that Hill in some parts, but great stuff Very Baba O’Riley synth loop on From Rags to Riches, giving it a kind of bouncy feel, but contrasting with the mournful vocal and melody and percussion coming from another room. Stay is probably the most immediate song and a supper bit of slightly reserved synth pop. Easter Parade is fantastically unassuming track, very delicately sad and tender, but lovely nonetheless Heatwave is such an arresting track, sneakily melodic and melancholic, fantastic, as Automobile Noise. Echoes Duchess by the Stranglers but a great, hopeful but downbeat closing track. The genesis of the album is quite Interesting with Linn, and it makes sense for the way it sounds. Big and reverby, digitally drive sound with spare and austere arrangements, but with a real warmth and tenderness. It’s a fascinating album, one that I’m sure will percolate more and more over time, but it’s easily a 5. 🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵 Playlist: From Rags to Riches

This is just amazing… so much emotion and feel. It’s a lesson in less-is-more…. Just a wonderfully crafted album from start to finish!

Not having heard of Blue Nile previous to listening to this album I didn't know what to expect. On first listen I struggled a bit to find a sense of how I felt about the album and ultimately found myself having to stop what I was doing and give it my full attention. Once I started to relax and really listen I began to be mesmerized by the sound. What is interesting is the music lacks the usual hooks that I look for but there was something romantic about the music that drew me in offset by the raw vocals. Somehow it works. I will definitely give more time to this album. Favorite song: Tinsel Town in the Rain

Interesting. For those Peter Gabriel or Genesis fans. Maybe even a touch of Leonard Cohen? I would not call it "Rock" but pretty good - especially for 1084. A strong 3

Not bad, not good.

Pleasant, not offensive, somewhat interesting but kinda like 80s elevator music. Elevated synch-pop is about right. Into some songs (looking at you "Automobile Noise") while others were kinda just annoying ("Heatwave")

some interesting sonic textures that i really liked here. it's a really nice sounding album. i really appreciated the production here. super clean. that being said, a lot of the songs are, quite frankly, kind of boring. it's not unbearable, but not something i would really come back for. which is a shame, because i did really like the production.

I'll give it an extra star for some SWEET bass playing. Otherwise very unremarkable though, definitely 2-leaning-2.5 kinda stuff overall.

Fine. Sounds like something that would play during a montage in an ‘80s movie.

Nr. 51/1001 A Walk Across The Rooftops 4/5 Tinseltown in the Rain 3/5 From Rags to Riches 2/5 Stay 4/5 Easter Parade 3/5 Heatwave 4/5 Automobile Noise 3/5 Average: 3,29 Really liked the melancholic voice and the toned-down usage of instruments

Tried this a couple of times yesterday whilst working, and again this morning (I do try and do this when someone rates an album highly), but I struggled with this one. Maybe it's because we've been overwhelmed with synth-heavy 80s stuff (particularly over the last month), which isn't really my genre of choice anyway. Feels like the singer is trying to hit notes that his voice just can't quite make, it's all quite slow and ponderous, and really doesn't grab me. 2/5.

Drawn-out, unmemorable songs.

Listened to it yesterday, cannot remember any of it any more.

Sounds very typical of the 80’s. It sounded like they were trying to imitate another band. A little too mellow for my taste.

This is not for me. It sounds like a failed attempt at doing an artsy rip off of a Bowie album. Really bad.

A Walk Across The Rooftops is rubbish, absolutely no time for any of this twaddle. 1.

## In-Depth Review: *A Walk Across the Rooftops* by The Blue Nile **A Walk Across the Rooftops**, released in 1984, is the debut album by Scottish band The Blue Nile. Over four decades, its reputation has only grown, lauded for its emotional depth, innovative production, and unique blend of electronic minimalism and soul. This review explores the album’s lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, and concludes with a balanced assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. --- ## Lyrics **Poetic Urbanism and Emotional Honesty** The lyrics of *A Walk Across the Rooftops* are characterized by their introspective, poetic style and vivid urban imagery. Paul Buchanan’s words evoke a sense of longing, isolation, and hope, often set against the backdrop of city life. The title track, for example, opens with: > “I walk across the rooftops, I follow a broken thread.” This line immediately establishes a solitary journey, with the “broken thread” suggesting both fragility and perseverance. The song’s imagery—white rags, flags caught on fences—conjures discarded hopes and boundaries, while the refrain “I am in love, I am in love with you” is both a personal confession and a universal declaration, possibly extending beyond romantic love to encompass a broader yearning for connection[1][2]. Throughout the album, Buchanan’s lyrics are spare but evocative. “Tinseltown in the Rain” uses the city as a metaphor for emotional turbulence and aspiration, while “Easter Parade” and “Automobile Noise” paint scenes of melancholy and urban alienation. The lyrics are never verbose; instead, they rely on suggestion and mood, inviting the listener to fill in the emotional blanks[3][4]. **Strengths:** - Deeply emotional yet restrained, avoiding melodrama. - Urban imagery is universal, yet distinctly rooted in Glasgow. - Lyrics leave space for interpretation, enhancing their resonance. **Weaknesses:** - Some may find the lyrics too oblique or minimal, lacking narrative clarity. --- ## Music **Minimalist Arrangements and Lush Atmospheres** Musically, *A Walk Across the Rooftops* is defined by its sparse, carefully constructed arrangements. The band—none of whom were formally trained musicians—used their limitations as strengths, creating music that is both simple and greater than the sum of its parts[3][4]. The album features: - Synthesizers and drum machines influenced by Brian Eno and Kraftwerk, providing a chilly, electronic foundation. - Occasional lush strings and subtle brass, adding warmth and drama. - Slow tempos, with even the most upbeat track (“Tinseltown in the Rain”) maintaining a stately pace[2]. Paul Buchanan’s vocals are central: his voice is world-weary, soulful, and imbued with a sense of lived experience. He is often compared to Frank Sinatra for his ability to convey emotion with restraint and nuance[2]. Each track is a self-contained mood piece. “Stay” and “Heatwave” offer lighter, more hopeful moments, while “Automobile Noise” and the title track are darker and more atmospheric. The arrangements make extensive use of empty space, allowing each note and word to resonate fully[4]. **Strengths:** - Innovative use of limited resources to create a unique sound. - Masterful balance between electronic austerity and emotional warmth. - Every instrument and sound is purposeful; nothing is wasted. **Weaknesses:** - The slow tempos and minimalism may alienate listeners seeking more conventional pop or rock dynamics. - Some may find the album’s sonic palette too monochrome or subdued. --- ## Production **Audiophile Precision and Organic Intimacy** The production of *A Walk Across the Rooftops* is legendary. The album was originally commissioned by Linn Electronics to showcase their high-fidelity recording equipment, resulting in an exceptionally clear and dynamic sound[5]. The band’s approach was to use technology not for bombast, but for subtlety and detail: - The mix is spacious, with each element precisely placed. - Electronic and acoustic instruments blend seamlessly. - The overall effect is both intimate and cinematic, a rare combination[4][2]. This attention to sonic detail enhances the album’s emotional impact. The production never overwhelms the songs, instead serving as a transparent vessel for Buchanan’s vocals and the band’s restrained arrangements. **Strengths:** - Audiophile-grade clarity and depth. - Production enhances, rather than distracts from, the emotional core. - Timeless quality; the album does not sound dated despite its 1984 origins. **Weaknesses:** - Some listeners may find the production too polished or clinical, lacking the rawness of more traditional recordings. --- ## Themes **Isolation, Longing, and Urban Transcendence** The album’s central themes are isolation, the search for love, and the desire to transcend one’s surroundings. These are explored through both lyrics and music: - **Isolation:** The city is portrayed as both a place of alienation and possibility. Songs like “Automobile Noise” and “Easter Parade” evoke a sense of being alone in a crowd, disconnected yet observant[3][1]. - **Longing and Love:** Romantic yearning is a constant, but it is never straightforward. Love is depicted as both a source of hope and pain, often intertwined with the struggle for self-discovery[1][2]. - **Transcendence:** The motif of rooftops suggests a vantage point above the everyday, a metaphor for seeking new perspectives and freedom. The album encourages listeners to contemplate their own journeys and aspirations[1]. These themes are universal, yet the album’s specificity—its references to Glasgow, its sense of place—grounds them in lived reality. The result is music that feels both personal and expansive. --- ## Influence **A Quiet Revolution in Pop and Electronic Music** *A Walk Across the Rooftops* was not a commercial blockbuster, but its influence has been profound and far-reaching: - It helped pioneer the fusion of electronic minimalism with soul and pop, paving the way for acts like Talk Talk, David Sylvian, and later, artists such as James Blake and The xx[4][2]. - The album’s emotional honesty and restraint have been cited by musicians across genres as a touchstone for how to convey feeling without excess. - Its innovative production and use of space have made it a favorite among audiophiles and producers seeking to balance technology with humanity. The Blue Nile’s avoidance of publicity and perfectionist approach only added to their mystique, and their debut remains a cult classic, revered by critics and musicians alike[6][4]. --- ## Pros and Cons | Pros | Cons | |---------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | Deeply emotional, poetic lyrics | Lyrics can be too oblique or minimal for some listeners | | Innovative, minimalist arrangements | Slow tempos may alienate those seeking more energy | | Masterful, audiophile-grade production | Production may feel too polished or clinical to some | | Unique blend of electronic and soul influences | Sonic palette can feel monochrome or subdued | | Timeless quality; album does not sound dated | Only seven tracks, may feel too brief | | Universal themes with a strong sense of place | Lack of conventional pop hooks | | Paul Buchanan’s soulful, world-weary vocals | Emotional restraint may be mistaken for emotional distance| | Influential on later pop, electronic, and indie music | Not immediately accessible; rewards patient listening | --- ## Conclusion *A Walk Across the Rooftops* is a landmark album, distinguished by its emotional depth, innovative production, and minimalist aesthetic. Its lyrics are poetic and evocative, its music spare yet lush, and its production a model of clarity and restraint. The album’s exploration of isolation, longing, and transcendence is both universal and deeply personal, grounded in the urban landscape of Glasgow but resonating far beyond. While its slow tempos, minimalism, and emotional restraint may not appeal to all listeners, these very qualities are what make it so enduring and influential. For those willing to listen deeply, *A Walk Across the Rooftops* offers a rare and rewarding experience—a testament to the power of music made with honesty, care, and vision.

First song: I am in love.

Earnestly beautiful.

the blue nile are a very special band to me so i am overjoyed to start this project with this album. the breakdown of tinseltown in the rain has to be one of my favourite pieces of music possibly ever and it has been so interesting to see how it fits into the context of the rest of the album. They just have the most beautiful, distinctive sound and we have not heard anything quite like it since. Marvellous. I love Glasgow and I love Glasweigian artists.

I thoroughly enjoyed this album. It reminds me of some of the slower and more ambient music of Talk Talk or some similar 80's bands. I have heard some random songs by The Blue Nile in some 80's playlists, but this was my first time listening to an entire album, and I now want to listen to all of their albums.

If you told me this was a David Byrne side project, I’d believe you.

I do love this album it was such a shock when it first came out. It felt timeless when I first heard it yet it does not completely reject sonic elements of the 80’s. The pacing of the songs and the way they tumble forward bordering on messy but they never fall apart. The odd main beat sounds and scattered noises along with a Sinatraesque phrasing it’s all so refreshing yet familiar.

This is #day219 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... anytime I see an 80s album getting a little more than a 2 out of 5, I get excited because chances are this could be fun. And I wasn’t wrong. Although I’d never heard of The Blue Nile, the music feels familiar. A Walk Across The Rooftops turned out to be what I love about 80s: the edgy side of new wave, in the vein of Associates, Japan, Japan’s spin-off Rain Tree Crow, David Sylvian, Talk Talk (circa The Colour of Spring and beyond), Mark Hollis, Duran Duran’s spin-off Arcadia, and others. That’s the kind of music I find peculiar. Of course, I'm giving this album a 5 out of 5. That bassline on the title track, though! Great find. Looking forward to #day220.

This was a nice album, kinda all blended together but some nice bops

Love it

4.5 - love love love the tone of this, nothing too stand out but just could listen all day

what a gorgeous journey. wow. i'm gonna be listening to this one time & time again i'm p sure...

The 80s are probably my favorite decade of music so even though I've never heard The Blue Nile before, I loved this. Hit my sweet spot. Favorites: Tinsel Town in the Rain, Stay Would I listen to it again?: Yes

Seinfeld?! I loved this, sentimental, nostalgic, melancholic, wistful

So unexpectedly refreshing. Loved the meandering vocal melodies and atmosphere.

Trying to put my finger on what I like so much about it.. it’s like restraint.. or maybe just keeping things simple.. but also there are a lot of interesting sprinkles mixed in. But not too experimental. And that bass is so killer. They really had me from the first moments of the first song. I listened through at least 4-5 times today. There’s so much space in the arrangements, I kept finding new little pockets. Like Peter Gabriel’s vocal vibes with differentness of Roxy Music’s music. Thanks 1001 for another 5 star introduction 🙏

This feels both adult and sophisticated - the kind of pop music that people with mortgages can conceivably enjoy. Big Peter Gabriel vibes at times. If music ever gave the impression that it doesn't sweat, it's this. A Walk Across the Rooftops is elegant, poised - and sounds utterly sensational, production wise. I want a copy.

I think I have to give this a 5! I didn't come into this expecting to be so charmed and weirdly... entranced... by this record. But it's so... alluring! Something so odd and wonky about the production, but crazy enticing. Spacious but just enough ear candy, compositionally delightful. With this broken, mourning, Bowie-esque voice at the end. I was talking with my uncle a while back about how it's hard to find some really iconically great 80's albums that feel great all the way through. This feels like that! And the fact that it's a phenomenal example of an album in the 80's feels like it should get top marks alone. Wow! Kinda crazy into it. 5/5

Freakin phenomenal - Probably one of the most underrated bands of the 80’s

I first heard this album when I was 15. Pretty early on I came to understand that while I loved it - it was not for everyone. I shared a love of this little secret with a few friends. But more importantly it helped me through the challenges of my high school years - and beyond. It was emotionally unrestrained and expressive in a way that few albums i have encountered dare to be. It paints beautiful pictures and transports you. If nothing else let Tinseltown sweep you away and get lost in the world of Heatwave.

Great stuffs. first time knowing of the band. very moody music.

I’d never heard of this band or album, so I had no idea what to expect. This was actually a really interesting listen that I enjoyed more than I thought I would, and I think it will only grow on me with repeated visits. It’s got a Talking Heads meets Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel vibe. It’s produced to show off how each element adds to the total sound — there are some really cool bass lines, good drum grooves, fun, jazzy parts, and interesting experiments with sound that are Eno–esque (and “From Rags to Riches” has a fun arpeggiated synth that sounds a lot like The Who’s “Baba O’Riley” mixed with interesting drum sounds). The lyrics and the singer are pretty good. He sounds similar to David Byrne but actually sings, though he occasionally approaches a shrillness that’s a bit too close to Sting for me. For an album that was created by a company specializing in hi-fi audiophile equipment, you can hear the care that went into engineering and mixing this album. The music sounds great and has a very full, dynamic sound that fills the space. Because it’s sort of on the post-punk side of new wave, there’s a lot of space between notes that helps to highlight each musical element. My only complaint is that on the title track, the vocals sound a bit buried in the mix. It somehow sounds very clear but also kind of muddled in my headphones. I’ll have to try listening on my stereo system and see if that makes any difference. I can definitely see how this album may have influenced future artists like Imogen Heap. It’s actually really impressive that they were able to achieve that kind of futuristic sound in 1983. The album feels like an 80s album but also feels very timeless. 5/5 — was not expecting this album but will be adding it to my regular rotation

5/5

Front row middle of the Manchester Free Trade Hall 1990 Best gig I’ve ever seen.

Magnificent. Sophisticated pop music that stands head and shoulders above a lot of the drivel that was released in the 1980s. Highly recommended.

This is the first of these that I've owned since it came out, more or less and it still sounds fresh. It's a masterpiece.

An absolute classic. Every home should have a copy. Others may prefer the second album 'Hats', and yes, its a close run thing, but the first album just pips it. Gorgeous tunes, lyrics that set the mood, and what sound/production! My 249th album to review here, and it's easily the best of the lot. It's that good. I envy you if it's the first time you hear this, what a discovery! We need a six star button.

This was pretty good stuff! I love this era and genre of music though I have never heard this band before.

excellent mid 80s Glaswegian sounds, takes me back to those post-pub nights in Muswell Hill

Love Blue Nile. Some is really reminiscent of the melody licks and instrumentation of sadder songs of Peter Gabriel, "Easter parade" reminds me of "here comes the flood" for example. Both just a very unique emotion evoked and something to sit with. I love Stay so much. It seems to me that it's a song steeped in regret more than hope, like the promise one should have made to someone who's already departed. But that could be just a personal interpretation given when I found and obsessively listened on repeat to this song in my own biography...sigh. Must be something Scottish to this kind of pop that I find so rewarding.

Probably enjoying a surprising number of listens this month after being mentioned by T-Swift. And by coincidence it's exactly 40 years to the day since it was released. Really enjoyed this - sounds like it could have been made in any year out of the last 40. Kind of Nu-romantic, kind of new wave, lovely arrangement and plenty of space for the songs to breathe. As the album went on I just found myself sitting and enjoying it more and more.

Omg, it all came flooding back. Scotland’s own The Blue Nile, and dancing to ‘Tinseltown in the Rain’ at The Pub in Rose Street with my pal Tracy. Not the most danceable tune tbf. And it always stuck in my mind that Paul Buchanan dated Rosanna Arquette for a while. This was better than I remember. Fantastic

Despite this getting a little slow for me by the end, I really loved the sound of this music: a little synth, a little piano, a little strings. Nice.

This album was great! Especially the sound.

Awesome! Perfect rainy day music.

This is a 4.5 and Hats is a 5. I find some of the instrumentals kind of funny, they remind my of when I was in year 7 and we had to start composing things on Sibelius.

What a surprise! It's exactly these deep cuts I started this for. Never heard of this album. Yet again it seems like bad reviews seem to result in me liking an album

Absolutely fantastic, I never knew music like this had been around for so long

superb

From the sound of the first note to the last, The Blue Nile demand and obtain perfection in A Walk Across the Rooftops. Seven tracks and less than forty minutes are needed to build a worldview so pristine no amount of dirt and grime could be piled on to sully its feature. Sophisticated pop has never before or since sounded this exact and this is the album that provides the blueprint for others to follow.

Tinseltown in the Rain is one of the best 80s songs that I didn't know about

I had never heard of these guys before and based on the description, I really didn't expect to enjoy this album as much as I did. In terms of musicianship, this was even a good album and in terms of songwriting it was pretty standard. But what truly shines about this album is the stellar production. The way all of the sounds are brought out and contrasted is a piece of art in itself.

Oh this is an awesome discovery. I love this style of synth pop, must have surely inspired Talk Talk, especially in their development of post-rock. 7 tracks and they're all fantastic in their own ways, with a couple dance tracks, a couple powerful pop pieces, and the rest being ambient emotional pieces. I love how spacious and atmospheric they all are, incorporating all sorts of sudden lush sound effects that make for a very pleasant experience. Not a single second felt wasted on this record.

Well there you go. Just goes to prove you should check something out yourself before basing your opinion on other people's views. I listened to this and lo and behold think it's pretty good. I know it'll never amount to much now and at the time due to no real label promotion it got nowhere. It's short but really well put together - kinda like a less poppy Talk Talk? Giving it 5 stars not because it deserves them but to say sorry for all the nasty reviews...

I love eighties music, but until recently, I really hadn't heard much Sophisti-pop, minus a few singles here and there (Spandau Ballet, Level 42, and ABC). But a year or so ago, a friend of mine who knows my love for eighties music and synths made me a Sophisti-pop playlist on Spotify, and I really enjoyed it. I've never heard of The Blue Nile before, but this album was absolutely fantastic. Every song was great, and the album as a whole had a really unique feel and vibe to it. I have a few notes on my favorite tracks: "Tinseltown in the Rain" has such great piano and guitar riffs. I think there was a part where a synth was playing stringed instrument sounds, and I loved that too; in my opinion, something like that is what Sophisti-pop is all about. The looping synthesizers in the background on "From Rags to Riches" were really great. The saxophone on "Heatwave" was fantastic; that's another Sophisti-pop element that I enjoy. The vocals really reminded me of Peter Gabriel, and I was shocked to learn that he really promoted the band, and even recorded a song with them later. However, when I played this album for my wife, she was getting Bowie vibes from the vocals, and I can hear that too. Either way, this album was great, and I can't wait to get more music like it.

Oh, it was love at the first sight. I feel I've been listening to it for ages. Maybe it just reminded me of Imploding The Mirage by the Killers. Anyway, I'll take it to my playlist

Walk across the rooftops sounds like it may have inspired some of Sting's early solo work. I love the arrangement of the track. Lazy bass, dreamy time, I've wandered in this fog more than once.

Four albums only and 4 perfect ones. All albums deserve 5 stars. All 7 songs of this album brilliant, Automobile Noise favourite track. Saw then live twice and you can't forget experiences like that,

absolutely GORGEOUS I am in love with these groovy-ass tunes! 10/10

I really liked this album. Hadn't ever heard them before and was very pleasantly surprised. I'm going to spend some more time on them in the future. Those are refreshing sound. I really like musically how it moved and I do like the vocals. Very nice overall.

Really enjoyable album, just mellow and moody, Stay was my favourite track.

A very underrated band.

very cool

Gotta give this a 5. Earnestly beautiful, expertly balancing heartfelt emotions with intricate arrangements to create songs that can truly captivate you. This is aided, in no small part, by the excellent production

Surprisingly great

Looooved this. So moody and beautiful

Loved this from start to finish. Right up my sonic street.

Super je ovo četiri će dobit samo zato što je hats remek djelo. Ma kvrgu ipak pet. Ovo je definitivno najbolji sophisti pop

Brilliant...I really enjoyed listening to it.

Never heard of this genre before, but I absolutely love this album. Has such a nice ambience to it. Especially enjoying ''Heatwave''

Very complex and artsy arrangements Sometimes sparse instrumentation Can be quite atmospheric and lo-fi "Easter Parade" features a beautiful piano melody

theatrical, brooding synth with sophisticated instrumentation and the ghost of Japanese citypop. Montages of a morose rainy walk around NYC. Excellent album for those pained with wistful nostalgia

real good

Short and sweet. Totally my shit.

Post New Wave, synth Soul, obra despojada de adornos. Hija de su tiempo suena sin embargo atemporal, para nada envejecida y muy actual. Se alarga en desarrollos. Muy bueno.

Everything good from the 80s IMO

Awesome ambiance music I really did not expect it and loved it